You’re nearly there — just one more step to complete your company registration in Australia.
As you finalise your incorporation, there are two key addresses you’ll need to provide: your principal place of business and your registered office.
They might sound interchangeable, but they serve very different purposes. And choosing the right setup isn’t just about meeting ASIC requirements — it affects your compliance, your privacy, and the way your business presents itself from day one.
In this guide, we’ll explain what each address is for, what ASIC expects, and what your options are, especially if you’re working from home or launching a lean startup.
What is a principal place of business?
This is the physical location where your company carries out its core business activities. It could be a retail shop, office, co-working space, or even your home.
- You must provide a real, street-level address, not a PO Box
- It should be different from your registered office address
- It should be publicly visible and appears on ASIC register
If your company operates across multiple sites, just list the primary one.
P.S.: Your business structure affects what addresses you’ll need to provide. Learn how to choose the right structure for your setup.
What if I work from home?
Many startup founders start their work from home. In that case, keep in mind:
- Your home address will be publicly listed on ASIC’s register
- That may raise privacy and security concerns
- It can also blur boundaries between your personal and professional life
- If any of that worries you, consider one of these alternatives.
What are the alternatives to using your home as your principle place of business
1. Coworking space
Great for startups and solo founders. You’ll get a legitimate business address, shared amenities, and a built-in community, plus, it looks more professional than a residential address.
2. Serviced office
A good option if you need more control. You get your own space, reception services, and flexible terms, and you can scale up without changing your address on ASIC.
3. Virtual office
This is the most affordable and flexible choice for remote businesses. You get:
- A real street address for your ASIC listing
- Mail and courier handling
- Phone answering and admin services (optional)
Do you need a principal place of business for an online store?
Running an online-only business or eCommerce store? You still need to provide a principal place of business address, even if your customers never visit you in person.
This could be:
- Your home address (if you work from home)
- A coworking or serviced office
- A virtual business address provider
ASIC requires a real, street-level address, not a PO Box, even if your business is 100% digital.
What is a registered business address
The second address required is the registered office. This is where your official correspondence from ASIC, the ATO, and other regulators is sent. It can be:
- Your principal place of business
- Your accountant or lawyer’s office, however, you need to get written consent from them
- A virtual address provider like Sleek
Unlike your business address, your registered office must:
- Be accessible during business hours
- Be a physical location (no PO Boxes)
- Stay up to date, or you risk fines from ASIC
In simple terms, your principal place of business is where your company operates, while the registered office address is where official notices are sent. These may be the same or different, but ASIC requires both.
Let Sleek handle your registered business address
Don’t want to use your home or accountant’s address for official mail? Sleek’s registered office service gives you a professional, ASIC-compliant solution that helps you:
- Stay compliant without lifting a finger
- Quick, seamless, and as easy as booking a flight
- Simple pricing that scales with your business
Schedule a free consultation today and get started with a registered office address.
Conclusion
Choosing the right principal place of business address and registered office is more than a formality, it’s a crucial part of staying compliant with ASIC and protecting your business reputation.
Whether you’re working from home, operating remotely, or managing multiple locations, understanding your address options helps you build on solid foundations. With the right setup, you’ll avoid unnecessary admin stress, maintain privacy, and ensure your business is ready to grow.
FAQs on principal place of business vs registered business
Yes, absolutely. Your principal place of business can be located anywhere in Australia, regardless of where your registered office is. For example, you could operate your business out of a coworking space in Melbourne while using a registered office service in Sydney. Just ensure both addresses meet ASIC’s physical and accessibility requirements. This flexibility is especially useful for remote-first companies or interstate expansions.
In that case, you should nominate the location where core business activities are managed or primarily conducted, not necessarily the largest office or warehouse. ASIC only requires a single principal place of business, so choose the address that most accurately reflects where strategic decisions and daily management occur.
Yes. If you’re a non-resident director or overseas-based founder, using a registered office address provider like Sleek is not only allowed, it’s often essential. The address must be a physical location accessible during standard business hours, and mail received there must be actively monitored. Sleek ensures timely digital forwarding of correspondence, keeping offshore directors compliant with ASIC regulations.
ASIC does not typically inspect addresses proactively, but they may conduct checks if:
- They suspect non-compliance or shell company behavior
- There are complaints or correspondence returned undelivered
- You’re under audit or enforcement action
Using a non-genuine address or failing to update changes within 28 days may trigger penalties or even deregistration. Always ensure that the address you list is accurate, physically valid, and actively used by your business.
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businesses worldwide.
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satisfaction rate from
16,000 surveyed clients.
