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Australia company help: answers by topic

10 answers for owners and founders of a Australia company, from ordering to banking, annual compliance and what happens after incorporation. General information, not legal or tax advice: your specialist confirms how it applies to you.

Getting started

What documents does an overseas director need for an Australian director ID?

A paper application with certified copies of identity documents, because the online route needs Australian identity documents. Certified copies must meet the rules on the form, so check who may certify them in your country before signing. Start this on day one, as paper applications take the longest.

Certification and apostilleSource: About director ID, Australian Business Registry Services (accessed Sep 2026)

Can any Australian address be my company's registered office?

It must be a street address in Australia where documents can be served, not a PO box. If the company does not occupy the premises, the occupier must consent in writing. We confirm the address and the consent before lodging with ASIC.

Source: Change a company address, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (accessed Sep 2026)

Pricing & payment

Banking

How do Australian banks check directors who live overseas?

Each bank sets its own process. Many need certified identity documents or a video or in-person check for every director and signatory, and some only open accounts when a director lives in Australia. We tell you which institutions fit your setup before you apply; the bank decides.

Business account support

Should I wait for the ABN before applying for an Australian bank account?

Usually yes. Most banks ask for the company's ACN and ABN on the application, and the ABN is often needed to receive payments from Australian customers. We apply for the ABN straight after ASIC registration, so the bank application can follow quickly.

Business account support

Compliance

What late fees can ASIC charge my company?

Late fees apply when a change to company details is lodged more than 28 days after it happens, and when the annual review fee is paid late. Fees rise the longer the delay. Tell us about any change as soon as it happens and we lodge it in time.

Corporate changesSource: Late fees, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (accessed Sep 2026)

After incorporation

How do I close an Australian company I no longer use?

Apply for voluntary deregistration if all shareholders agree, the company has stopped business, holds assets worth less than A$1,000, has no debts or legal proceedings and has paid all ASIC fees. ASIC publishes a notice, and the company can be deregistered two months later. Apply at least two weeks before the annual review fee is due.

Company closureSource: Voluntary deregistration of a company, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (accessed Sep 2026)

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