How Much Is Company Registration?

Company registration in Australia usually costs from $611 in ASIC fees for a standard proprietary company with share capital, plus any professional setup fees if you use an accountant or advisor. At M2 Corporate, company establishment starts from $1,500 one-off.

For many business owners, the real cost is not just the ASIC fee. It also includes getting the structure, registrations, tax setup, company constitution, consent documents, registers and ownership records right from the start.

Quick Summary

• The current ASIC fee to register a proprietary company with share capital is $611.
• M2 Corporate’s company establishment service starts from $1,500 one-off.
• Company registration is different from business name registration.
• Professional setup can help reduce mistakes with ASIC, ATO and company record requirements.
• Ongoing ASIC annual review fees apply after the company is registered.

What Does Company Registration Cost in Australia?

The base government cost to register a company depends on the type of company you are setting up. For a standard Australian proprietary company with share capital, ASIC lists the current registration fee as $611.

This fee is paid to ASIC when the company is registered. It gives the company its Australian Company Number, also known as an ACN.

However, the ASIC fee is only one part of the total setup cost. If you work with an accountant or advisor, the fee usually reflects the extra work involved in setting up the company properly.

That can include:

• preparing and lodging ASIC Form 201
• arranging the Certificate of Registration
• preparing the company constitution
• setting up director and member consents
• preparing resolutions and minutes
• setting up company registers
• preparing share applications and certificates
• applying for TFN, ABN and GST registrations where needed

At M2 Corporate, our company establishment service starts from $1,500 one-off.

Company Registration Cost Breakdown

ASIC fees are indexed, so business owners should check the current ASIC fee schedule before registering a company.

What Is Included in M2 Corporate’s Company Establishment Service?

Our company establishment service is designed to help you set up correctly from the start.

This can include:

• Lodgement of Form 201 Application of Registration of Company with ASIC
• Certificate of Registration of Company
• Company Constitution
• Application to register TFN and ABN with the Australian Taxation Office
• GST registration with the Australian Taxation Office
• Consent to Act
• Consent to become a Member
• Resolution of the Directors and minutes
• Register of Members
• Application of Shares
• Share Certificate
• Register of Shareholders
• Transfer Journal
• Register of Option Holders
• Register of Charges Granted
• Register of Debenture Holders

The goal is simple. You receive the key documents and registrations needed to begin operating with clearer records and fewer loose ends.

Why Does Professional Company Registration Cost More Than the ASIC Fee?

The ASIC fee covers the government registration only. It does not give you tailored advice on the right structure, tax setup or supporting documents.

Professional setup costs more because it can include practical guidance and record preparation.

For example, if two people are starting a company together, you need more than an ACN. You need clear records showing:

• who the directors are
• who the members are
• how shares are issued
• what rules apply to the company
• which registrations are needed for tax purposes

That is where professional setup can help. It gives you a stronger foundation and reduces the risk of having to fix avoidable issues later.

Company Registration vs Business Name Registration

Company registration and business name registration are not the same thing.

A company is a legal entity registered with ASIC. It receives an ACN and has its own legal obligations.

A business name is the trading name a business operates under.

For example, if your company is called Smith Holdings Pty Ltd but trades as Smith Plumbing, you may need both company registration and business name registration.

Do You Need an ABN, TFN and GST Registration Too?

In most cases, yes, a company will need tax registrations after it is created.

These can include:

• an ABN, or Australian Business Number
• a TFN, or Tax File Number
• GST registration, if required
• PAYG withholding, if the company employs staff

GST registration depends on your business turnover, business type and plans. The right setup depends on what the business does, how it earns income and how it plans to operate.

Should You Register a Company Yourself or Use an Accountant?

You can register a company yourself through ASIC or through an online provider. This can suit simple setups where you already know the structure you need and understand the compliance requirements.

Using an accountant is usually better when:

• you are unsure whether a company is the right structure
• there are multiple directors or shareholders
• you need help with tax registrations
• you want proper registers and minutes prepared
• you want advice before making long-term structure decisions

A company structure can be hard to change later without tax, legal or administrative consequences. Getting advice early can save time and cost later.

How M2 Corporate Helps With Company Registration

M2 Corporate helps business owners set up companies with clarity, structure and compliance in mind.

We do more than lodge a form. We help you understand what is being set up, what documents you need and what obligations come next.

Our company establishment service starts from $1,500 one-off and can include ASIC registration, company constitution preparation, tax registration support, director and member documents, company registers and share records.

FAQs

How much is company registration in Australia?

The ASIC registration fee for a standard proprietary company with share capital is currently $611. Professional setup fees are additional if you use an accountant or advisor. M2 Corporate’s company establishment service starts from $1,500 one-off.

Is the ASIC registration fee the full cost?

No. The ASIC fee only covers the government registration. It does not include structure advice, company constitution preparation, tax registrations, consent documents, company registers, minutes or share documentation.

What is included in company registration?

Basic company registration gives the company an ACN and creates the legal entity. A professional setup can also include ASIC Form 201 lodgement, a Certificate of Registration, company constitution, director and member documents, company registers, share records and tax registration support.

Does M2 Corporate register companies?

Yes. M2 Corporate assists with company establishment, including ASIC Form 201 lodgement, Certificate of Registration, company constitution, director and member documents, company registers and related tax registrations.

Do I need an ABN when I register a company?

In most cases, yes. A company usually needs an ABN to trade, invoice clients and deal with tax obligations. M2 Corporate can help prepare the relevant ABN and TFN registration forms as part of the setup process.

Do I need GST registration when I register a company?

Not always. GST registration depends on your business turnover, business type and plans. M2 Corporate can help assess whether GST registration is needed when setting up your company.

Ready to Set Up Your Company Properly?

Starting with the right structure can save time, stress and avoidable admin later.

Book a free strategy session with M2 Corporate to discuss your company registration and corporate compliance setup needs.