Yes, Brazilian entrepreneurs can legally register a company in Australia from Brazil. Australian law permits non-residents, including individuals and companies from Brazil, to set up a business remotely, provided specific local requirements are met. These include appointing a resident director or engaging a registered agent and maintaining a registered office within Australia.
Choosing the right structure is critical, as it affects liability, taxation, reporting obligations, and investor credibility. Brazilian entrepreneurs planning to expand internationally may also explore opportunities to register a company in Singapore from Brazil, or learn how to register a company in Singapore from Brazil, which can provide additional market access in Southeast Asia.
While the primary focus here is on Australia, understanding these global options can help business owners plan multi-country strategies effectively.
Can You Register a Company in Australia from Brazil?
Yes, Brazilian entrepreneurs can legally set up a company in Australia without visiting the country. The Australian corporate framework is designed to allow foreign individuals and companies to establish operations remotely. To do this, you must meet specific requirements under the Australian Corporations Act and regulations administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Key requirements include:
- Appointment of at least one Australian resident director (mandatory for a Pty Ltd company).
- Maintaining a registered office in Australia, which can be serviced by a registered agent.
- Compliance with ongoing reporting and taxation obligations.
The process is straightforward for those who understand the legal requirements, including the appointment of at least one Australian resident director for most company structures. Options available to US entrepreneurs include proprietary companies (Pty Ltd), partnerships, and co-operative ventures.
Understanding which structure aligns with your operational and financial goals is crucial for long-term success. Additionally, considering other markets, such as Singapore, helps entrepreneurs diversify risk and access Asia-Pacific opportunities. Terms such as incorporating a company in Singapore from Brazil are relevant for planning regional expansion alongside an Australian setup.
Why Start a Business in Australia from Brazil?
Australia is an attractive destination for Brazilian entrepreneurs due to its robust legal framework, transparent taxation system, and business-friendly environment.
The benefits of incorporating in Australia and expanding your business from Brazil include:
- Business-friendly regulatory environment: Clear corporate laws, minimal bureaucratic hurdles, and efficient registration processes make Australia one of the most investor-friendly countries.
- Attractive tax regime: Companies benefit from competitive corporate tax rates, double taxation treaties between Australia and Brazil, and R&D incentives for innovative businesses.
- Global reputation and credibility: Registering an Australian company enhances your business credibility with investors, suppliers, and international partners.
- Strategic access to Asia-Pacific markets: Australia’s location offers trade opportunities across the region, including New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and China.
- Stable banking system: Access to a reliable financial infrastructure facilitates both domestic and international transactions.
- High investor confidence: Foreign-owned Australian companies enjoy high credibility with venture capitalists and private equity investors.
- Startup ecosystem support: Grants, accelerators, and incubator programs provide a structured support system for innovative businesses.
Brazilian entrepreneurs can leverage these advantages to expand operations internationally while ensuring regulatory compliance and financial stability. Understanding the comparative benefits of other markets, such as Singapore, may also help Brazilian business owners diversify and expand strategically.
Types of Business Structures in Australia for Brazilian Entrepreneurs
Australian law provides several corporate structures that foreign entrepreneurs can adopt. Choosing the right type depends on liability, compliance obligations, and operational goals.
| Entity Type | Liability | Compliance Requirements | Best For |
| Sole Trader | Full personal liability; assets at risk. | Simple setup; taxed under individual TFN. | Small or low-risk solo businesses. |
| Company (Pty Ltd / Exempt) | Limited to shareholders; directors may be liable for breaches. | Annual ASIC review, tax filing, and Director ID. | Startups, growing or investor-backed firms. |
| Partnership (GP / LP / ILP) | GP: unlimited; LP/ILP: limited for some partners. | ABN, TFN, partnership tax return, and GST if applicable. | Joint ventures or shared management setups. |
| Trust | Trustee liable; beneficiaries protected. | Trust deed, annual admin, and financial records. | Family, asset protection, or investment entities. |
| Co-operative | Limited liability. | Governed by Co-operatives Law; board oversight. | Member-owned or community-based ventures. |
Selecting the appropriate structure is crucial for both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Brazilian entrepreneurs must weigh the trade-offs between compliance requirements and operational flexibility.
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Australia from Brazil
Registering a company in Australia from Brazil involves a systematic approach to ensure full legal compliance:
- Choose the Right Structure: Decide whether to incorporate a new Australian company (subsidiary) or register your existing U.S. entity as a foreign company.
- Select and Reserve a Company Name: The name must be unique and comply with ASIC’s naming rules. You can check availability using the Check Name Availability tool and reserve it before applying.
- Appoint Key Representatives: Foreign companies must appoint a local agent to act on their behalf in Australia. For subsidiaries, at least one Australian resident director is mandatory.
- Prepare Required Documents
You’ll need:- Certified copy of your certificate of incorporation or registration.
- Certified copy of your constitution or governing documents.
- Memorandum of appointment or power of attorney for the local agent.
- Memorandum of directors’ powers within the entity.
- Apply for Director Identification Numbers (Director IDs): All directors (including foreign ones) must apply for a Director ID before registration.
- File the Application with ASIC: Complete Form 402 – Application for Registration as a Foreign Company and lodge it with ASIC. The form must be signed by a director, secretary, or the local agent.
- Pay the Registration Fee: The standard ASIC registration fee is AUD $611. Include payment along with your form and certified documents.
- Submit Documents to ASIC:
Send your complete application to:
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
PO Box 4000, Gippsland Mail Centre, VIC 3841. - Receive Your ARBN (Australian Registered Body Number): Once approved, ASIC will issue your registration certificate and ARBN, allowing you to conduct business in Australia legally.
- Receive Your ARBN (Australian Registered Body Number): Once approved, ASIC will issue your registration certificate and ARBN, allowing you to conduct business in Australia legally.
- Register for ABN, TFN, and Taxes: After incorporation, apply for your Australian Business Number (ABN), Tax File Number (TFN), and register for GST if required.
Careful adherence to this step-by-step process helps reduce the risk of non-compliance or operational delays.
Requirements for Brazilian Entrepreneurs
Before initiating incorporation, Brazilian entrepreneurs must prepare the following:
- Valid Brazilian passport and notarized proof of address
- Appointment of an Australian resident director or registered agent
- Company constitution or Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Australian Business Number (ABN) and Tax File Number (TFN)
- Industry-specific permits or licenses if applicable
- Proof of good standing in Brazil, if expanding an existing company
Accuracy in documentation, particularly notarized translations, ensures smoother registration and avoids potential delays during verification.
Cost of Incorporation in Australia from Brazil
Incorporation costs can vary depending on the business structure, agent fees, and legal requirements.
Initial Setup Costs:
- Company Registration: AUD 611 for a proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd)
Business Name Reservation: AUD 62 - Registered Agent Services: Around AUD 179 per year, including GST
- Legal or notarization fees: Varies depending on document certification needs
Ongoing Annual Fees:
- Annual Review Fee (for public companies): AUD 1,528
- Business Name Renewal: AUD 45–104 for 1–3 years
- Ongoing compliance and reporting costs
Operational Costs:
- Employee salaries, office rent, insurance, and day-to-day business expenses
Overall, initial setup can start from approximately AUD 859, with ongoing annual costs ranging between AUD 1573 and AUD 1632, plus additional compliance and reporting costs.
Opening a Business Bank Account in Australia from Brazil
Opening a bank account in Australia is a critical step to manage both domestic and international transactions.
Banking options:
- Local banks like ANZ, Westpac, NAB, and Commonwealth Bank
- International fintech platforms such as Wise, Payoneer, and Airwallex
KYC verification:
- Most banks require in-person identity verification for directors and signatories.
- Some fintechs allow remote onboarding with notarized documents.
Required documents:
- Notarized passport copies and proof of address
- Proof of company registration
- Australian Business Number (ABN) and Tax File Number (TFN)
Alternatives:
- Digital banking solutions may provide faster onboarding, but transaction limits may apply.
For detailed guidance on cross-border compliance, Brazilian entrepreneurs can consult resources like Sales tax platform and Sales tax guide for taxation and reporting considerations.
Visas and Residency Considerations
Incorporating a company in Australia does not automatically grant residency or work rights. Brazilian entrepreneurs must pursue visa pathways if they intend to live or work in Australia:
Key visa options for U.S. entrepreneurs include:
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188:
This visa allows individuals to invest or manage a business in Australia. It generally requires a minimum investment of AUD 2.5 million in approved Australian enterprises and may lead to permanent residency through subsequent visa pathways.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
Aimed at skilled professionals willing to live and work in regional parts of Australia. Eligibility depends on being listed on the skilled occupation list and receiving a state or territory nomination.
Business Talent (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 132:
Suited for high-achieving business owners or entrepreneurs with a proven record of success. It offers direct permanent residency for those establishing or developing new business operations in Australia.
Professional consultation with migration experts is recommended to navigate visa eligibility, requirements, and compliance.
Compliance and Ongoing Responsibilities
Post-incorporation compliance is essential for legal and financial sustainability. Brazilian entrepreneurs must:
- File annual returns with ASIC
- Lodge tax returns and Business Activity Statements (BAS)
- Renew business licenses and registered agent services
- Maintain a resident director
- Keep accurate financial records and comply with audits if triggered
Non-compliance can lead to penalties, deregistration, and restrictions on directors. For taxation, consult Sales tax compliance resources to ensure reporting accuracy.
Challenges When Registering a Company in Australia from Brazil
Key challenges include:
- Complex legal documentation required for cross-border incorporation
- Time zone differences and communication hurdles with Australian authorities
- Bank account opening obstacles, including due diligence and identity verification
- Higher ongoing compliance costs compared to some jurisdictions
Partnering with professional incorporation services can significantly reduce risk and streamline operations.
How Commenda Helps with Incorporation in Australia from Brazil
Commenda offers comprehensive, end-to-end support to Brazilian entrepreneurs registering a company in Australia from Brazil. Their services are designed to simplify the complex cross-border incorporation process and ensure full compliance with Australian regulations.
Key offerings include:
- Appointing a resident director and registered agent: Commenda can provide experienced local directors and registered agents to meet legal requirements and serve as official points of contact with Australian authorities.
- Preparing and reviewing incorporation documentation: They assist with drafting, notarizing, and reviewing all required documents, including company constitutions and registration forms, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Facilitating bank account setup: Commenda helps Brazilian business owners open Australian business bank accounts, coordinating with both traditional banks and fintech platforms to streamline remote onboarding.
- Providing annual compliance monitoring and reporting: The team tracks deadlines for annual ASIC filings, tax returns, license renewals, and other regulatory obligations, minimizing the risk of penalties or non-compliance.
By partnering with Commenda, Brazilian entrepreneurs can confidently expand into Australia, knowing their company setup, banking, and compliance requirements are fully supported.
Book a consultation with Commenda today to simplify your Australia–Brazil business launch and start operations efficiently.
FAQs
1. Can I register a company in Australia from Brazil without visiting?
Yes, it is possible to register a company in Australia from Brazil without physically being present. However, Australian law requires that at least one resident director or a registered agent be appointed for legal compliance. While some banks and financial institutions may allow remote processes, certain banks may still require in-person verification for directors or signatories.
2. Which business structures are available to Brazilian citizens in Australia?
Brazilian entrepreneurs can primarily choose between a Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd) and a Public Company. Pty Ltd is most common for small to medium businesses, offering limited liability and moderate compliance requirements. Public Companies are suitable for larger businesses with plans to raise capital publicly. Sole trader or partnership structures generally require Australian residency and are not available for non-residents.
3. How much does it cost to incorporate in Australia from Brazil?
The cost of incorporating a company in Australia from Brazil typically ranges from AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000 in the first year. This includes ASIC registration fees, registered agent services, notary and legal fees, and translation of documents. Operational expenses, including office setup, salaries, and insurance, vary depending on the business sector.
4. Do I need a local partner or director in Australia?
Yes, at least one Australian resident director is legally required for a Pty Ltd company. For Public Companies, multiple directors may be required. If you do not have a resident director, you can appoint a registered agent to fulfill this requirement. The director or agent ensures compliance with Australian corporate regulations and can act as a point of contact for authorities.
5. Can I open an Australian business bank account from Brazil?
Yes, Brazilian entrepreneurs can open an Australian business bank account remotely in many cases. Banks and fintechs may require notarized documents, proof of company registration, and identity verification. While some institutions allow online onboarding, a few may still request in-person verification for directors or signatories. Digital banking platforms like Wise or Payoneer can simplify the process but may have limited services compared to traditional banks.
6. Does registering a company in Australia give me a work visa?
No, registering a company in Australia does not automatically grant a work visa or residency. Brazilian entrepreneurs must apply for specific visas if they wish to live or work in Australia, such as Business Innovation or Investor visas (Subclass 188/888) or Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas. Consulting with immigration professionals is essential for understanding eligibility and visa requirements.
7. What are the annual compliance requirements in Australia?
Australian companies must comply with ongoing regulatory obligations, including filing annual returns with ASIC, submitting tax returns and Business Activity Statements (BAS), renewing business licenses, and maintaining a registered office and director. Accurate financial record-keeping is essential, and companies may be subject to audits. Non-compliance can result in fines, deregistration, or restrictions on directors.
8. LLC vs Corporation in Australia: Which is better for Brazilian entrepreneurs?
For Brazilian entrepreneurs, the Pty Ltd (Private Limited Company) is generally the most suitable option. It offers limited liability protection, moderate compliance requirements, and is ideal for small to medium enterprises. Public Companies may be appropriate for larger ventures planning to raise capital publicly but involve higher compliance and disclosure obligations.
