Business Establishment

Branch Establishment

We establish your Australian branch efficiently and in full compliance.

01

Product Overview

Expanding into Australia should be an opportunity, not an obstacle. We make it easy for you to launch and manage your Australian branch by taking care of everything from registration and compliance to ongoing support, so your team can focus on growth.

Global companies often choose to register a foreign branch instead of setting up a new local entity. It is a smart path, but one that can create complexity without the right partner. With ABN Australia, you gain a team that understands how to meet every local requirement quickly and correctly.

We have guided hundreds of international businesses through the process, helping them avoid delays, rejected filings, and compliance risks. The result is a fast, low-stress expansion that builds confidence with your head office and your customers.

Once your branch is established, we stay with you. Our team manages ASIC and tax compliance, bookkeeping, and financial reporting, while offering clear advice to help your Australian operations run smoothly and profitably.

ABN Australia gives you certainty, speed, and a trusted partner on the ground who is invested in your success.

02

What's Included

We take care of every requirement, from ASIC registration to compliance documents, so your foreign business can operate in Australia without delays.

Our team collects the necessary documents from you and we take care of the rest. Upon successful setup, you will receive:

  1. ASIC Certificate of Registration

  2. Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN)

  3. Local Agent Agreement

  4. Bank account opening kit

  5. Officeholders’ consent forms

  6. Consent to act as Public Officer

  7. Initial directors’ resolutions

  8. Statutory registers

  9. Company journals

Additional Requirements

You will also need a few key things to stay compliant in Australia, including an Australian Business Number (ABN), a registered office address, Director Identification Numbers (DINs), and an ASIC local agent.

During your first consultation, we walk you through everything and create a service plan tailored to your business. We keep everything straightforward and transparent, so you know exactly what you are getting and what it costs, with no hidden extras and no surprises.

03

How It Works

We walk you through each step and sort out the details for you, making your branch setup in Australia simple and straightforward.

Below is an overview of what to expect when you work with us to register your branch:

1. Free Consultation
We start with a quick chat. One of our experts gets to know your business, explains what is needed, and outlines a plan that fits your setup. No guesswork, just straightforward advice tailored to you.

2. Proposal Delivery
Once we understand what you need, we send through a clear proposal with the services, costs, and timeline. You know exactly what to expect before moving ahead.

3. Form Completion
Ready to go? We give you easy-to-complete forms and ask for a few ID documents so we can kick off the setup process quickly.

4. Compliance Checks
Our compliance and accounting team reviews everything to make sure every detail is correct before we lodge your registration. This helps things run smoothly right from the start.

5. Invoice and Agreements
We send your invoice and any required agreements so everything is in order before lodgement.

6. Foreign Company Registration
Once settled, we lodge your foreign company registration directly with ASIC, ensuring no delays. 

With ABN Australia, you have a local team that handles every step, so setting up your Australian branch feels simple and stress-free.

04

Requirements

To make sure everything meets Australian regulations, we need your proof of identity documents as part of the foreign company registration process.

We, together with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and ASIC, need the following documents to verify the identities of your directors and shareholders. This step keeps your registration compliant with Australian company laws and anti-money-laundering rules, and ensures everything is done right from the start.

What We Need:

1. Directors (Passport and Driver’s License)

Please provide clear, scanned copies of each director’s passport and driver’s license (or equivalent ID if no driver’s license is available).

2. Foreign Company Shareholders (Certificate of Registration)

A certificate of registration or equivalent legal document for any company shareholder.

Helpful Tips:

Make sure the scans are clear and legible, showing all the details (e.g., full name, photo, issue date).

Documents should not exceed 5MB per file, and we accept formats including PDF, JPG, and PNG.

Order Forms and Guides

Your Guide
to Starting a Business in Australia

Download our free guide Starting Your Business in Australia and find everything you need to set up your Australian branch. Inside, you’ll find clear instructions, compliance essentials, and insider advice from our team designed to help you navigate market entry smoothly and make informed decisions with confidence.

Put Your Trust in the Industry Professionals

Put your trust in industry professionals who specialise in Australian branch formation, guiding you through every step of setup, registration and compliance. Our team ensures your business operates confidently and compliantly from day one, with the local expertise to anticipate challenges before they arise.

Unrivalled Experience

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We have been official ASIC Registered Agents for almost 50 years, and have incorporated more than 200,000 companies during that time.

Legendary Customer Service

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We pride ourselves on great and informed customer service, with professional and prompt support available via chat, phone or email.

Easy to Work With

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We use the latest tech to streamline all our processes, and we offer a comprehensive range of related services ensuring we can be a 'one-stop-shop' for your business.

From the Knowledge Base

Still have more questions? We have the answer.

What is an Australian branch registration?

A branch registration allows a foreign company to operate in Australia without creating a separate legal entity. It involves registering the overseas company directly with ASIC under the Corporations Act.

Who needs to register a foreign company in Australia?

Any overseas business carrying on business in Australia (such as having staff, offices, or local contracts) must register as a foreign company with ASIC or establish a subsidiary.

What information is required to register a branch with ASIC?

You’ll need certified copies of your foreign company’s constitutional documents, details of directors, a local registered office, and a local agent authorised to represent the company in Australia.

How long does branch registration take?

The process typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on document preparation and ASIC review. ABN Australia manages all filings, translations, and local agent requirements to ensure a smooth registration.

Can ABN Australia act as my local agent for branch registration?

Yes. We act as ASIC-authorised local agents for foreign companies, ensuring compliance, handling correspondence, and maintaining accurate records on your behalf.

How do I choose between setting up a branch or a subsidiary?

A branch keeps the overseas company legally responsible, while a subsidiary is a separate Australian entity. ABN Australia helps you assess the compliance, tax, and operational implications to choose the best structure.

Get Started

Book a hassle-free discovery call with one of our team.