Australia Employer of Record Overview

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The Ultimate Guide To
Employment in Australia

Employing in Australia
Using Shield Geo Employer of Record Services in Australia
Payroll and Tax in Australia
Immigration and Work Permits in Australia
Setting up a Company in Australia

Australia Facts

Population size: 24,309,330
Currency: Australian Dollar - AUD
Capital city: Canberra
Languages spoken: English
Ease of Doing Business: 15

Employing in Australia: What You Need to Know

Australian employment law appears complex and confusing when looking from outside view although in some ways there are many similarities to other countries. Other factors that complicate matters include the differences between states in payroll administration. For these and many other reasons the following are only guidelines in the broadest sense, and professional legal services are recommended when employing in Australia.

Employment Law in Australia multiple levels of influence: aside from its foundation in common law principles, there is minimum standards defined by legislation (primarily the “Fair Work Act”). However if the employment falls under a statutory “Award” it may have differing or extra conditions on top of the legislation. Collective agreements such as “Enterprise Bargaining Agreements”, can apply specific conditions on the top legislation or Award.

While employment law was mostly unified with the introduction of the Fair Work Act, the state of Western Australia did not fully acquiesce to referral of power to the federal government. Most types of employers are covered by the federal government, and employment law in general in Western Australia remains highly similar, but as a warning, there may be variations in obligations and standards.

Exceptions include State employees working in public sector agencies from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, local council workers in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, and in Western Australia where the Fair Work Act legislation only covers workers employed by a “constitutional corporation”, which includes trading and financial corporations, corporations formed outside of Australia, and federal government agencies.

For these reasons the following is a very general guide, mainly based on the minimum obligations set out in the federal legislation.

Time Off Work in Australia
Medical Leave in Australia
Annual Leave Accrual Entitlement
Maternity Leave in Australia
Resignation / End of Service Payment in Australia
Severance Pay in Australia
Termination of Employment in Australia
Probation in Australia

No legal entity in Australia? Here's how you can run Australian payroll.

Key Factors to Consider When Employing in Australia

There are several key areas to be aware of within Australia’s employment regulatory framework, especially for companies that plan to initiate a full local office and human resources department. These challenges can be mitigated by use of a locally sourced payroll provider who is familiar with all of the local laws and rules for both local employees as well as foreign nationals.

Contracts

All employees in Australia will have a common law contract of employment that specifies the terms and conditions of employment.

Employee Entitlements

Information	Explanation
Time Off Work ?	Holiday allowance: Paid days off on public holidays unless it’s reasonable to ask the employee to work. Community service leave: Up to 10 days paid leave for jury service (after 10 days is unpaid) and unpaid leave for voluntary emergency work.
Medical Leave ?	s reported by FindLaw.com, all full-time employees except casuals are entitled to a minimum of 10 days paid personal leave each year. These days can be used for time off for sickness, for example. The employee can take personal leave if they or an immediate family member is sick, injured or has an unexpected emergency. In addition, employees may take up to two days of unpaid leave under ‘compassionate’ grounds – such as due to the death of a family member and 2 days unpaid caregiver’s leave.
Annual Leave Accrual Entitlement ?	An employee (other than a casual employee) is entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave for each year of service with the employer. An employee classified as a ‘shiftworker’ they are entitled to five.
Maternity Leave in Australia ?	Employees in Australia are eligible for unpaid parental leave if they have completed at least 12 month of service with the employer. The employee should inform their employer of their intention to take unpaid parental leave by giving at least 10 weeks written notice. Each eligible member of an employee couple may take a separate period of up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. If only one person is taking leave, that employee may request up to 12 months. For a pregnant employee, leave can start up to six weeks before the expected date of birth. If the employee is not giving birth to the child, leave starts on the date of birth or placement of the child.

Employment Termination

Information	Explanation
Resignation / End of Service Payment ?	A transitional entitlement for employees as outlined in an applicable pre-modernized award, pending the development of a uniform national long service leave standard
Severance / Redundancy Pay ?	The Fair Work Australia website reports that for any wages and holiday time owed, the employer must also pay a severance if the employee is made redundant. If the employee has at least one year of continuous service and the employer employs 15 (i.e. does not fall under the ‘Small Business’ code) can be entitled to a maximum of 16 weeks pay).
Termination of Employment ?	The Fair Work Australia website reports that an employer must provide a minimum period of notice, as follows: Less than 1 year 1 week Between 1 and 3 years 2 weeks Between 3 and 5 years 3 weeks Over 5 years 4 weeks If the employee is over 45 years old, and has completed at least two years of service, additional one week’s notice is required. The Fair Work Australia website explains the termination procedure in Australia. The employer must have cause for termination, and in particular it must not be unlawful (e.g. discriminatory on grounds of race, gender, etc) and not be “harsh, unjust or unreasonable”. Generally the employer must show they took reasonable steps, such as performance reviews and several formal warnings, and counselling the employee to give them a proper opportunity to understand and rectify any performance issues. Employees can be dismissed under the context of a redundancy so long as the redundancy is genuine. Fixed-term contracts can allow the relationship to expire at the end of the term specified in the contract.

Information

Explanation

Resignation / End of Service Payment ?

A transitional entitlement for employees as outlined in an applicable pre-modernized award, pending the development of a uniform national long service leave standard

Severance / Redundancy Pay ?

The Fair Work Australia website reports that for any wages and holiday time owed, the employer must also pay a severance if the employee is made redundant. If the employee has at least one year of continuous service and the employer employs 15 (i.e. does not fall under the ‘Small Business’ code) can be entitled to a maximum of 16 weeks pay).

Termination of Employment ?

The Fair Work Australia website reports that an employer must provide a minimum period of notice, as follows:

Less than 1 year 1 week

Between 1 and 3 years 2 weeks

Between 3 and 5 years 3 weeks

Over 5 years 4 weeks

If the employee is over 45 years old, and has completed at least two years of service, additional one week’s notice is required.

The Fair Work Australia website explains the termination procedure in Australia. The employer must have cause for termination, and in particular it must not be unlawful (e.g. discriminatory on grounds of race, gender, etc) and not be “harsh, unjust or unreasonable”. Generally the employer must show they took reasonable steps, such as performance reviews and several formal warnings, and counselling the employee to give them a proper opportunity to understand and rectify any performance issues. Employees can be dismissed under the context of a redundancy so long as the redundancy is genuine.

Fixed-term contracts can allow the relationship to expire at the end of the term specified in the contract.

Probation

Information	Explanation
Probation Period ?	Probation period is also known as “minimum employment period”. According to IHR Australia, the maximum period in Australia is six months, or up to twelve months for small business employers (businesses with fewer than fifteen staff).

GEO Solutions or DIY Employment in Australia?

Companies entering Australia must make a decision whether to use their own resources for a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach, or to use a Global Employment Organization to handle payroll and employment responsibilities. A GEO or Australia Employer of Record solution makes it faster, easier and cheaper to deploy staff if they don’t have an Australian entity established that can run payroll.

A DIY approach will typically be delayed until there is a properly incorporated company ready to run payroll and may be a costly option. Shield GEO can deploy foreign staff in 4-6 weeks and local staff in 48 hours. Additionally Shield GEO is responsible for all compliance issues related to the employment.

Outsourcing Employment Through a GEO Employer of Record Service

Using Shield GEO Employer of Record Services in Australia

Compliance with local employment requirements is just one of the issues foreign companies face when employing staff in Australia. For companies which intend to employ their staff directly through their incorporated Australian entity, professional legal advice is recommended. Shield GEO provides an alternative path for companies to outsource the employment of their staff in Australia.

As a Global Employer Organization (GEO), Shield GEO acts as the Employer of Record and ensures the employment is compliant with host country regulations regarding employment. In addition Shield GEO will handle payroll processing, tax and immigration. Using Shield GEO is the fastest and most cost effective way to deploy local and foreign workers into Australia.

The Shield GEO solution is an attractive alternative where:

– the company is looking to employ staff quickly

– the company doesn’t have an appropriately incorporated entity in Australia

– the company wants to work within a defined budget

– the company wants to limit its initial commitment in Australia

– the company needs help with tax, employment, immigration and payroll compliance in Australia

Shield GEO can contract directly with the company to employ and payroll their staff in Australia. Shield GEO supplies local employment contracts for the staff which ensure that local statutory requirements are met covering issues such as termination, probation periods, leave entitlements and statutory benefits. Shield GEO is able to advise companies how to cover local employment regulations whilst still providing consistent global employment policies. Understand more about outsourced employment through Shield GEO.

Payroll

Payroll	Australia
Management Fee for Employer of Record Services / Monthly Payroll Costs	Please contact us for a quote
Notes	Payroll is normally monthly and paid at the end of the month. But other payroll dates are also quite common.
Currency ?	Australian Dollar - AUD

Grossed income	Tax Rate (%)
0 – 18,200 AUD	Nil
18,201 – 37,000 AUD	19c for each $1 over $18,200
37,001 – 80,000 AUD	$3,572 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $37,000
80,001 – 180,000 AUD	$17,547 plus 37c for each $1 over $80,000
180,001 AUD and over	$54,547 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Tax Returns Supplied

Yes

Corporate Tax Requirements

Most companies pay instalments of tax on their income on a quarterly basis, although some large companies are required to pay on a monthly basis. Corporations lodge an annual tax return under a self-assessment system, generally due by the 15th of July.

Employers are required to contribute 9.5% of an employee’s earnings base to a registered superannuation fund or retirement savings account on an employee’s behalf.

Medicare levy of 2%

Insurance requirements

Yes. Statutory Medicare contributions are deducted at source through PAYG (Pay as You Go) Withholding. Almost all foreign nationals on a working visa, such as the 457 work visa, are additionally required to be covered by private medical insurance that meets Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) requirements. Nationals of some countries will be covered by Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) which allow individuals limited access to Medicare services. Private medical insurance is still recommended.

Shield GEO does not arrange private medical insurance directly but it is very easy to obtain.

No other forms of insurance are required.

Work Permits

Work Permits
Can Sponsor Work Permit	Yes
Work Permit cost	AUD 7500 plus government fees payable once per visa duration (up to 4 years). Government fees vary depending on the number of applicants.
Work Permit processing time	Approximately 4 weeks
Work Permit process	The main work visa for Australia is called the 457 visa. To obtain a 457 the employer must show their job title and duties are eligible under Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the 457 visa program. A job description, job title and CV is necessary to make this assessment. After eligibility is confirmed, the employees personal documents which generally include professional and educational qualifications, passport copy, identity documents are collected. Depending on the employee’s nationality and circumstances, they may need to show they meet the minimum English language requirements. An application is lodged with the 1066 application form. The employee needs to obtain private medical insurance in Australia (available online). After approval the employee can enter Australia. The actual visa is issued and recorded electronically (it can be checked using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online or VEVO service) which means that on arrival in Australia the migration officials already have a record that the employee has an approved 457 work permit. Total processing time is around 4 weeks.
Can Work Permit be processed in country	In most cases, the applicant can stay onshore and be granted the visa while they remain in country with no need to depart Australia
Switch Business Visa to Work Permit?	Yes but the applicant must leave the country and re-enter on the work permit once it has been approved

Business Visas

Business Visas
Can do Business Visa	Yes

Payroll and Tax in Australia

There are specific rules for payroll and taxation in Australia. The primary concerns for a foreign company that needs to comply with tax laws in Australia are: individual income tax for employees, social security costs, payroll tax, sales tax, withholding tax, business tax, workers’ compensation and permanent establishment concerns.

Corporate Income Tax in Australia
Income Tax Rate in Australia
Corporate Tax Requirements in Australia
Employer's Social Security and Statutory Contributions
Employee's Social Security and Statutory Contributions
Payroll Tax in Australia
Sales Tax in Australia
Withholding Tax in Australia
Other Tax
Time to Prepare and Pay Taxes in Australia
Time Required to Start a Business in Australia
Payment Mode
Frequency of Salary Payment
Invoice/Payslips Required
Minimum Wage in Australia

Information	Explanation
Remote Payroll ?	A remote payroll in Australia is where a foreign company, i.e. a non-resident company, payrolls a resident employee in Australia. One option for a non-resident company to payroll its employees (local and foreign) in Australia is to use a fully outsourced service like a GEO which will employ and payroll the staff on their behalf.
Local Payroll Administration ?	In some cases, a company will register their business in Australia under one of the forms available, but prefer to have another company administer its payroll. This can be accomplished through a payroll provider. It is important to note that the company, as the Employer of Record, is still fully responsible for compliance with employment, immigration, tax and payroll regulations. But the payroll calculations, payments and filings can all be outsourced to the payroll provider.
Internal Payroll ?	Larger companies with a commitment to Australia may wish to run their own local payroll for all employees, foreign and local. In order to accomplish this, they will have to complete incorporation, register the business and then hire the necessary staff. There will be a need for in country human resources personnel who have the background needed to manage a Australian payroll, and can fulfill all tax, withholding, and payroll requirements. This approach carries significant cost and requires some knowledge of local employment and payroll regulations. The company will need a local accounting firm and potentially legal counsel to ensure full compliance with Australian employment laws.
Fully Outsourced Payroll & Employment ?	Companies can outsource the employment and payroll of their staff in Australia to a GEO, like Shield GEO. This is possible for both foreign workers and Australian nationals. This is the easiest, fastest and safest way to payroll staff in Australia. Shield GEO manages all aspects of payroll for workers in Australia including taxes, withholding, social security payments and other statutory requirements. Shield GEO becomes the Employer of Record and employs the staff on behalf of the client. Staff are paid monthly with tax and social security deducted at source and paid to local authorities. Shield GEO will invoice the client monthly in advance of the payroll date. The invoice consists of the Total Cost of Employment (Base salary + Employers Statutory Contributions + Additional statutory contributions) and a Management Fee. Shield GEO provides the employees with payslips. Read more about outsourced payroll and employment through Shield GEO.

Setting up payroll in Australia

Information	Explanation
Employee Information Required ?	Locals may work at will. Expatriates / foreign workers must possess valid work visas prior to start of work.
Tax Registration Requirements ?	Tax is withheld via Payroll. Pay As You Go (PAYG).
Social Security Registration ?	Australia does not have “Social Security” as such but it does have welfare and socialised health which are primarily funded via the regular tax base. However, a deduction for Medicare (to partially fund socialised health) is required to be withheld from wages via payroll. This deduction (1.5% of gross wages) is built into the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) withholding and is not deducted separately.
Documentation Required for New Employees ?	Minimum employment conditions, for employees in the national workplace relations system, are covered by the National Employment Standards (NES). Further conditions can be set by awards, agreements, and other industrial instruments.

Tax Figures

Information

Explanation

Corporate Income Tax ?

Companies in Australia are generally taxed at a rate of 30% of their net income. This includes corporate limited partnerships, strata title bodies corporate, trustees of corporate unit trusts and public trading trusts.

Income Tax Rate ?

Grossed income	Tax Rate (%)
0 – 18,200 AUD	Nil
18,201 – 37,000 AUD	19c for each $1 over $18,200
37,001 – 80,000 AUD	$3,572 plus 32.5c for each $1 over $37,000
80,001 – 180,000 AUD	$17,547 plus 37c for each $1 over $80,000
180,001 AUD and over	$54,547 plus 45c for each $1 over $180,000

Payroll Tax ?

Payroll tax rates and thresholds in Australia differ between states and territories. If a company meets the minimum threshold it is held to the following rate:

ACT – 6.85%

New South Wales – 5.45%

Northern Territory – 5.50%

Queensland – 4.75%

South Australia – 4.95%

Tasmania – 6.1%

Victoria – 4.85%

Western Australia – 5.5%

Sales Tax ?

The sales tax rate (Goods and Services Tax, or GST) is 10% on most goods and services sales.

Withholding Tax ?

10% for interest

30% for dividends

20% for royalties

Time to prepare and Pay Taxes ?

105 Hours

Time required to start a Business ?

2.5 Days

Payments

Information	Explanation
Payment Mode ?	The majority of payments are made via bank transfer.
Frequency of Salary Payment ?	The most common pay cycles are 12, 26 and 52. 4 weekly or 24 pay periods a year are extremely rare.
Invoice / Payslips required ?	Yes and must be provided within one (1) working day of wages being paid. May be provided electronically to employees.
Minimum Wage ?	The current Federal Minimum adult wage is AUD 606.40 per week / 38 hours (as at 1 July 2012). Each state has its own minimum wage to cover employees covered by that State’s Jurisdiction. Employees paid under Industrial Awards have their own minimum wage based on the type of work they do as classified by the Award.

Immigration and Work Permits in Australia

Foreign workers are required to have the proper visas and work permits in Australia, as established by immigration laws. To secure a visa for an employee a company will generally first need to apply to be an approved sponsor company through the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The types of documents required for this process can be a problem for companies just entering the Australian market. If you have yet to complete the incorporation process you can use an outsourced management company or GEO Employer of Record to sponsor the employee for the necessary permits.

The most common skilled visa used within Australia is the 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa. This visa allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved Australian business for up to four years. Workers who have been on the 457 visas for 2 years or more have increased access to applying for permanent residence visas (described in the table below).

There are some streamline processing arrangements in place to help executives, managers and specialists who are coming to Australia as part of an intra-company transfer. These are especially targeted to assisting in transfers between Asia Pacific Economic Co-Operation (APEC) economies.

Have your own Company?

The process for obtaining a 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) can take from 2 weeks to 3 months. It is highly recommended to utilise an Australian Immigration specialist to assist with the application and processing. If an employer is already authorised to employ overseas workers the waiting period is significantly reduced.

The process for obtaining the 457 visa is as follows:

(1) Sponsorship

Employer applies to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to become an approved standard business sponsor. This application is valid for 5 years unless the business has been trading within Australia for less than 12 months (in which case it lasts 18 months). Businesses operating within Australia will have to lodge an attestation confirming a strong record of employing local labour. This sponsorship application costs $420.

Possible documentation required (Employer):

attestation affirming a strong record of or commitment to the employment of local labour
a detailed business plan
contract of sale relating to the purchase of the business
lease agreement relating to business premises
contracts to provide services
evidence of employment of staff
Business Activity Statements (BAS) for each complete quarter from commencement of operations to date of lodgement
business bank statements covering the period of operation

(2) Nomination

Once a business is an approved (or in the process of becoming approved) sponsor they can nominate a position to be filled by an overseas skilled worker. An employer will be required to certify in writing things such as the tasks for the position, that the qualifications and experience of the nominee are commensurate with ANZSCO specifications. Nomination for this visa costs $330.

Possible documentation required (Employer):

Identity of the person who will work in the nominated occupation
ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation
Location or locations where the nominated occupation is to be carried out
Relevant certification

(3) Visa Application

Once the application is supported by an approved sponsor and an approved nomination, the visa application can be made. This application costs $1060.

Documentation required (Employee):

certified copy of your passport biodata page, passport size photograph
certified copy of your birth certificate
certified copy of your family register document if applicable
certified copy of your identity card if applicable
certified copy of any official document which details any name change (for example, a marriage certificate) if applicable
details of your residential address
filled out 1066 internet form
employment references
curriculum vitae
proof of English language proficiency (unless exempted)

Documentation required (Employer):

Evidence that the business is (or is in the process of becoming) a standard business sponsor

Use the Shield GEO Employer of Record Solution?

The main work visa for Australia is called the 457 visa. To obtain a 457 the employer must show their job title and duties are eligible under Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the 457 visa program. A job description, job title and CV is necessary to make this assessment.

After eligibility is confirmed, the employees personal documents which generally include professional and educational qualifications, passport copy, identity documents are collected. Depending on the employee’s nationality and circumstances, they may need to show they meet the minimum English language requirements. An application is lodged with the 1066 application form. The employee needs to obtain private medical insurance in Australia (available online).

After approval the employee can enter Australia. The actual visa is issued and recorded electronically (it can be checked using the Visa Entitlement Verification Online or VEVO service) which means that on arrival in Australia the migration officials already have a record that the employee has an approved 457 work permit.

Total processing time is around 4 weeks.

Types of visas in Australia

Category	Description of Visa
Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa (Subclass 457)	The most common skilled visa used within Australia is the 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa. This visa allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved Australian business for up to four years. Workers who have been on the 457 visas for 2 years or more have increased access to applying for permanent residence visas. Processing for this application generally takes 1-3 months and costs $1000-$2000+.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)	This is a points-tested, permanent residence visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or family member or nominated by a state or territory government. To receive an invitation to apply, an expression of interest must be submitted through SkillSelect.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)	This permanent residence visa is for skilled workers. Application can be made through the temporary residence transition stream (for 457 visa holders), the direct entry stream or the agreement stream.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)	This is an employer sponsored permanent residence visa for working in regional Australia. Application can be made through the temporary residence transition stream (for 457 visa holders), the direct entry stream or the agreement stream.
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)	A visa for those who want to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia, or want to invest in the country. Applications can be made through the business innovation stream, investor stream, significant investor stream or premium investor stream.

Setting up a company in Australia

When setting up a company you may want to consider these factors:

Business factors

Some examples would be:
- The industry and type of business
- Nationality of the headquarters/individual(s) and
- Presence of existing trade agreements or relationships
Regional factors

Separate states and territories are still relatively self-governed bodies, so each may have different rules, costs and availability for certain matters. It is always recommended to seek advice from relevant professionals, such as business or legal advisors, accountants and others depending on your needs.
ASIC Price changes

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) prices will increase on 1 July 2015. As the guide has been written only a month before this, we have pre-emptively used the new prices. However if you read this guide before 1 July 2015, keep in mind current and older sources you find online may show different, older prices.
State investment incentives

The states in Australia are able to actively compete against each other to attract new foreign investment. This means that incentives such as grants, loans, tax reductions, and the like may vary from state to state, and thus can be a factor when identifying a suitable location in Australia.

Looking to Set Up a Foreign Subsidiary in Australia? Here’s a list of Pros and Cons.

This article provides a general guideline for foreign businesses on entering Australia for business purposes. In particular it looks at common pathways to establishing a business presence in Australia, generally through a representative office, branch office or subsidiary company (or local equivalents). In addition various economic, tax and regulatory facts are provided throughout as a source of useful information to assist those who will enter the Australian economy. The guide also looks at some immigration requirements such as obtaining the appropriate visa status.

Data is based on the time of writing this article, June 2015, or closest available dates.

Australia is a continent and nation located in the Oceanic region. It operates under a constitutional monarchy (due to its British colonial and penal heritage) and comprises six states and several territories. Australia is the world’s 12th-largest economy boasting a high standard of living and minimum income. The country’s legal system is a common law system, and while it has naturally diverged from the UK over the last few centuries, the underlying principles of common law are reflected in Australia.

Population: 22,000,000

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) Approx. 0.77 USD (June 2015)

National Language: English

Federal Capital: Canberra (Australian Capital Territory)

Time zone: UTC+8 – +10.5 (daylight savings: UTC+8 – +11.5)

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) | USD$ = approximately 1.35 AUD

Calling code: +61

Nominal GDP: $1.252 trillion ($52,454 per capita)

Domain: .au

States are self-governing and separate jurisdictions to a degree, but federal laws passed by the Parliament apply to the whole of Australia. Perhaps due to the smaller number of regions (compared to say, the U.S.), many of Australia’s major laws are unified, such as tax, trade and employment laws. This was done with the aim of simplifying cross-border trade and in principle, should make facilitate both local and foreign business activities. For example, registration of a company, business name and trademark in any state or territory will apply across all other states and territories. Registering companies and businesses is relatively straightforward in Australia, and the World Bank Doing Business project has assigned Australia the rank of number 10 in the world.

There are three types of business forms available to foreign companies in Australia. Each of these business forms has distinct advantages and disadvantages, as well as differing scope of business activities, registration requirements and payroll rules. In most cases it will depend on the degree of commitment a company has to Australia and the planned business activity.

In Australia the three typical forms of corporation:

Company (proprietary or public)
Branch office
Representative office

Proprietary Company (Subsidiary)

A subsidiary company can be established through incorporation of a new company (although acquiring an existing company or ‘shelf company’ is a common pathway also).

According to the PwC Guide to Business in Australia, a subsidiary may not have more than 50 non-employee shareholders and must have the words “Proprietary Limited” or “Pty Ltd” in its name if it is a limited proprietary (private) company.

The report “Investing in Asia Pacific 2015: Australia“ by Tax advisory Crowe Horwath reports there is no limit on the percentage of foreign ownership. However, the company must also have a registered office in Australia (a postal address alone will not satisfy the requirement), a secretary and at least one Australian resident as a director.

According to the PwC Guide to Business in Australia, upon winding up of the company, liability of shareholders is limited to any amount unpaid on their shares (if any).

The Practical Law guide states there are no minimum share capital requirements for company formation, as long as something is invested, i.e. a share capital of AUD$1 is enough for company registration. In regards to financial reporting, a company only needs to lodge the accounts for the local subsidiary with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and doesn’t need to share any of the parent company’s financial reports.

SEE STEPS INVOLVED

Advantage / Disadvantages

A company is a separate legal entity from the directors and any overseas parent company, as well as providing limited liability to its shareholders.

According to ASIC, a company can conduct business throughout Australia without needing to register in individual states and territories.

The tax guide site Lowtax.net writes that since both subsidiaries and branch offices are subject to the standard corporate tax rate, the subsidiary is a preferred choice as it has the added benefits of limited liability and separate legal status from its parent.

However, being a more formal structure, the bookkeeping and financial obligations are much more complex for companies. Franked dividends from an Australian subsidiary are also not subject to withholding tax when paid to the foreign parent company.

Registration Steps

1. Choose a Company Name

When registering a company (as detailed in the next step), a company name can be nominated. A company name is optional – if no company name is to be used, the ACN will be used in place of the name.

However, if you do wish to nominate a company name, it must meet certain requirements. In particular, it is considered your responsibility to ensure the name will not cause any conflicts. Even if ASIC accepts a proposed company name, any company with a similar registered name may take action against you if they feel your name is too similar or could mislead consumers. Therefore, if wishing to use a company name, it is recommended to follow this step prior to registration.

ASIC provides a few tips when considering company names:

Naturally, it must be a name that is not already registered to another company or business. You can use Check Name Availability to confirm whether the name is available.
In Australia, a company name or business name is not automatically considered a trademark, therefore it is additionally recommended to check if your proposed company name is similar or identical to any registered or pending trademarks. You can check the IP Australia website to find out.
A proprietary company must include the word ‘Proprietary’ or the abbreviation ‘Pty’ in its name and must also indicate the liability of its members.
You also cannot use words suggesting a misleading connection with government, the Royal Family or names considered offensive or suggesting illegal activity. These restrictions are to make sure a company’s name does not mislead people about its activities.

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: No charge

2. Appoint a Representative

While there is no limitation on foreign ownership, at least one director must be a resident. Therefore if no local director is already nominated, it may be necessary to ‘appoint’ a local representative. Generally the director must be authorized as a representative that can accept legal notices served on the company.

While not a formal registration, a valid person must be agreed upon by the company and the representative’s details will be included in company application.

Time: N/A

Cost: N/A

3. Submit Company Registration Form

You can register an Australian company through a number of business service providers who use software that deals directly with ASIC. Alternatively, if you wish to register directly through ASIC, you can submit Form 201 “Application for Registration as an Australian Company”. The form can be obtained online at http://www.asic.gov.au/regulatory-resources/forms/forms-folder/201-application-for-registration-as-an-australian-company/

The form cannot be submitted online and must be mailed with the application fee to:

Australian Securities and Investments Commission, PO Box 4000, Gippsland Mail Centre, VIC 3841.

When the application is successfully processed, ASIC will register the company, and within two days of this registration ASIC will assign an ACN and issue a Certificate of Registration.

According to ASIC, the ACN is the ‘corporate key’ which can be used to view company records, lodge forms and receive annual statements online. It must also be included on public documents like advertisements, orders and invoices, and included on any official forms lodged to ASIC when changing or updating company details.

Time: 3-4 days

Cost: AUD $457

4. Apply for an Tax File Number (TFN) and Australian Business Number (ABN)

A company will need a Tax File Number (TFN). You can apply for a business TFN when you register for an ABN.

Once you have an ACN you can also apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), similar to the ACN it is a unique identifying number which can be used when dealing with official paperwork. According to comparative site DifferenceBetween.net the ABN is usually 11 digits long, and for companies an ABN generally contains the company’s 9-digit ACN within its 11 digits. So long as the ABN contains the ACN it can be used for official paperwork in place of the ABN.

While the TFN is clearly required, the need (or any benefit) to having both an ACN and ABN may not be obvious – both have the same purpose of ‘streamlining communication with government agencies’ and seem to serve essentially the same function. However, if a company wishes to register one or more business names for trading or branding purposes, or register for the GST, an ABN will be required (business names are optional, but note that any company or business with an annual turnover of AUD$75,000 or more must register for GST and thus by extension, an ABN).

According to the Australian Business Register (ABR), the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is the authority responsible for assigning ABNs for companies and businesses in Australia. You will need to provide your company documents, and details such as the place of business, the authorized contact (e.g. resident director) and a written declaration stating that the information provided is true and correct.

The application can be done online at the Australian Business Register: https://abr.gov.au/ABRWeb/AbnApply.abr?pid=71.

It can also be done via the Australian Tax Office, by posting a Form NAT 2938 – ABN registration for individuals/sole traders or Form NAT 2939 – ABN registration for companies, partnerships, trusts and other organizations). The form can be ordered from the ATO at: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/Gen/Order-ATO-products-online/

Note: the ABR states that when you register for a TFN/ABN online you can also register for the GST and a business name at the same time.

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: No charge

5. Register a business name (optional)

In addition to a company name, a company may choose to register one or more “business names”. ASIC describes a business name as a trading name that can be used if a company wants to carry on a business using its name without the legal terms, or if it wants to use a different name for branding purposes, etc. Note if a company wishes to register business names, it must first acquire an ABN (as discussed above). Multiple business names can be attached to a single ABN.

Business names can be registered through a service provider, or can be directly registered via the Australian Business Register. You will need to provide the ABN, and details of the proposed ‘business’ such as business address and name of the business holder (which can be the company or an individual).

The name can be registered online through ASIC at https://asicconnect.asic.gov.au/login/login.html

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: AUD $34 for one year (AUD $78 for three years)

6. Register for GST with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

It is not necessary for an entity that has an ABN to be registered for GST if their annual turnover or income does not exceed $75,000.00.

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: No charge

7. Register any business names as trade marks (optional)

Registering a trading or business name allows you to carry on business under the name, but doesn’t give you any exclusive trading, branding or ownership rights over that name. As stated by IP Australia, registering a business or company name does not automatically have the right to use that name as a trade mark. Registering a business name or company name that is similar or has potential to be confused with a protected trade mark could cause legal issues. Hence it is recommended to check the availability of planned company/business names from the start against both existing business names and trademarks (as detailed in the first step).

For that level of protection of a trademark, the company/business name may additionally be registered as a trademark. Although the specifics of Australian trade mark law is outside the scope of this guide, the basic procedure is to register online through IP Australia’s eServices system at https://services.ipaustralia.gov.au/ICMWebUI/

Time: 3-4 months

Cost: starting from AUD $120

8. Establish an Office

In Australia, renting ‘virtual offices’ is generally not sufficient to meet legal requirements of establishing a company, and a real physical office location will be required. Commercial premises can be leased through any number of private agencies or landlords.

The Australian Tax Office notes that if you rent a commercial property as your business premises, the rent is tax deductible and you may be able to claim GST credits for the GST included in the rent if the company is registered for GST.

Time: depends on agent (estimate: 1-2 weeks for paperwork)

Cost: varies

9. Open a Commercial Bank Account

If you’re operating a partnership, company or a trust, you must have a separate bank account for the company for tax purposes.

Opening a business account is generally straightforward in Australia, and doesn’t have particular restrictions or requirements. Most of the major banks offer a quick and easy online registration process, or simply going to a bank in person, where an account can usually be opened on the same day.

Time: Generally instant (online)

Cost: Generally no charge (may require minimum initial deposit)

10. Register for Payroll Tax

Companies employing people must register with the local revenue office when their Australia-wide wages exceed the threshold applicable in that state or territory. The Payroll Tax is a tax based on total wages per month, and is controlled at the state level, collected in each state or territory that staff are located in. Companies are only liable for payroll tax if the total wages exceed an exemption threshold per each state. The state bodies and applicable thresholds (as of June 2015) are listed on the government payroll website:

ACT Revenue Office ($145,833.33 per month)http://www.revenue.act.gov.au/duties-and-taxes/payroll-tax
NSW Office of State Revenue AUD (AUD$14,384 per week.)http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/taxes/payroll
Northern Territory Revenue (AUD$125,000 per month)http://www.treasury.nt.gov.au/TaxesRoyaltiesAndGrants/PayrollTax/Pages/default.aspx
Qld Office of State Revenue (AUD$21,153 per week.)http://www.osr.qld.gov.au/payroll-tax/index.shtml
Revenue SA (AUD$50,000 per month)http://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/taxes-and-duties/payroll-tax/frequently-asked-questions
TAS State Revenue Office (AUD$19,423 per week.)http://www.sro.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/SROWebsite.nsf/v-all/7B06C3D928B7F834CA257574008351E8?OpenDocument&menuitem=Payroll Tax
VIC State Revenue Office (AUD$45 833 per month)http://www.sro.vic.gov.au/SRO/sronav.nsf/childdocs/-34FAD0EFBAFF8BE0CA2575A100442101-5DB4C6346AF77ABBCA2575D10080B1F7?open
WA Office of State Revenue (AUD$66 667 per month)

It is unfortunately difficult to give any specific guidelines on the process, price and timeframes of registering for Payroll Tax since, as Safe Work Australia reports, it can vary greatly between states.

Time: 1 week-2 weeks (rough estimation)

Cost: depends upon state

11. Signup for Workers Compensation

If employing people, the company is obligated to maintain a current accident and sickness insurance, generally referred to as “Workers’ Compensation Insurance”. Law firm Henry Carus Associates states that although there is a federal agency overseeing the standards and laws are, for the most part, unified across all states, the actual operation of Workers’ Compensation is on a state level, each with its own rules and systems. Companies can register as an employer with the appropriate local state authority, usually named “WorkCover” or “WorkSafe”:

Australian Capital Territory – Work Safe Act
New South Wales – Work Cover NSW
Northern Territory – NT Work Safe
Queensland – The Workers’ Compensation Regulator (formerly Q-COMP)
South Australia – ReturnToWork SA (from 1st July 2015)
Tasmania – WorkCover Tasmania
Victoria – WorkSafe Victoria
Western Australia – WorkCover WA

It is unfortunately difficult to give specific guidelines on the process, price and timeframes of registering for Workers’ Compensation as an employer. However, generally, application can be done online or via post, but the specific application process and cost depends on the provider. As Safe Work Australia reports, in some states, the actual insurance is covered by a private insurance company that the company must engage, and only overseen by the Worker’s Compensation body, while sometimes it is covered directly. Generally costs are largely based on an employer’s health and safety performance, and the safety ranking of the industry, for example as reported by the Victoria Worksafe guide.

Time: 1 week (varies greatly depending upon insurer, business type, etc)

Cost: varies greatly depending upon state, insurer, business type, etc

Branch Office

If not wishing to incorporate an Australian Company, a foreign company “carrying on business” in Australia must still register. The process is similar to establishing an Australian company. Once registered, the foreign company may sue and be sued or may hold property in the name of its secretary or other officer.

According to the PwC Guide to Business, if a foreign company chooses to establish a branch office in Australia, it must be registered as a foreign company under the Corporations Act. Law firm Henry Carus Associates states that there is no limit on foreign ownership for branches. However, a registered office needs to be established in Australia and a local agent must also be appointed.

The Practical Law guide states that for regular financial reporting, a company needs to lodge the accounts for the local branch office to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and also the parent company’s financial reports.

SEE STEPS INVOLVED

Advantage / Disadvantage

According to the PwC Guide to Business in Australia the establishment of an Australian branch may be preferable to incorporating a subsidiary if one of the objectives is to consolidate the financial results of the company in the place of residence of the overseas company.

According to ASIC, a company can conduct business throughout Australia without needing to register in individual states and territories.

However, the tax guide site Lowtax.net writes that since both subsidiaries and branch offices are subject to the standard corporate tax rate, the subsidiary may be preferable as it has the added benefit separate legal status from its parent.

Registration Steps

1. Check availability of company name

When registering the company (detailed in the next step), a company name can be nominated. A company name is optional – if no company name is to be used, the ACN will be used in place of the name.

However, if you do wish to nominate a company name, it must meet certain requirements. In particular, it is considered your responsibility to ensure the name will not cause any conflicts. Even if ASIC accepts a proposed company name, any company with a similar registered name may take action against you if they feel your name is too similar or could mislead consumers. Therefore if wishing to use a company name, it is recommended to follow this step prior to registration.

ASIC provides a few tips when considering company names:

Naturally, it must be a name that is not already registered to another company or business. You can use Check Name Availability to tell you whether your name is identical or similar to an Australian name already registered.
In Australia, a company name or business name is not automatically considered a trademark, therefore it is additionally recommended to check if your proposed company name is similar or identical to any registered or pending trademarks. You can check the IP Australia website to find out.
A proprietary company must include the word ‘Proprietary’ or the abbreviation ‘Pty’ in its name and must also indicate the liability of its members.
You also cannot use words suggesting a misleading connection with government, the Royal Family or an ex-servicemen’s organisation We may also refuse to register certain names if they are considered offensive or suggest illegal activity. These restrictions make sure that a company’s name does not mislead people about its activities.

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: No charge

2. Appoint a Representative

While not a formal registration, a valid person must agreed upon by the company and the representative’s details will be included in company application.

Time: N/A

Cost: N/A

3. Lodge Foreign Company forms and Register the company

To register a foreign company, you must complete Form 402 Application for registration as a foreign company. The form asks for general details about the corporation and must be completed in full. In addition, the following documents must be submitted, and if they are not in English then a certified translation is required:

Current certificate of registration or a document of similar effect that confirms that the company is currently registered
Certified copy of the company’s constitution certified by official body or notary dated no more than 3 months before we receive it.*
If the foreign company is not bound by a written constitution and/or is bound by some other means of governance, provide a statement in writing to that effect and include a description of the legislation that governs the administration of the company. The statement must be certified in accordance with the requirements for certification as described above.
A copy of the document authorizing the third party to appoint the local agent. Verify the authorizing document with a Form 403 – Verification of copy of document authorising on behalf of a foreign company, execution of a document appointing a local agent.
Memorandum stating the powers of certain directors

The application and supporting documents, can be mailed to

Australian Securities and Investments Commission, PO Box 4000, Gippsland Mail Centre VIC 3841

ASIC will issue a unique identifying number known as the Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN) and a Certificate of Registration. For the most part this can be used for the same function as an Australian Company Number (ACN).

Time: unspecified

Cost: AUD $463

4. Apply for an Tax File Number (TFN) and Australian Business Number (ABN)

A foreign company carrying on business in Australia will need a Tax File Number (TFN). According to the Australian Business Register, once you have an ARBN you can also apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN), similar to the ARBN it is a unique identifying number which can be used when dealing with official paperwork.

While the TFN is clearly required, the need (or any benefit) to having both an ARBN and ABN may not be obvious – both have the same purpose of ‘streamlining communication with government agencies’ and seem to serve essentially the same function. However, if a company wishes to register one or more business names for trading or branding purposes, or register for the GST, an ABN will be required (business names are optional, but note that any company or business with an annual turnover of AUD$75,000 or more must register for GST and thus by extension, an ABN).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is the authority responsible for assigning ABNs for companies and businesses in Australia. According to the ABR you will need to provide your company documents, and details such as the place of business, the authorized contact (e.g. resident director) and a written declaration stating that the information provided is true and correct.

The application can be done online at the Australian Business Register: https://abr.gov.au/ABRWeb/AbnApply.abr?pid=71 or the appropriate form can be found online at: https://abr.gov.au/For-Business,-Super-funds—Charities/Applying-for-an-ABN/

Note: the ABR states that when you register for a TFN/ABN online you can also register for the GST and a business name at the same time.

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: No charge

5. Register a business name (optional)

In addition to a company name, a company may choose to register one or more “business names”. ASIC describes a business name as a trading name used if a company wants to carry on a business using its name without the legal terms, or if it wants to use a different name for branding purposes, etc.

Note: if a company wishes to register business names, it must first acquire an ABN (as discussed above). Multiple business names can be attached to a single ABN.

The name can be registered online through ASIC at https://asicconnect.asic.gov.au/login/login.html

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: AUD $34 for one year (AUD $78 for three years)

6. Register for GST with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

It is not necessary for an entity that has an ABN to be registered for GST if their annual turnover or income does not exceed $75,000.00.

Time: Instant (online)

Cost: No charge

7. Register any business names as trade marks (optional)

According to IP Australia, registering a trading or business name allows you to carry on business under the name, but doesn’t give you any exclusive trading, branding or ownership rights over that name. Registering a business or company name does not automatically have the right to use that name as a trademark. Registering a business name or company name that is similar or has potential to be confused with a protected trade mark could cause legal issues. Hence it is recommended to check the availability of planned company/business names from the start against both existing business names and trademarks (as detailed in the first step).

Time: 3-4 months

Cost: starting from AUD $120

8. Establish an Office

The Australian Tax Office notes if you rent a commercial property as your business premises, the rent is tax deductible and you may be able to claim GST credits for the GST included in the rent if the company is registered for GST.

Time: depends on agent, estimate 1-2 weeks for paperwork

Cost: varies

9. Open a Commercial Bank Account

If you’re operating a partnership, company or a trust, you must have a separate bank account for the company for tax purposes.

Time: Generally instant (online)

Cost: Generally no charge (may require minimum initial deposit)

10. Register for Payroll Tax

ACT Revenue Office ($145,833.33 per month) http://www.revenue.act.gov.au/duties-and-taxes/payroll-tax
NSW Office of State Revenue AUD (AUD$14,384 per week.) http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/taxes/payroll
Northern Territory Revenue (AUD$125,000 per month) http://www.treasury.nt.gov.au/TaxesRoyaltiesAndGrants/PayrollTax/Pages/default.aspx
Qld Office of State Revenue (AUD$21,153 per week.) http://www.osr.qld.gov.au/payroll-tax/index.shtml
Revenue SA (AUD$50,000 per month) http://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/taxes-and-duties/payroll-tax/frequently-asked-questions
TAS State Revenue Office (AUD$19,423 per week.) http://www.sro.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/SROWebsite.nsf/v-all/7B06C3D928B7F834CA257574008351E8?OpenDocument&menuitem=Payroll Tax
VIC State Revenue Office (AUD$45 833 per month) http://www.sro.vic.gov.au/SRO/sronav.nsf/childdocs/-34FAD0EFBAFF8BE0CA2575A100442101-5DB4C6346AF77ABBCA2575D10080B1F7?open
WA Office of State Revenue (AUD$66 667 per month)

It is unfortunately difficult to give any specific guidelines on the process, price and timeframes of registering for Payroll Tax since it can vary greatly between states.

Time: 1 week-2 weeks (rough estimation)

Cost: depends upon state

11. Sign up for Worker Compensation Insurance

Australian Capital Territory – Work Safe Act
New South Wales – Work Cover NSW
Northern Territory – NT Work Safe
Queensland – The Workers’ Compensation Regulator (formerly Q-COMP)
South Australia – ReturnToWork SA (from 1st July 2015)
Tasmania – WorkCover Tasmania
Victoria – WorkSafe Victoria
Western Australia – WorkCover WA

Time: 1 week (varies greatly depending upon insurer, business type, etc)

Cost: varies greatly depending upon state, insurer, business type, etc

Representative Office

Where a foreign company does not intend to carry on business in Australia it may seek to establish a representative office. Such an office must however only engage in activities which will not amount to carrying on business (for example, undertaking promotional activities). PwC’s business guide states that if the representative office engages in activities that count as “carrying on business”, an Australian branch must be registered.

The representative office requires a minimum of 1 director or officer, who must be a natural person (i.e. not another company) and a resident in Australia. It may have additional directors who may be from any legal jurisdiction. The primary example of a representative office is having a nominated person who handles local enquiries. The person may be employed by a local affiliate and authorized to act as an official point of contact for the parent company. The name of representative office will be the name of the parent company. Consulting Firm Five Consult notes that company names containing restricted words such as “Bank”, “Insurance”, “Trust” etc. will not be permitted however, unless appropriate approval has been obtained from the government.

SEE STEPS INVOLVED

Advantages/Disadvantages

A representative office is generally useful for companies wishing to establish a preliminary presence in a country prior to operational establishment. It can be useful as an information point for local customers or to establish a presence and perform preliminary actions like market research, networking, preparing for incorporation of a subsidiary, and the like. The primary restriction on a representative office is also its main disadvantage. As mentioned above, a representative office may only engage in activities that are not considered ‘carrying on business’ in Australia. In general, this means any direct profit-generating activities such as making sales.

The other major point to keep in mind is that because the representative office is not considered a legal entity the appointed director will act as the representative agent for the parent company. This means that they will be the one liable for any agreements made in Australia (such as real estate contracts). This also seems to mean that a representative office cannot retain staff as an Australian employer.

Registration Steps

Much less information about representative offices is available. Generally, it is mentioned along with the branch office form, but then only details of a branch office registration are discussed with representative offices being more of a footnote. It seems the only real formal requirement is to appoint a representative. This suggests that a representative office cannot directly employ people in Australia, and that a representative office would be a very limited form.

1. Appoint a Representative

The representative office requires a local resident to act as a director responsible to local authorities. Additional directors can also be appointed, and these additional directors are free to be based overseas.

Five Consult reports that to report the representative operation, a Register of Directors must be submitted to ASIC.

Time: N/A

Cost: N/A

2. Establish an Office

Time: depends on agent, estimate 1-2 weeks for paperwork

Cost: varies

3. Open a Commercial Bank Account

If you’re operating a partnership, company or a trust, you must have a separate bank account for the company for tax purposes.

Note that for a representative office, the representative will likely be the one who is responsible for opening the account.

Time: Generally instant (online)

Cost: Generally no charge (may require minimum initial deposit)

In Australia, there is little difference between the branch and subsidiary. While the subsidiary may take a bit more work to register and manage, it is a separate legal entity and this means the parent company’s records and liabilities can be better protected. Representative offices appear to be little documented, except for banks and international financial organizations. Therefore, the subsidiary company generally appears to be the most common structure for foreign businesses entering Australia.

Outsourcing Employment Through a GEO Employer of Record Service

Whether to incorporate in Australia, and what sort of entity to setup are just two of the many choices companies must make when expanding into a new market.

If the company intends to have staff in Australia they must also decide whether they will administer that employment internally or use a Global Employment Organization to handle payroll and Employer of Record responsibilities. A GEO Employer of Record solution is an attractive alternative where

the company is looking to setup an office quickly
the company wants to work within a defined budget
the company wants to limit its initial commitment Australia
the company needs help with tax, employment, immigration and payroll compliance in Australia

The complexity of employment regulations in Australia makes the use of a GEO advisable coupled with local legal counsel to ensure full compliance with employment laws, for example the drafting of local contracts for workers.

Shield GEO provides a comprehensive service in Australia allowing companies to deploy their staff quickly with reasonable, clearly stated costs and timeframes. The company contracts directly with Shield to employ and payroll their staff on their behalf in Australia.

Shield GEO then becomes the Employer of Record. Shield GEO assumes the legal responsibility for these employees, sponsoring them on work permits, complying with local employment law and running their monthly payroll. Using Shield GEO is the fastest and most cost effective way to deploy local and foreign workers into Australia. Read more about outsourced employment through Shield GEO.

Summary of Set Up Steps

	Rep. Office	Branch Office	Subsidiary Company	Time	Cost (AUD)
Check Availability of Name	No	Yes	Yes	Instant	0
Appoint a representative	Yes	Yes	Yes	N/A	N/A
Register Company (ACN/ARBN)	No	Yes	Yes	3-4 days	457
Apply for Tax File Number (TFN) and Australian Business Number (ABN)	No	Yes	Yes	Instant	0
Register business names	No	optional	optional	Instant	34
Register for Goods & Services Tax (GST)	No	Yes	Yes	1 day	0
Register name as trade mark	No	optional	optional	2-4 months	120+
Establish Office	No	Yes	Yes	N/A	N/A
Open Corporate Bank Account	No	Yes	Yes	Instant	0
Register for Payroll Tax	No	Yes	Yes	1-2 weeks	Varies
Register for Workers Compensation Insurance	No	Yes	Yes	Varies	Varies
TOTALS:*applications and processing times, not including internal document preparation, etc	Rep.0 days No cost	Branch1-2 weeks $457- $607+	Subsidiary1-2 weeks $457- $607+

Add an additional 2-4 months if registering trade marks. However, the business can register and commence without waiting for the trademarks.