Expanding into Australia? We help overseas companies set up an Australian branch or subsidiary, and provide the local people and address the law requires.
Director Corporate Services specialises in helping overseas corporations, business people, investors and entrepreneurs enter the Australian market. Whatever the size of your business, we act as your representative here in the ways you need.
- Branch or subsidiary set-up
- Resident director or local agent
- Registered office address
- Ongoing ASIC compliance
Branch or subsidiary: what's the difference?
Australian branch (registered foreign company)
A branch is part of your overseas company, not a separate legal entity. Before it can carry on business here, your company must register with ASIC as a foreign company and receive an Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN). A branch must have a local agent and a registered office in Australia, and must lodge financial reports with ASIC each year unless an exemption applies.
Australian subsidiary company
A subsidiary is a new Australian company owned by your overseas company, and it is a separate legal entity under Australian law. It must have at least one director who ordinarily lives in Australia and a registered office in Australia.
Read more in our article on the differences between Australian subsidiaries and registered foreign companies.
How we help
- Local agent or resident director. We provide the local agent your branch needs, or the Australian resident director your subsidiary needs.
- Registered office. We can provide your registered office address in Australia.
- ASIC registration. Registering a foreign company takes considerable supporting documentation, and mistakes cause delays. Our staff help you complete your ARBN application, or set up a new subsidiary company where that suits your structure better.
- Ongoing compliance. As your ASIC registered agent, we help you meet your lodgement obligations every year.
Why set up in Australia
- Reputation. A branch or subsidiary in Australia gives your business trust and confidence with clients and partners, here and overseas.
- Secure and stable legal system. Your clients deal with a business that operates under a proven legal system that protects consumer rights, with a transparent balance of public and private information.
- A growing market. Australia is a growing market with a well-educated workforce and an increasingly visible presence in Asia and beyond.
- A base for global business. An Australian structure can help you reach a truly global market from here.
Branch and subsidiary questions
Should I set up a branch or a subsidiary?
It depends on your business, tax position and plans for Australia. A subsidiary is a separate legal entity, while a branch is part of your overseas company. We explain the requirements for each, and we recommend independent tax and legal advice before you decide.
What is an ARBN?
An Australian Registered Body Number is the number ASIC issues when a foreign company registers to carry on business in Australia as a branch. Australian companies get an ACN instead, and most businesses also need an ABN: see the difference between an ABN and an ACN.
Does a branch need a local agent?
Yes. A registered foreign company must always have a local agent, either an individual who lives in Australia or an Australian company, authorised to accept documents on its behalf. The local agent is answerable for the company's obligations here. We can act as your local agent.
Does a subsidiary need a resident director?
Yes. An Australian proprietary company must have at least one director who ordinarily lives in Australia. We can provide one through our Australian resident director service.
Can you provide a registered office address?
Yes. Both a branch and a subsidiary need a registered office in Australia, and we can provide one. Read about the difference between a registered office and a business address.
Talk to us about your Australian set-up
Email office@ardcs.com.au, call +61 7 5600 9777 or send us a message. One of our consultants will reply as soon as possible.
