The procedure to adopt is similar whether you are forming a new company, or are going to operate as a branch of an overseas company.

• Check the name is available - click here if you want to check a specific name
• Decide whether you want to reserve the name for a period of time
• Apply to register the company (or the foreign company) on the prescribed forms
• Pay the required fee

You will have to lodge certain documents with the registration application, including the company's constitution if one has been adopted (lodgment not required if you are a proprietary company), written consents to act from the directors and the company secretary, and the original Certificate of Incorporation for a registrable overseas company carrying on business in Australia. Note that if you are registering an Australian branch of a company incorporated in England and Wales, or Scotland a new Certificate of Incorporation can be obtained from Companies House following payment of a small fee.

ASIC will issue an Australian Company Number and a Certificate of Registration once the company has been registered. This also serves as the Australian Business Number (ABN) for the purpose of registering with the Australian Taxation Office (note - an overseas company will be issued with an Australian Registered Body Number, or ARBN).

Go Matilda has an office in Australia and can help if you require assistance with:

• The incorporation of a new company in Australia
• The registration of the Australian branch of a company incorporated outside Australia
• The requirements in respect of accounting records and filing year-end financial statements, and
• Most matters concerning the legal requirements of operating a limited company in Australia.

Go Matilda - Your Gateway to Australia