Test whether a company is the right vehicle.
A company is a separate legal entity with ongoing duties. Compare it with a sole trader, partnership or trust by looking at liability, tax, investment, control, administrative cost and the way profits will be used.
Choose the name and governance rules.
The company may use an available name or its Australian Company Number. Decide whether replaceable rules, a constitution or a combination will govern internal decisions, and ensure prospective members understand the obligations they accept.
Confirm officeholders and consents.
Directors and secretaries must be eligible and must consent before registration. Proprietary companies generally require at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia. Registered office and principal place of business details should reflect the actual arrangement.
Director identity and responsibility matter.
Registration should not proceed until officeholder identity requirements, legal duties and the decision-making model are understood.
Prepare share and member information.
Document the share class, number, issue price, members and beneficial ownership. The cap table should match funding plans, founder arrangements and any overseas group relationships.
Plan what follows the ACN.
After registration, the company may need an ABN, tax registrations, licences, banking, employment setup and registers. Establish a process for keeping ASIC details current and reviewing the annual statement rather than treating it as an administrative afterthought.
Source review: 2026-07-27. Based on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission steps to register a company. Legal, tax and licensing advice should be obtained for the proposed model.