What is a Registered Foreign Company in Australia?

A registered foreign company is a business that was originally incorporated in another country but now wishes to establish a branch or representative office in Australia. By registering with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the foreign company is officially authorised to conduct business in Australia.

It’s important to note that registration does not create a new legal entity – the company remains part of its overseas parent, and its Australian presence does not operate as a separate company.

Steps to Register a Foreign Company in Australia

If you want your overseas company to operate in Australia, you’ll need the following:

• Registered Office in Australia: An official business address where the company can be contacted.

• Local Agent: It is mandatory to appoint a local representative to ensure compliance with Australian legal requirements. This must be lodged using Form 418 (Memorandum of Appointment of a Local Agent).

• Form 420 – Foreign Company Registration: This is the formal application submitted to ASIC for registration.
  
  

After Registration – Ongoing Obligations

Once registered, the foreign company must:

• Lodge Annual Returns: Including a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement with ASIC every year.

• Report Any Changes: Notify ASIC of any structural changes (such as updates to company directors or office address) within the required timeframes.
  
  

What Oi Mate Offers Foreign Companies

Oi Mate provides a comprehensive service package to assist foreign businesses in launching and operating in Australia:

• Support with completing and submitting all required ASIC forms.

• Official Local Agent Service to ensure compliance with Australian law.

• Provision of a registered business address in Australia.

• Ongoing support for ASIC reporting and legal compliance.
  
  

Oi Mate’s expert team ensures that your business can enter the Australian market quickly, smoothly, and fully compliant with local regulations – so you can focus on growth while we take care of the logistics.

How much do these services cost?

• Foreign company registration with ASIC: From AUD 450 + GST, plus an ASIC fee of AUD 597
  
  

• Registered office address in Melbourne, Australia: From AUD 300 + GST per year per company
  
  

• Local Agent Service:
  
  

  • AUD 2,500 + GST for the first year (including setup costs)

  • Then AUD 1,900 + GST per year thereafter

  • Plus an optional fee for organising and managing local board meetings (price to be confirmed)

Registering as a Foreign Company in Australia – with Oi Mate’s Support

A Foreign Company refers to an existing business established in another country that can be officially registered in Australia. This registration allows the company to conduct business in Australia without the need to establish a separate Australian subsidiary.

Registering a Foreign Company in Australia

To register, you must complete Form 402 (Application for registration as a foreign company) and provide the following documents:

Required Documents:

Certificate of Registration

A certified copy of the company's certificate of incorporation issued by the official corporate registry of the country of origin (the local equivalent of ASIC in Australia).

• The document must be no more than 3 months old at the time of submission (ASIC may accept older documents in exceptional cases).

• If a certificate of registration is not available, it can be substituted with a:

  • Certificate of Good Standing

  • Certificate of Legal Existence

  • Or any other official document proving the company’s legal status.
    
    

Certified Copy of the Company’s Constitution

• Must include all amendments to date.

• Certification must be done by the relevant local authority, a notary public, or via an affidavit.

• If the company has no constitution, a written declaration must be submitted stating this, including a reference to the applicable governing laws. This statement must be signed by an authorised officer (e.g. director).
  
  

Appointment of a Local Agent

• It is mandatory to appoint a Local Agent using Form 418 (Memorandum of Appointment of Local Agent).

• The agent can be an Australian citizen or a company with an Australian address and is responsible for receiving official documents and regulatory notifications.
  
  

Authority of Australian Directors

• If the company has directors or board members based in Australia, a separate declaration must be submitted outlining their authority and responsibilities.
  
  

Director Identification Number (DIN)

• All directors operating in Australia must apply for a Director Identification Number if they do not already have one.

Smooth Setup with the Oi Mate Team

Our team not only assists you through the entire registration process but also:

• Helps you complete and submit Forms 402 and 418

• Provides a registered office address in Australia

• Acts as your official Local Agent in Australia

• Ensures submission of annual reports, financial statements, and full compliance with ASIC regulations
  
  

Oi Mate makes expanding to Australia easy, so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Resident Director Service in Australia – Oi Mate

Australian corporate law requires that every proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) must have at least one director who is a resident of Australia. This poses a significant challenge for foreign businesses looking to establish an Australian subsidiary.

Oi Mate’s Resident Director Service offers a smooth and professional solution: we connect you with experienced local professionals who meet legal requirements and provide valuable local insight for your company.

Key Features of Our Service

Access to highly qualified professionals:
Our partner network includes experienced executives, financial experts, and well-connected business figures.

Tailored selection and strategic matching:
We assess your business goals in detail and recommend a director whose experience and expertise align with your industry.

Rapid response time:
We understand that time is critical—typically, we respond to inquiries within one business day.

Industry-specific matching:
We provide a resident director with truly relevant experience in your sector.

What Do Oi Mate Resident Directors Offer?

Executives with international business experience
They offer strategic support for your entry into the Australian market.

Financial professionals with local knowledge
They understand the Australian financial and regulatory environment.

Well-connected business professionals
They can open new doors for your business through their existing networks.

Additional Support

Our resident directors can also assist with the following tasks, if needed:

• Opening a local bank account

• Acting as Public Officer with the ATO (Australian Taxation Office)

• Carrying out company secretarial duties
  
  

What Are the Benefits?

Ensuring legal compliance
We help you avoid penalties and legal hurdles by meeting local requirements.

Local expertise
We support your business with insights into local business practices and regulations.

Faster registration, less administration
We minimise startup difficulties and streamline your market entry.

Additional business support
We provide access to banking, tax, and corporate governance expertise as required.

Pricing

Oi Mate’s Resident Director Service starts from 6,250 AUD + GST per year.
The final price depends on your specific needs and the scope of responsibilities required.

Turnaround Time

The service can typically be initiated within one week, depending on the availability of required information and documents.

Get in touch with us today, and let us help you establish your business presence in Australia in a professional and secure way.