How to Register a Pty Ltd Company in Australia: Step-by-Step (2026)
Quick answer
To register a Pty Ltd company in Australia, every director first needs a director ID. You then choose a company name, registered office, company rules and share structure, get written consents from directors and shareholders, and lodge the registration online. The ASIC registration fee for a proprietary company is $636 from 1 July 2026, and you receive your ACN and certificate of registration by email.
Moving from sole trader to company is a big step. A company is a separate legal entity, which can protect your personal assets and give you a flat company tax rate, but it also brings extra paperwork and ongoing costs. This guide walks through each step in the order you’ll actually do them.
Before you start: is a company right for you?
A company usually makes sense when your profit is growing, you want to limit your personal liability, you’re bringing in business partners, or you plan to raise money. If you’re just starting out with modest income, staying a sole trader is simpler and cheaper. If you’re unsure, read our sole trader guides or speak with a tax agent before registering.
Step-by-step: registering your Pty Ltd company
1. Get a director ID for every director
Every director must have a director ID before they’re appointed. It’s free and you apply through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). You keep the same director ID for life, even if you’re a director of several companies.
2. Choose your company name
Check that the name you want is available on ASIC’s register. If you don’t choose a name, your company will be named after its ACN, for example “ACN 123 456 789 Pty Ltd”. You can reserve a name for up to two months if you’re not ready to register yet.
3. Decide on addresses
- Registered office: the official address in Australia where ASIC sends documents. If it’s not your own premises, you need the occupier’s consent.
- Principal place of business: where the company mainly operates.
4. Choose your company rules
A company can use the replaceable rules in the Corporations Act, adopt its own constitution, or combine the two. Many small companies adopt a constitution because it can be tailored, for example to cover what happens if a shareholder leaves.
5. Set up your shares and shareholders
Decide how many shares to issue, the share class (usually ordinary shares) and how much is paid for each. Each shareholder must give written consent to become a member.
6. Appoint directors (and a secretary, if you want one)
A proprietary company needs at least one director who ordinarily lives in Australia. A company secretary is optional for a Pty Ltd. Every director and secretary must give signed written consent before they take office.
7. Lodge the registration and pay the fee
You can register online through the government’s Business Registration Service, or use a private provider or your accountant. The ASIC registration fee for a proprietary company is $636 from 1 July 2026. Fees are indexed each year, so check ASIC’s fee table before you lodge.
8. Receive your ACN and certificate
Once approved, you receive your Australian Company Number (ACN) and certificate of registration by email. ASIC posts a corporate key to the registered office, which you need to manage the company’s details online.
Documents and details checklist
- Director ID for each director
- Full name, home address, date and place of birth for each director and secretary
- Signed consents from each director, secretary and shareholder
- Registered office and principal place of business addresses
- Company name (or use the ACN as the name)
- Constitution, or a decision to use the replaceable rules
- Share structure: number, class and amount paid per share
What to do after registration
- Apply for an ABN and TFN for the company. These are separate from your personal ones.
- Register for GST if the company’s turnover will be $75,000 or more. See our GST guides.
- Open a business bank account in the company’s name and keep company money separate from yours.
- Set up your company register, including the share register and minutes of decisions.
- Pay the annual review fee each year on your review date. For a proprietary company it’s $342 from 1 July 2026.
- Keep ASIC details up to date, such as addresses, directors and shareholders, when they change.
Tip: Put your company’s annual review date in your calendar the day you register. Late ASIC fees add up quickly, and an unpaid review fee can eventually lead to the company being deregistered.
How much does it cost to run a company?
Beyond the registration fee, budget for the annual review fee, a company tax return each year, bookkeeping and BAS, and accountant fees. Small companies that qualify as base rate entities pay company tax at 25%. Other companies pay 30%.
Want us to set up your company?
We’ll register your Pty Ltd, apply for the ABN and TFN, and prepare your company constitution. Fixed price from $397 plus the ASIC fee.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to register a company?
If all details are correct, online registration is often completed the same day or within one to two business days. Applying for a director ID first can take longer, so do that early.
Can I register a company by myself?
Yes. You can be the sole director and sole shareholder of a Pty Ltd, as long as you ordinarily live in Australia.
Do I need a constitution?
No, it’s optional. You can rely on the replaceable rules in the Corporations Act instead. Many owners still choose a constitution because it can be tailored to their business.
What’s the difference between an ABN and an ACN?
An ACN identifies your company with ASIC. An ABN identifies your business for tax and dealings with government. A company needs an ACN first, then applies for its own ABN.
This article is general information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Fees shown apply from 1 July 2026 and change each year. Check asic.gov.au or speak with a registered tax agent about your situation.
