Expanding your business into Australia no longer requires you as an overseas founder to travel, manage paperwork manually, or navigate complex compliance requirements alone. With ABN Australia’s support, foreign entrepreneurs can complete a fully remote Australian proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) company setup while remaining compliant with Australian regulations from day one.
This article explains what a Pty Ltd company is, how you as a non-resident can register one remotely, the key compliance requirements involved, and ABN Australia’s step-by-step process for establishing an Australian company from overseas.
What is a proprietary limited company?
A proprietary limited company, commonly referred to as a Pty Ltd company, is one of the most popular business structures in Australia for overseas entrepreneurs. This structure creates a separate legal entity that can:
Enter contracts
Open bank accounts
Employ staff
Hold assets
Protect shareholders through limited liability
For most non-resident founders, a proprietary limited company provides the flexibility and credibility needed to operate commercially in Australia.
Can non-residents register an Australian company remotely?
ABN Australia can help non-residents complete a fully remote company registration in Australia, often within one business day once compliance requirements have been satisfied. This includes professionally prepared incorporation documentation managed by an experienced senior compliance team.
Below is a list of important compliance obligations that you must understand before incorporating. These usually include:
Identity verification for directors and shareholders
Appointment of an Australian resident director
ASIC company registration requirements
ABN registration
GST registration where applicable
Ongoing tax and accounting obligations with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Registered office address requirements
Banking and operational setup support
Our team will explain these requirements clearly and can provide all of the above services under one roof. However, every international business has different operational, compliance, and tax requirements. That is why we recommend speaking with our consultants first so we can understand your structure, expansion plans, and compliance needs before preparing a tailored Australian company setup solution for your business.
What’s included in our Australian company formation package
When overseas entrepreneurs engage ABN Australia for company formation services, the setup package includes:
ASIC company registration documents
Certificate of Incorporation issued by ASIC
Australian Company Number (ACN)
Tailored company constitution
Company governance and shareholder documentation
Director and officeholder consent documentation
Consent to act as Public Officer
Initial directors’ minutes
Share applications and share certificates
Statutory registers
Shareholder and officeholder registers
Company journals and records
Australian business setup support services
Bank account opening kit
Optional hard-copy company packs with printing, binding, and courier delivery
You will also be needing a Director Identification Number (DIN), and this is something we can include, together with any necessary services, as part of your tailored setup solution.
Step-by-step process for remote Australian company formation
Unlike providers focused purely on low-cost online registrations, ABN Australia takes a consultative approach to business setup for foreigners entering Australia. Below is our step-by-step process for remote Australian company formation.
Step 1: Provide your company registration information
You need to complete our online registration form or a fillable PDF outlining:
Proposed company details
Shareholder information
Director information
Business addresses
Share structures
Step 2: Get compliance consultation and structure review
ABN Australia’s senior compliance team will discuss the below and advise on the best structure for your business:
Share capital requirements
Governance considerations (such as resident director)
Proprietary limited company obligations (such as ASIC registered agent, Director IDs and registered office address)
Tax registration requirements (such as ABN and GST registration)
Operational considerations for international groups
This stage also helps identify whether additional services are required.
Step 3: Complete ASIC registration for your company
Once documentation and compliance requirements are confirmed, the company will be registered directly with ASIC. In many cases, registration can be completed by our team within one business day.
Step 4: Receive your Australian company formation documents
You will receive a complete digital company pack that commonly includes:
Certificate of Incorporation
Constitution
Shareholder documentation
Registers and governance records
This streamlined approach allows you to establish an Australian company remotely with confidence.
Why foreign entrepreneurs choose ABN Australia for company formation
From ASIC registration, registered office address, and identity verification to resident director services, ABN and GST registration support, banking setup, and ongoing compliance, tax, and accounting services, ABN Australia delivers a fully integrated market entry solution designed specifically for non-residents establishing in Australia.
Foreign entrepreneurs choose ABN Australia because we combine speed, compliance, and end-to-end support. In many cases, we can incorporate your Australian company within one business day once all requirements are met.
Backed by a legacy dating back to 1976 and more than 200,000 companies established, we ensure your business is set up correctly from day one and supported for long-term growth.
Speak with our team today to discuss your Australian company setup and receive a tailored incorporation solution for your business.
Last updated: 12th May 2026
About the Author
Ro Elvinia is ABN Australia's Customer Success and Marketing Manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, majoring in journalism, and also has an academic background in civil engineering. With over a decade of experience in professional writing and a background spanning journalism, Australian immigration, and business services, Ro brings a unique mix of communication and analytical expertise. She works closely with international clients and contributes to ABN Australia's content strategy, helping global businesses stay informed and confident as they navigate the Australian market.
Ro Elvinia
Customer Success and Marketing Manager