Registering a company in Perth means officially setting up your business as a separate legal entity under Australian law. This process gives your business a unique identity, legal protection, and the ability to operate with credibility.
Starting a business in Perth is more than just having a good idea—it’s about laying the right legal foundation. Proper company registration protects your personal assets, builds trust with customers and suppliers, and sets you up for growth. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a startup founder in Western Australia, understanding how to register your company correctly is essential to getting your business off the ground smoothly and legally.
Step-by-Step: How Do You Register a Company in Perth?
Choosing a business name, registering with ASIC, obtaining the appropriate tax IDs, and making sure you fulfill all legal criteria are the first steps in the simple process to register a company in Perth. In order to correctly set up your business and prevent future headaches, each of these procedures is important.
Step 1 – Choosing the Right Company Name
Your company name is your business’s first impression and a key legal identifier.
- Check availability: Use the ASIC Connect portal to confirm your chosen name isn’t already registered or too similar to existing businesses.
- Check trademarks and domains: Visit IP Australia to ensure your name isn’t trademarked, and secure a matching domain name to protect your brand online.
- Naming rules: The name must not mislead or imply government or royal endorsement. Proprietary limited companies must end with “Pty Ltd.”
Choosing the right name isn’t just creative—it sets your company’s legal identity and marketing foundation.
Step 2 – Register Your Company with ASIC
ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) manages company registration nationally.
- Registration platforms: Use the ASIC Connect portal or the Business Registration Service (BRS) to lodge your application.
- Information required: You’ll need full names and addresses of directors and shareholders, your company’s registered office and principal place of business, and details of your share structure.
- Costs: Registration fees in 2025 range from $491 to $597 depending on company type.
- Processing time: Most registrations are processed instantly, with your Australian Company Number (ACN) and certificate emailed to you.
Step 3 – Apply for Your ABN, TFN, and ACN
These identifiers are essential for tax and business operations.
- ABN (Australian Business Number): Needed for invoicing, GST registration, and BAS lodgements.
- TFN (Tax File Number): Required for lodging company tax returns.
- ACN (Australian Company Number): Automatically issued upon ASIC registration.
The setup procedure can be streamlined by applying for your ABN and TFN at the same time through the BRS site or business.gov.au.
Step 4 – Apply for a Director ID
A Director Identification Number (Director ID) is mandatory for all company directors in Australia.
- Purpose: It helps prevent illegal phoenix activity and increases corporate transparency.
- How to apply: Use the myGovID platform to verify your identity and obtain your Director ID.
- Timing: You must apply for your Director ID before registering your company; without it, ASIC will not process your registration.
For smooth and reliable new business or company registration in Perth, trust ISM Accountants to guide you every step of the way. Start your business journey with confidence today!
Are You Eligible to Register a Company in Perth?
To register a company in Perth, you need to meet some important rules set by Australian law. Here’s a simple checklist to see if you qualify:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Your company must have a real physical address in Australia for its registered office (PO Boxes are not allowed). This is where official letters will be sent.
- You cannot be banned from managing a company by ASIC or the courts.
- At least one director must live in Australia. For private companies (Pty Ltd), this is required.
- You must choose a valid business structure and a company name that follows ASIC’s rules.
If you meet these points, you can register your company in Perth or anywhere in Western Australia.
Other important things to know:
- Directors and shareholders will need to provide ID like a passport or driver’s licence during registration.
- Your registered office and main business address must both be physical addresses in Australia (they can be different locations).
- Non-residents can register a company but must have at least one director who lives in Australia.
- Following these rules helps make sure your company registration goes smoothly and meets all legal requirements.
If you’re unsure or want expert help, ISM Accountants in Perth can guide you through the whole process.
You might like: How to Check if a Business Name is Registered in Australia?
Is It Worth Registering a Company in Perth?
Yes, registering a company is worthwhile if you plan to grow a sustainable and credible business. Here’s why:
- Limited liability: Your personal assets are legally separate from your business debts.
- Professional image: A registered company gives your business more legitimacy in the eyes of banks, clients, and suppliers.
- Scalability: A company structure makes it easier to attract investors, hire staff, and expand operations.
While operating as a sole trader may work for very small ventures, a registered company is a better choice for long-term plans.
Business Structure Options in WA – What’s Right for You?
When you decide to register a company in Perth, one of the first and most important choices you’ll make is selecting the right business structure. This decision affects how much tax you pay, your legal responsibilities, and how much personal risk you take on.
Here’s a quick look at the main business structures used in Western Australia and what they mean for you:
Structure | Setup Cost | Complexity | Tax Treatment | Legal Liability | Suitable For |
Sole Trader | Low | Simple | Taxed as personal income | Unlimited personal liability | Freelancers, sole operators, small contractors |
Partnership | Moderate | Moderate | Income shared and taxed personally by partners | Joint and several liability | Family businesses, informal partnerships |
Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd) Company | Medium | Moderate | Taxed at company tax rate (usually 25-30%) | Limited liability for shareholders | Startups, small to medium businesses looking to grow |
Trust | High | Complex | Income taxed in hands of beneficiaries or trustee | Trustee legally liable | Families, asset protection, estate planning |
Recommended Read: How to Prepare for Tax Season in Australia?
What does the business structure mean to register a company in Perth for you?
When you register a company in Perth, your business structure defines how your company is legally set up, how you pay tax, and your personal liability. It affects ownership, control, and protection of your assets, making it a key decision for your business success.
- Sole Trader: It’s the easiest and cheapest way to start, but you’re personally responsible if things go wrong.
- Partnership: You share profits and risks with others, but each partner can be held liable for the business’s debts.
- Pty Ltd Company: This is the most common structure when you want to protect your personal assets and grow your business. It offers limited liability, meaning your personal finances are generally safe if the business runs into trouble.
- Trust: More complex and usually used for protecting family assets or managing wealth, trusts require a trustee who is legally responsible for the business.
If you’re unsure which structure suits your needs, consulting a professional is a smart move. When you register a company in Perth with ISM Accountants, we’ll help you pick the right setup based on your goals and risk tolerance, so you start on the right foot.
Recommended Read: How to register a Trust in Australia?
What About Taxes, Licences & Compliance in Perth?
Registering a company is only the first step. You’ll need to meet several post-registration obligations.
- GST Registration: Mandatory if your business turnover exceeds $75,000 annually.
- PAYG Withholding: Required if you hire employees and withhold tax from wages.
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT): Applies if you offer employee perks like company cars or gym memberships.
- WA Business Licences: Depending on your industry, local councils and the WA government may require specific licences. Examples:
- Hospitality businesses need food safety certification
- Builders may require construction and site permits
- Home-based businesses must register with their local council
- Hospitality businesses need food safety certification
- ASIC Annual Compliance: You’ll need to complete an annual company review and pay the applicable fee. Failing to do so can lead to deregistration.
Key Legal Documents You May Need
Clear documentation will protect you as your business grows.
- Company Constitution: A formal set of rules detailing how your company is managed. Offers more flexibility than ASIC’s default.
- Replaceable Rules: The fallback legal framework under the Corporations Act if you don’t adopt a constitution.
- Shareholder Agreement: Important for companies with multiple owners. Outlines voting rights, dividend policies, and what happens if someone exits the company.
- Professional Assistance: A legal advisor or ISM Accountants Perth can guide you in tailoring these documents.
What are the Mistakes to Avoid During Company Registration?
When you register a company in Perth, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can cause problems later. Here are some things to watch out for:
Picking a company name that’s already taken or not allowed.
Choosing the wrong people as directors or not having the right number of directors.
Not understanding which type of company suits your business.
Forgetting to protect your brand by registering a trademark.
Giving wrong or incomplete information when registering with ASIC.
Ignoring rules like updating your company details or paying annual fees.
Not having important legal documents like shareholder agreements, which can cause disputes.
Avoiding these mistakes will help make registering your company in Perth easier and keep your business running smoothly.
Why ISM Accountants is the Right Choice for Company Registration in Perth?
ISM Accountants has helped hundreds of new businesses in Perth successfully register and scale. They’re well-versed in WA’s legal and tax systems and ensure your business setup is compliant from day one.
Here are the services ISM Accountants provide based on the links you shared:
- New Business Registration / New Company Registration
- Business Services
- Taxation Services
- Tax Return Services
- Bookkeeping Services
- Loan Management Services
- Home Loan Services
- Payroll Management Services
Book your free consultation today to register a company in Perth with expert guidance.
Company Registration Perth – Quick Checklist
Starting a company in Perth is an exciting step, but it’s important to follow the right process to ensure your business is legally compliant and set up for success. Use this quick checklist to guide you through the essential steps of registering your company smoothly and efficiently.
Checklist:
- Choose a business structure
- Pick a company name and check availability
- Apply for Director ID
- Register the company with ASIC
- Apply for your ABN, TFN, and ACN
- Register for GST and PAYG if applicable
- Prepare legal documents like a constitution and shareholder agreement
- Open a business bank account
- Stay on top of annual ASIC compliance
Final Thoughts: Get It Right from the Start
By registering a company in Perth, you are investing in the legitimacy and expansion of your enterprise for the long run. By taking the appropriate actions and working with a reliable advisor like ISM Accountants, you can make sure that everything is managed expertly right away.
Thinking of starting a business in WA?
Book your consultation with ISM Accountants today and take the first step toward building a strong and compliant company.
FAQs – Register a Company in Perth
No, not necessarily. You can register a company yourself using online tools. However, if your business has more than one owner or a complex structure, it’s a good idea to get legal or accounting advice.
Yes. However, at least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia. Non-residents may face additional tax and compliance considerations.
The ASIC registration fee is between $491 and $597 as of 2025, depending on the company type and structure.
Yes. An ABN is required for tax and invoicing purposes, while an ACN is your company’s official identification number issued by ASIC.
If you’ve completed your Director ID and documentation, most registrations are processed instantly online.
Yes—but make sure you have your ABN, relevant business licences, and all tax registrations in place before you begin operations.
