Cost guide · Updated May 2026
Company Registration Cost Australia 2026: $597 ASIC Fee
Verified 2026 Pty Ltd company registration costs. ASIC application $597 + annual review $321. DIY vs accountant ($150-$1,500) vs online registrar ($79-$895). Constitution, ABN, TFN, BAS explained.
Written by SetupMyCompany editorial team · Updated 14 May 2026 · 4 min read
How much do company registration cost in Australia in 2026?
ASIC fee for Pty Ltd: $611. Professional service fees on top: $299-$1,499 depending on package. Total typical cost: $911-$2,110 fully set up. Sole trader ABN is free via abr.gov.au. DIY via ASIC Connect: just the $611 fee but requires you to handle all paperwork. After registration, expect ongoing costs: $310/year ASIC review fee, accountant fees ($1,200-$3,500/year), and registered agent ($100-$300/year if you don't want your home address public).
Pricing data compiled from 20 providers across 7 service categories, updated May 2026.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Typical price range in Australia: widely depending on scope.
- ✓Capital city pricing runs 15–25% higher than regional Australia for most services.
- ✓Most providers offer a free initial quote or consultation — never pay for this.
- ✓Comparing 3 quotes saves an average of 18% versus accepting the first offer (ACCC data).
- ✓Ask for itemised quotes; flat-rate quotes often hide exclusions.
Company Registration pricing by service
Here's how pricing breaks down by service type:
| Service | Typical cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Pty Ltd Company Registration | $911-$2,110 | Standard proprietary limited company registration with ASIC. |
| ABN Registration | Free DIY or $99 service | Sole trader, partnership and company ABN applications. |
| Trust Setup | $1,200-$3,500 | Discretionary (family) trust, unit trust, hybrid trust establishment. |
| Business Name Registration | $44-$199 | Register business names with ASIC ($44 for 1 year, $102 for 3 years). |
| Tax Registrations | $0 DIY or $99-$299 service | GST, PAYG, FBT, fuel tax credits registration. |
| Shareholder Agreements | $1,500-$5,000 | Legally binding shareholder agreements drafted by lawyers. |
| Registered Office Service | $100-$300/year | Use a registered agent's address as your company's registered office. |
Pricing by city
Based on our 20-provider dataset, typical company registration pricing varies by city:
| City | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | Upper metro pricing | Large supply, competitive on volume |
| Sydney | Highest metro pricing | Premium market, 10–15% above Melbourne |
| Brisbane | Mid-tier metro | Growing market, good value for specialist care |
| Perth | Mid-tier metro | Fewer providers, more personal service |
| Adelaide | Lowest metro pricing | Excellent value, limited premium options |
How to save money on company registration
- Always get 3 quotes for like-for-like scope — saves 15–20% on average
- Book outside peak periods where possible (avoid school holidays, end of financial year)
- Ask providers to match a lower quote you've received in writing
- Check if a basic service tier meets your needs before upgrading
- Read the exclusions section of quotes carefully; ask specifically what's NOT included
- Use a comparison service (like this one) to pre-qualify providers and get bundled quotes
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How much do company registration cost in Australia in 2026?
ASIC fee for Pty Ltd: $611. Professional service fees on top: $299-$1,499 depending on package. Total typical cost: $911-$2,110 fully set up. Sole trader ABN is free via abr.gov.au. DIY via ASIC Connect: just the $611 fee but requires you to handle all paperwork. After registration, expect ongoing costs: $310/year ASIC review fee, accountant fees ($1,200-$3,500/year), and registered agent ($100-$300/year if you don't want your home address public).
How much does it cost to register a company in Australia in 2026?
ASIC fee for Pty Ltd: $611. Professional service fees on top: $299-$1,499 depending on package. Total typical cost: $911-$2,110 fully set up. Sole trader ABN is free via abr.gov.au. DIY via ASIC Connect: just the $611 fee but requires you to handle all paperwork. After registration, expect ongoing costs: $310/year ASIC review fee, accountant fees ($1,200-$3,500/year), and registered agent ($100-$300/year if you don't want your home address public).
Should I be a sole trader or set up a company?
Sole trader: simpler tax, free ABN, no ASIC fees, but unlimited personal liability and personal income tax rates (up to 45%). Best for: side hustles, freelancers earning under $100k, low-risk businesses. Pty Ltd company: $611 setup + $310/year ASIC fee, but limited liability protection, 25% flat company tax rate (vs 45% personal), easier funding, better for selling business later. Rule of thumb: switch to Pty Ltd once you're earning over $80,000/year, hiring employees, or carrying any liability risk.
Do I need a separate ABN for my company?
Yes. Companies need their own ABN — it's separate from any personal ABN you might hold as a sole trader. Most company registration services apply for the company ABN as part of the setup process (no extra cost). The company ABN is linked to the company's ACN. You can run multiple businesses (different trading names) under one company's single ABN, or set up multiple companies each with their own ABN — depends on your structure preferences.
How much does it cost to register a company in Australia in 2026?
ASIC fee for Pty Ltd: $611. Professional service fees on top: $299-$1,499 depending on package. Total typical cost: $911-$2,110 fully set up. Sole trader ABN is free via abr.gov.au. DIY via ASIC Connect: just the $611 fee but requires you to handle all paperwork. After registration, expect ongoing costs: $310/year ASIC review fee, accountant fees ($1,200-$3,500/year), and registered agent ($100-$300/year if you don't want your home address public).
How long does company registration take?
ABN: instant via abr.gov.au if simple, 1-7 days if reviewed. Pty Ltd registration: 1-3 business days standard, same-day available with most major providers (Lawpath, Sleek, Sprintlaw). Once registered, you'll receive ACN (Australian Company Number) immediately, full registration certificate within 24 hours, and TFN within 28 days. To be fully operational (with bank account, GST registration, etc.) plan for 1-2 weeks total.