Last Updated: July 21, 2025
Australia is a developed high-income country with the world’s 14th-largest economy. The Australian economy is dominated by the services sector, which accounts for the largest portion of GDP, followed by mining (12.2%), health and education (13.4%), finance (7.5%), construction (7.5%), and manufacturing (5.9%). Australia’s GDP reached $1.75 trillion USD in 2024, representing 1.65% of the world economy. The country experienced modest growth of 0.2% in Q1 2025, with steady economic performance supported by strong natural resource exports and a robust domestic market.
Capital City
Canberra
Language
English
Currency
Australian Dollar (AUD)
Business Hubs
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra
Unlock growth opportunities in Australia with Cerity Global as your trusted partner. We offer end-to-end support for establishing your legal entity, navigating Australia’s often complex regulatory landscape with clarity and efficiency.
From company registration to ongoing back-office support, including HR, payroll, benefits, accounting, tax and compliance, Cerity Global simplifies the process so you can focus on growing your business.
Need to hire quickly before your entity is set up? We offer interim EOR services in Australia, enabling you to onboard talent fast. Once your entity is established, we ensure a smooth transition of your employees from the EOR structure to your own legal entity, without disrupting payroll or compliance.
Our experts stay ahead of regulatory changes to keep your operations aligned with Australia’s employment and tax laws, helping you scale confidently and compliantly.
The most common form of business entity for foreign investment in Australia. A Pty Ltd company offers limited liability protection and operational flexibility. It can be established by one or more shareholders (maximum 50 non-employee shareholders) with no minimum share capital requirement. The liability of shareholders is limited to their shareholding and any unpaid amounts on their shares.
A corporate entity suitable for larger operations that may seek public investment. Public companies can have unlimited shareholders and may list on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Requires compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 and additional regulatory requirements including continuous disclosure obligations.
Allows foreign companies to conduct business activities in Australia under the parent company’s name. The branch office is not a separate legal entity but an extension of the foreign parent company. Must be registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
A limited presence allowing foreign companies to conduct market research, liaison activities, and represent the parent company’s interests. Cannot engage in commercial activities or generate revenue in Australia. Must register with ASIC if conducting certain activities.
Must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Australia. This can be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or someone who ordinarily resides in Australia. Public companies require at least three directors, with at least two ordinarily resident in Australia.
Must have at least three directors, with at least two directors ordinarily resident in Australia. The company must also have a company secretary, who may also be a director.
Must appoint an agent who is ordinarily resident in Australia to act on behalf of the foreign company.
Must appoint a local agent or representative who is ordinarily resident in Australia.
Australian bank account setup requires specific documentation and follows strict regulatory compliance procedures:
Cerity Global supports companies in their global expansion plans and helps in legal entity setup, registration and ongoing support services. With us, you can quickly set up a legal entity, operate compliantly, and expand globally. The process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the bank.
Reasons you should setup legal entity in Australia:
Cerity Global ensures your business expansion in Australia is fast, compliant, and future-ready, so you can focus on growth while we manage the back-office tasks.
Economic figures are subject to change based on quarterly reports and market conditions.
Cerity Global combines deep local knowledge with proven expertise to make your Australia business establishment effortless and compliant. Whether you’re looking for legal entity setup and registration or ongoing support, we’re your trusted partner for sustainable global expansion in Australia.
Disclaimer – The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Entity setup requirements, tax rates, and economic data are subject to change and may vary by location.
To discuss your needs and how we can help you achieve a compliant and efficient expansion.