Effortlessly incorporate and manage your company in Australia with Vepapu—offering all-in-one services from registration to compliance, banking, and visa support.
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Unlock Growth Opportunities in an Emerging Market
One of the lowest operational and administrative costs.
Simplified compliance requirements and regulatory processes.
A large professional workforce with global exposure.
Allows for foreign shareholding up to 100% in the company.
Everything You Need for Seamless Company Formation
Experience seamless company formation from anywhere with Vepapu. Our digital incorporation services ensure you can register your company online without the need to travel or submit paperwork in person.
We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing support for any incorporation-related queries.
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Meet the local requirements online with Vepapu. Having a local registered office address is mandatory for your company's registration and we will help you meet this requirement. We will receive, scan, and email you if any mail is received from the authorities at your address.
You can also build a physical presence in the country by opting for our nominee director services, who will act as your company's director while you retain total control over your company.
You can capitalise on our strong banking relationships with traditional banks as well as digital-first banking providers.
You would need to physically visit the bank's location if you opt for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, while modern digital banking providers welcome you with an online onboarding process.
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Mandatory documents and information required for your company formation
A certified true copy (scanned version) of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), Resumé, or Linkedin profile.
One of the scanned copies of a bank reference, bank statement, Utility bill, or Driver license.
It should clearly show the holder's full name along with a physical address written in English (P.O. Box addresses are not accepted).
It must be the most recent version and dated within the last 3 months.
Please provide us with certified true copy (scanned version) of the following company documents:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association / Constitution
Register of Director
Register of Shareholder / UBO
Extract of the company’s details from the Registrar of Companies, which can include any of the following: Business Profile / Certificate of Incumbency / Certificate of Good standing (valid for within 6 months if any).
All members of the corporation, including Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact persons, must provide identity and address proofs as mentioned above.
From Paperwork to Approval: Making Company Formation Fast and Straightforward
Click here and fill out the short form to let us know your requirements.
Afterwards, our team will get in touch with you to guide you through the process.
Begin the company incorporation process by sharing the requested documents, as listed here. This enables us to begin the mandatory KYC and due diligence procedures to comply with local and international laws.
During the process of due diligence, our team might request additional information, documents, or clarification as needed.
If you ever feel lost while organising the documents, please contact us, as your dedicated manager from Vepapu will guide you through it.
Our team will now have the required information and documentation in hand to proceed with completing the required paperwork involved in incorporating your company.
We will complete one or multiple application forms as required and coordinate with the registry to submit them for their official approval.
We will do timely follow-ups with the registry and actively work with them if they require any further clarification or documentation before their approval.
If there are any other registrations with different government departments that are generally required before commencement of any business, required for your specific business industry, or that you have chosen voluntarily, we will promptly complete them.
As Vepapu strongly believes that company incorporation is just the first step in any business journey, we will accompany you throughout your business's life cycle by keeping it in good standing with local rules and regulations.
We will take care of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual reports and return filings with the authorities. We will timely inform you of the upcoming compliance deadlines, such as conducting an annual general meeting, for your prompt action.
Get in touch and ask us anything. We'd love to help.
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A private company limited by shares, where shareholders’ liabilities are limited to their shareholding. This is the most common corporate structure in Australia, making it particularly attractive to foreign investors. A Pty Ltd company requires at least one director who must be an Australian resident. Foreign investors can fully own this type of company, and the initial share capital can be as low as AUD 1.
These companies are typically established by entrepreneurs looking to raise capital from a broader base of investors. Public companies require a minimum of three directors, two of whom must be Australian residents. They also require a Company Secretary and Public Officer for tax purposes. Public companies follow a similar incorporation process to Pty Ltd companies but have more stringent regulatory requirements due to their ability to issue shares to the public.
Partnerships are commonly used for professional services, such as accounting and legal firms. They require at least one Australian resident partner. While the partnership itself doesn't pay taxes, the individual partners must report their share of the profits on their personal tax returns.
Trusts are often used by small businesses, particularly family-owned enterprises. There are different types of trusts, including discretionary trusts and unit trusts. Trusts are not separate legal entities and do not pay taxes if the income is distributed to beneficiaries, who then pay taxes on their share of the income.
A branch office allows a foreign company to establish a presence in Australia without forming a separate legal entity. The branch must register with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and is subject to Australian taxes on its local earnings. A local agent must be appointed to receive legal notices on behalf of the company.
This type of entity is for foreign companies that wish to conduct non-commercial activities such as market research or promote their business in Australia. A Representative Office cannot engage in direct business activities and is not subject to Australian taxes on its operations.
Yes, foreigners can incorporate a company in Australia, and the most suitable structure for this purpose is the Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd). Australia is known for its open and business-friendly environment, which allows foreign investors to fully own and control companies incorporated in the country. A Pty Ltd company can be wholly foreign-owned, with no restrictions on the percentage of foreign shareholding. The minimum requirement is to have at least one director who must be an Australian resident, ensuring a local presence. There is no minimum capital requirement, and the share capital can be as low as AUD 1.
Australia has implemented several reforms and regulations to encourage foreign investments. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) oversees and approves foreign investment proposals to ensure they are in the national interest. However, most foreign investments in Pty Ltd companies do not require FIRB approval unless they fall under specific sectors like defense or telecommunications. The Corporations Act 2001 governs the incorporation and operation of companies in Australia, providing a robust legal framework that ensures transparency and protection for foreign investors. Furthermore, Australia has entered into numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with countries worldwide, which often include provisions that simplify the process of setting up businesses for foreign investors.
A proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) in Australia must have at least one director who is a resident of Australia. The director must be a natural person, meaning corporate directors are not permitted. There is no restriction on the nationality of other directors, and foreign nationals can be appointed as directors as long as at least one director resides in Australia. Nominee directors are allowed.
A Pty Ltd company requires at least one shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate entity. There is no maximum limit on the number of shareholders, and they can be of any nationality, making it possible for the company to be fully foreign-owned. Nominee shareholders are permitted, which provides flexibility in structuring ownership. Shareholders have the option to hold different classes of shares, with varying rights regarding voting, dividends, and capital distributions.
Every company in Australia is required to appoint a Public Officer, who is responsible for ensuring the company’s compliance with Australian tax laws. The Public Officer must be a resident of Australia and acts as the company’s representative for all matters concerning the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
While not mandatory for a Pty Ltd company, appointing a company secretary is common practice, particularly for larger or more complex businesses. The company secretary can be either a resident or a non-resident of Australia, and there is no restriction on nationality. The role of the company secretary involves maintaining statutory records, ensuring compliance with corporate governance requirements, and filing necessary documents with ASIC.
There is no minimum share capital requirement for a Pty Ltd company in Australia, meaning the company can be incorporated with as little as AUD 1. The share capital structure is flexible, allowing the company to issue different classes of shares with varying rights and obligations.
A Pty Ltd company in Australia must have a registered office address in the country. This address must be a physical location where official documents and communications can be sent, and it must be accessible during normal business hours. The registered office can be a commercial office space or a residential address, provided that it meets these requirements. Additionally, if the company does not have a physical presence in Australia, it may use a registered agent to provide an official address for compliance purposes.
To incorporate a company in Australia, you need to prepare and submit various documents. These documents are essential to complying with Australian regulations and ensuring your business operates legally. The documents will be used in KYC due diligence procedures, application preparation, and document submission to the authorities.
The first step in incorporating a company in Australia is obtaining an Australian Company Number (ACN). This unique 9-digit number is issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and serves as a vital identifier for your company under the Corporations Act 2001. To apply for an ACN, you will need to provide the company’s structure, including details of officeholders (directors) and shareholders, the registered office address or principal place of business, an email address, and the details of the resident director if you are a foreign investor.
After securing your ACN, the next step is to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN), an 11-digit identifier that enables your company to conduct business activities in Australia. The ABN is necessary for trading, executing supplier contracts, employing staff, and interacting with government agencies. It is important to note that without an ABN, your company cannot operate legally in Australia. The application for an ABN typically involves providing your ACN, business structure details, and information about your planned business activities.
A Tax File Number (TFN) is mandatory for lodging tax returns and fulfilling other tax obligations in Australia. Every trading entity must have a TFN, and it is often applied for simultaneously with the ABN. The TFN is used to identify your company within the tax system, and it is essential for filing income tax returns, paying taxes, and complying with Australian tax laws.
If your business expects to have an annual turnover of AUD 75,000 or more, you must register for Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is a value-added tax applied to most goods and services sold or consumed in Australia. Registration for GST must be completed within 21 days of reaching the AUD 75,000 turnover threshold. This registration enables you to charge GST on your products and services and claim credits for GST paid on business purchases.
If your company plans to employ staff or engage contractors, you need to register for Pay as You Go (PAYG) withholding. PAYG is a system of withholding income tax from employees’ or contractors’ payments and remitting it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) throughout the year. You must register for PAYG withholding before making any payments that are subject to withholding.
Depending on your business activities, industry, and location, you may need to apply for specific licences or permits to legally operate in Australia. These requirements vary by state or territory and at the federal level. Licences and permits may cover areas such as health and safety, environmental regulations, or industry-specific standards.
Companies must prepare and maintain accurate financial records that comply with Australian Accounting Standards. Large proprietary companies and public companies are required to lodge their financial statements with ASIC, while small proprietary companies are generally exempt. Regardless of size, all companies must keep proper records to reflect their financial position and transactions.
Each year, companies must undergo an annual review to confirm that their details with ASIC, such as registered office address and director information, are correct. This review comes with an annual fee, which must be paid on time to avoid penalties and the risk of deregistration.
Companies need to lodge annual income tax returns with the ATO. Those registered for GST must submit Business Activity Statements (BAS) regularly, based on their turnover. Employers must comply with PAYG withholding obligations and make superannuation contributions for eligible employees, ensuring these payments are reported and remitted to the ATO.
Proper corporate governance includes holding regular board meetings, maintaining meeting minutes, and keeping an updated register of shareholders and directors. These records should be available at the registered office and accessible for inspection by authorities when required.
Any changes in company structure, such as changes in directors, registered office address, or share structure, must be reported to ASIC within 28 days. Timely notification helps avoid penalties and ensures compliance with corporate regulations.
Companies employing staff must adhere to Australian employment laws, which include providing fair work conditions, meeting occupational health and safety standards, and maintaining accurate payroll and employee records as per the Fair Work Act.
The Business Innovation and Investment Visa is designed for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who wish to establish or manage a business in Australia. This visa is divided into several streams, including the Business Innovation stream, Investor stream, and Significant Investor stream, each catering to different levels of investment and business activities. The minimum investment requirement varies depending on the stream, with the Investor stream requiring an investment of at least AUD 2.5 million.
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa is available for skilled foreign workers who are nominated by an Australian employer. This visa allows foreign employees to work and live permanently in Australia. To be eligible, the employee must have relevant skills, qualifications, and work experience, and the position must be on the relevant skilled occupation list. The ENS visa is a pathway to permanent residency and is divided into three streams: Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, and Labour Agreement.
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled foreign workers to fill positions where there is a labor shortage. The TSS visa is divided into Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Labour Agreement streams, with visa durations ranging from two to four years. This visa requires the applicant to have relevant skills and work experience, and the employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by an Australian worker. The Medium-Term stream provides a pathway to permanent residency after a few years of continuous employment in Australia.
The Global Talent Visa is designed for highly skilled professionals in specific sectors, such as technology, engineering, and science, who have an internationally recognized record of achievement. This visa is part of the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program, which aims to attract top talent to Australia. The visa allows the holder to live and work in Australia permanently, and they can also sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency.
GST is a value-added tax of 10% on most goods and services sold or consumed in Australia. Companies with an annual turnover of AUD 75,000 or more are required to register for GST. Once registered, companies must charge GST on their taxable supplies and can claim credits for the GST paid on business purchases. Businesses typically report and remit GST to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) through Business Activity Statements (BAS), which are lodged monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the company's turnover.
Australian companies are subject to corporate income tax on their profits. The standard corporate tax rate is 30%, but a lower rate of 25% applies to base rate entities—companies with an aggregated turnover of less than AUD 50 million and where no more than 80% of their income is passive. Companies are required to lodge an annual income tax return with the ATO, detailing their income, deductions, and tax payable. The ATO uses this information to assess the company’s tax liability.
If a company employs staff, it must withhold income tax from employee salaries under the PAYG withholding system. The withheld amounts are then remitted to the ATO regularly, depending on the company’s reporting schedule. PAYG withholding is also applicable to certain payments made to contractors and other businesses. Companies must report these amounts on their BAS and annual PAYG withholding summary.
Employers in Australia are required to make superannuation contributions on behalf of their eligible employees. The minimum contribution rate is currently 11% of an employee's ordinary time earnings. These contributions must be paid into a complying superannuation fund or retirement savings account. Superannuation is an additional cost to employers.
Fringe Benefits Tax is a tax paid by employers on certain benefits provided to employees, such as company cars, low-interest loans, or housing. FBT is separate from income tax and is calculated on the taxable value of the fringe benefits provided. Employers must lodge an FBT return annually and pay any FBT owed to the ATO. The FBT year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
Capital Gains Tax is applied to profits made from the sale of assets, such as property or shares. In Australia, CGT is part of income tax, and any capital gain is included in the company’s assessable income for the year in which the asset was sold. Companies may be eligible for CGT concessions or discounts if they meet specific criteria, particularly if the assets were held for more than 12 months or are related to small businesses.
