AustraliaCompany formation, tax and banking
A stable, English-law base for Asia-Pacific operations, mining and property.
Australia is a full-tax, fully transparent country with English-style law, an AAA-rated banking system, a huge pool of pension savings ('superannuation') and an unbroken record of stability. You can register a company in a day through ASIC (the companies regulator). People choose it for the market and the credibility, never for the tax rate.
For families, Australia is a serious place to move to; for businesses, it's the natural base for Pacific and Southeast Asian operations that want a Western legal system in the same time zone.
Why people choose Australia
- Register a company through ASIC in as little as a day
- English-style law, an AAA-rated banking system and an unbroken record of stability
- A Western legal system in the same time zone as Asia-Pacific
- 25% company tax for smaller, mostly active companies under AUD 50m turnover
- Franking credits stop dividends being taxed twice for residents
Where Australia fits
- APAC operating base
- Resources ventures
- Property holding
Where Australia fits in a structure
Typical role · Real operating base in Asia-Pacific
An Australian company is a real, fully taxed operating base for Asia-Pacific trade, mining and resources, or property. It pays 30% company tax, or 25% if it's a smaller company with turnover under AUD 50m and mostly active income. People pick it for the market and the credibility, never the tax rate, and Australia has full rules on profits held in foreign companies, pricing between group companies and over-borrowing.
What it depends onAt least one director must live in Australia, a strict legal rule where a stand-in director takes on real liability, and foreign buyers of land or businesses above certain values need FIRB approval before signing.
A simplified picture to explain the idea, not a recommendation. General information, not tax or legal advice.
Opening a bank account
CBA, Westpac, ANZ, NAB and Macquarie serve businesses, with strong online banking and instant local payments. Foreign-owned companies must have a director who lives in Australia — a strict legal requirement — and directors need a Director Identification Number.
How tax works here
30% company tax, cut to 25% for smaller companies with turnover under AUD 50m and mostly active (not investment) income. Capital gains are taxed as income, with a 50% discount for individuals who held the asset for over twelve months. 'Franking credits' stop dividends being taxed twice for residents. GST (sales tax) is 10%.
Real presence, and who can see the owners
At least one director must normally live in Australia. Company officers and addresses are searchable publicly on ASIC. Foreign investment in land, farming and sensitive sectors needs approval from FIRB (the Foreign Investment Review Board). Australia has full rules on profits in foreign companies (CFC), pricing between group companies and over-borrowing (thin capitalisation).
When to choose it
Choose Australia for a real operating company in Asia-Pacific, mining and resources, property investment, or as the base for a family moving to a stable English-law country.
You get a written comparison, not a sales pitch.
Every Australia recommendation comes as a written comparison with the alternatives — whether the setup will stand up to scrutiny, how easy banking will be, which tax treaties apply, who can see the owners, what it costs to run each year and the risk to your reputation — so you can see the trade-offs before you commit.
Considering Australia? Get a written comparison first.
Answer six questions and our team will come back with a shortlist, rough costs and where you could bank.
Questions we hear on every Australia intake.
- Do I need an Australian resident director?
- Yes, at least one for a private company. There's no way around it, and a stand-in director takes on real legal liability.
- What is FIRB approval?
- Clearance from the Foreign Investment Review Board, needed when foreigners buy Australian land or businesses above certain values. Check it before signing, not after.
- How fast is company registration?
- Same day to five days through ASIC, once the director ID and address requirements are met.
What we typically deliver in Australia
Corporate Structuring
Groups of companies across several countries: holding companies, companies that own your IP, joint-venture companies, and moving a company to a new country.
StructuresReal Estate Structuring
Own high-value property through properly run companies in tax-efficient countries.
MobilityResidency by Investment
Golden visas and residency in 13 countries — Portugal, the UAE, Malta, Greece and more.
ComplianceFiduciary & Compliance
Independent directors, anti-money-laundering procedures, proof of real presence, and the day-to-day admin that keeps companies in good standing.
More APAC jurisdictions & related insights
Singapore
Asia's hub for funds, family offices and company treasuries.
Hong Kong
The gateway to mainland China, with experienced, well-established banks.
Labuan (Malaysia)
3% tax on trading profits, with some of Malaysia's tax treaties, at a low Asian cost.
Every engagement begins with a twenty-minute advisory call. The fee is in writing before any work begins. No hourly billing.