Setting up in Australia from South Korea is one of those moves that looks simple on paper until you hit the fine print: an Australian address that can legally receive notices, the resident director rule for most local company types, director ID requirements, and tax registrations that need to match what you’ll actually do on the ground. Get those fundamentals wrong, and your “quick registration” turns into weeks of back-and-forth, rejected applications, or a structure that becomes expensive to unwind later.

This guide cuts through the noise and shows you the cleanest, most practical way to register a company in Australia from South Korea whether you’re launching an Australian subsidiary (Pty Ltd) for long-term growth or registering the Korean company as a foreign company (branch) for a lighter initial footprint. You’ll learn what documents and details you’ll need, how the ASIC and ATO steps connect, what to prepare before you lodge, and how to avoid the common traps that delay overseas founders.

Key Highlights

  • Choose the right structure early: Most South Korean businesses either form an Australian Pty Ltd subsidiary or register the Korean entity as a foreign company (branch) your choice impacts tax, liability, hiring, and compliance.
  • Expect local requirements: A Pty Ltd typically needs an Australia-resident director, a valid Australian registered office address, and directors must meet director ID requirements.
  • Registration is only step one: After incorporation, you’ll usually need ABN/TFN, and potentially GST and other ATO registrations set these up based on what you’ll actually do in Australia.
  • Plan cross-border money flow upfront: Payments between Australia and Korea (royalties, interest, dividends, intercompany fees/loans) can trigger withholding and treaty considerations structure it before you start invoicing.
  • Avoid delays with a checklist-first approach: Most setbacks come from missing prerequisites (resident director, director ID timing, address validity, ABN entitlement, visa assumptions).

What “Registering a Company” in Australia Actually Means

In Australia, you can typically register a company online using the Australian Government Business Registration Service (BRS). ASIC confirms you can use the BRS to register a company, and ASIC processes the registration. It takes around 15 minutes to register and you usually receive confirmation in about 2 business days (this can vary).

When you register an Australian company, you’ll usually also set up (either at the same time or soon after):

  • ABN (Australian Business Number) for operating and invoicing
  • TFN (Tax File Number) for tax and returns
  • GST registration (if required)
  • other tax registrations such as PAYG withholding if you hire staff

The ABN and some tax registrations sit under Australia’s business registry/ATO systems; ABR guidance notes not everyone is entitled to an ABN and there are consequences for misuse.

The “Building Blocks” You Must Have Before You Lodge

Whether you use BRS or another lodging pathway, ASIC focuses on core building blocks such as names, officeholders, and addresses.

– Company name

ASIC explains that you can register under a chosen company name or use the ACN as the name (e.g., “ACN 123 456 789 Pty Ltd”). If you plan to trade under a brand name different from the company’s legal name, you’ll likely also register a business name (more on that later).

– Officeholders (directors/secretaries)

ASIC guidance covers who can be an officeholder and repeats the rule: for a proprietary company, at least one director must live in Australia, and directors must be at least 18 and must have a director ID before appointment.

– Company addresses (this trips up many overseas founders)

ASIC states a company must have a registered office address that is:

  • a physical street address in Australia
  • not a PO Box
  • used for official notices and letters

You may also need a principal place of business address, depending on your circumstances (especially once operating), and you must keep addresses current on ASIC.

Practical solutions used by overseas founders:

  • lease a small physical office
  • use an accountant/law firm/registered office provider (ensure it is legitimate and compliant)
  • use a trusted Australian partner’s premises with proper consent documentation

Australia Company Registration Roadmap for South Korean Founders

Below is the most practical workflow for Korea-based founders setting up an Australian subsidiary.

Step 1 – Clarify your Australian operating model

Write down:

  • What will the Australian company do in year 1? (sales, hiring, R&D, importing, services)
  • Who will sign contracts in Australia?
  • Do you need local employees immediately?
  • Will you open an Australian bank account immediately?

This affects ABN/GST/PAYG needs and sometimes your structure choice.

Step 2 – Choose the structure and share setup

For a Pty Ltd, decide:

  • shareholders (individuals and/or the Korean parent company)
  • number of shares, share classes (ordinary is the most common), and ownership percentages
  • whether you will appoint a company secretary (optional in many cases, but if you do, ASIC notes residency rules apply to secretaries too).

Step 3 – Appoint directors and handle the resident director requirement

If you’re Korea-based and no director lives in Australia, you must solve this before you can incorporate a proprietary company (Pty Ltd), because at least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia.

This is often addressed by:

  • hiring an Australia-based executive as a director
  • appointing a trusted Australia-resident co-founder/partner
  • working with professional director services (use caution; do proper due diligence)

Step 4 – Apply for director IDs (before appointment)

ABRS and ASIC are clear: directors need a director ID, and if you plan to become a director, you must apply for one before your appointment.

Step 5 – Secure your Australian registered office address

ASIC requires a physical street address in Australia (no PO boxes) for the registered office. If you don’t occupy the premises, you generally need documented consent from the occupier (this is widely treated as standard compliance practice in Australia; keep that consent on file).

Step 6 – Register the company online via BRS

ASIC confirms you can register via the Business Registration Service (BRS) and ASIC processes it.

When you register, you’ll generally provide:

  • company name (or choose ACN-based name)
  • registered office address (Australia)
  • director and shareholder details
  • share structure
  • contact details and consenting confirmations

Once approved, ASIC issues the ACN (Australian Company Number).

Step 7 – Apply for ABN (and other tax registrations)

After incorporation (or as part of a combined workflow), you’ll usually apply for an ABN through ABR/ATO systems.

ABR emphasizes:

  • ABN is an 11-digit identifier
  • not everyone is entitled
  • you may face penalties for applying when not entitled or abusing GST refunds
  • ABR also lists what you need for an ABN application, including TFNs of associates such as directors.

Step 8 – Apply for a TFN (Tax File Number) for the company

ATO provides a TFN application page for companies, and states that companies can apply online at abr.gov.au.
 In practice, many businesses apply for TFN during ABN registration (where eligible), but confirm what applies to your case.

Step 9 – Decide on GST registration

GST is Australia’s value-added tax system. Whether you must register depends on turnover and what you supply. ABR and ATO resources outline registration obligations and the importance of being entitled to the registrations you apply for.
 If you’re not sure, talk to an Australian tax agent before registering.

Step 10 – Register a business name (if needed)

If your company will trade under a name different from its legal company name, you’ll register a business name.

ASIC explains:

  • if you want to operate under a different name, you’ll need to register a business name

ASIC also states: to register a business name you must have an ABN (or have applied and have an ABN reference number).

Step 11 – Set up practical operating essentials (banking, accounting, contracts, payroll)

This isn’t “registration,” but it’s what makes your Australian company usable:

  • open bank account (bank requirements vary; many require director identification and sometimes in-person verification)
  • set up accounting + tax calendar (BAS, GST reporting if registered)
  • employment onboarding (if hiring): PAYG withholding, superannuation setup, payroll software, etc.
  • data/privacy/security policies if you handle personal information

Alternative: Registering the Korean Company as a “Foreign Company” in Australia (Branch)

If you choose a branch-style entry, ASIC provides a dedicated path: Register a foreign company in Australia. ASIC also outlines that foreign companies conducting business in Australia have obligations, including maintaining a registered office, using a local agent, and reporting to ASIC.

When a foreign company registration can be smart

  • You don’t want to establish a separate legal entity yet
  • You’re doing limited activities and want parent-level contracting
  • You’re comfortable with the ongoing obligations and the optics of a branch

What to plan for

  • You will still need an Australian presence for notices (registered office) and compliance processes.
  • Director ID obligations may still apply depending on who qualifies as an “eligible officer” (ABRS includes registered foreign companies in the director ID regime).

Bottom line: A branch can reduce entity complexity but increase practical friction (banking, contracting preferences, local credibility, and compliance).

Tax & Cross-Border Reality: What South Korean Founders Should Think About Early

Getting the entity registered is only step one. The real risk (and the real cost) usually shows up later when invoices start moving between Australia and Korea, payroll begins, or the ATO asks whether your registrations and reporting match what you’re actually doing.

1) You can’t “set up now, register tax later”

Once you’re trading, hiring, invoicing, or importing, Australia expects your business to be correctly registered and reporting on time. The ATO is clear that the registrations you need depend on your activities (ABN, TFN, GST, PAYG withholding, etc.). Treating ABN/TFN/GST as “future admin” is a common mistake that creates compliance issues early.

2) Withholding tax can apply when profits or fees flow back to Korea

If your Australian entity pays interest, royalties, or certain dividends to a foreign resident (like a Korean parent company), Australia may require withholding tax. The ATO publishes general withholding rates and notes that they can vary depending on the payment type and whether a tax treaty modifies the rate. 

This becomes relevant fast if you plan to use intercompany charges such as management fees, IP licensing, or loans.

3) The Australia–Korea tax treaty can change outcomes, but only with the right facts

Australia’s Treasury outlines how tax treaties operate and that they’re given the force of law. In practice, treaty provisions can influence withholding tax, double taxation relief, and how income is taxed across borders, but the “right” position depends on your specific setup (residency, where decisions are made, whether you’ve created a permanent establishment, and the exact nature of payments).

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

When you’re registering from overseas, the process usually doesn’t fail on the “big” steps; it fails on small requirements that get overlooked until the end. The points below cover the issues that most often cause rework or delays, so you can spot them early and keep your setup moving.

1. Not solving the resident director requirement early

For a proprietary company, at least one director must ordinarily reside in Australia. If you only realize this at lodgement time, your launch timeline slips.

Fix: Decide your resident director solution up front (hire/partner/professional route).

2. Forgetting director ID timing

Directors must apply for a director ID before appointment. This can slow incorporation if you leave it too late.

Fix: Start director ID applications as soon as you finalize director candidates.

3. Using an invalid registered office address

ASIC requires a physical street address in Australia, not a PO Box.

Fix: Use a real address with proper access and record-keeping.

4. ABN/GST registrations that don’t match reality

ABR is explicit that not everyone is entitled to an ABN, and misuse can lead to serious consequences.

Fix: Make sure your ABN application reflects genuine business activity and evidence of steps to commence.

5. Assuming “company registration” equals “permission to work/live”

Company registration does not automatically grant visas or work rights in Australia. If founders plan to relocate or manage operations onshore, immigration planning is separate (and critical).

Practical Timeline: What “Fast” Looks Like (and What Usually Takes Time)

“Fast” company registration in Australia is real, but only if the prerequisites are already in place. This timeline sets expectations on what can be completed in a few days versus what typically drags out due to identity checks, director requirements, tax processing, or banking, so you can plan your launch without last-minute surprises.

Fast (days)

  • Company registration via BRS, with confirmation commonly within a couple of business days (varies).
  • ACN issued upon registration.

Medium (1–4 weeks, often the real-world bottleneck)

  • director ID application steps (especially if applying from outside Australia)
  • ABN/TFN/GST processing depending on your facts and verification needs
  • bank account opening (varies widely by bank and ownership structure)

Longer-term (ongoing)

  • tax reporting cycles and ASIC annual obligations
  • keeping addresses and officeholder details up to date
  • payroll compliance if hiring

South Korea to Australia: Company Registration Requirements Checklist

Use this checklist to confirm you have every required detail ready before you lodge so you don’t get slowed down by missing director info, address requirements, or tax registrations that are easier to do upfront than fix later.

Choose your path

  • Australian subsidiary (Pty Ltd) or registered foreign company (branch)

If subsidiary (Pty Ltd)

  • Decide shareholders + share split
  • Appoint directors and solve the Australia-resident director requirement
  • Ensure directors apply for a director ID before appointment
  • Secure an Australian registered office (physical street address, no PO Box)
  • Register company via BRS/ASIC
  • Apply for ABN (ensure entitlement)
  • Apply for TFN (often via ABR/online)
  • Decide GST registration based on turnover and activities
  • Register business name (if trading under a different name)

If branch (registered foreign company)

  • Confirm you need to register (ASIC: foreign companies must be registered to do business)
  • Prepare for registered office + local agent + ongoing ASIC obligations
  • Confirm director ID obligations for eligible officers

How Commenda Helps South Korean Founders Register and Operate in Australia

Commenda is built for founders setting up in Australia remotely. In this South Korea-to-Australia context, it mainly helps by removing the usual setup blockers and bundling the “must-have” compliance pieces.

  • Pty Ltd incorporation support (remote-friendly): Helps you incorporate an Australian Pty Ltd and navigate the core setup requirements needed to get registered properly.
  • Resident director solution: If you don’t have an Australia-resident director, Commenda offers a nominee director service to meet the requirement.
  • Registered office support: Provides options to satisfy the Australian registered office requirement (so you’re not scrambling for a compliant address).
  • Tax registrations (ABN/GST) and basics: Supports ABN and GST registration as part of getting you operational after incorporation.
  • Ongoing compliance help: Positions itself as a partner for ongoing filings and compliance, not just formation.

If you want to set up your Australian entity without managing every requirement yourself, explore Commenda’s Australia setup and compliance support and request a consult to map the fastest, compliant path for your business.

Book a demo today!

FAQs 

1. Can I register an Australian company while living in South Korea?

Yes, many founders incorporate remotely. The bigger constraint is not your location, but whether you can meet Australia’s structural requirements (especially the Australia-resident director rule for proprietary companies and the director ID requirement).

2. Do I need an Australian address to register?

Yes, your company’s registered office must be a physical street address in Australia (not a PO Box).

3. Do I need an Australian resident director for a Pty Ltd?

Yes, Australian law requires a proprietary company to have at least one director who ordinarily resides in Australia, and ASIC repeats this requirement in its guidance.

4. What is an ACN, and when do I get it?

An ACN is a unique 9-digit number issued by ASIC when your company is registered.

5. What’s the difference between ACN and ABN?

  • ACN identifies your company as registered with ASIC.
  • ABN identifies your business to the government and the community for tax and business dealings. ABR also warns only applies if entitled.

6. Do I automatically need GST after registering?

Not automatically. GST depends on turnover and activities. Make sure registrations match reality and entitlement.

7. If I use a brand name, do I need to register a business name?

If your trading name differs from your legal company name, you’ll generally register a business name. ASIC explains this directly.

8. Can I register the Korean company as a branch instead of incorporating a subsidiary?

Yes, ASIC provides a process for registering a foreign company, and it notes that foreign companies must register to do business in Australia and meet ongoing obligations.