Australia company registration is usually completed by a corporate services firm based in Australia. The Australian firm will liaise with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) to complete the process. Official government fees are AUD$400.

The preferred corporate entity for foreign investors is the private limited company. In 2009, more than 1.7 million private limited companies had been registered in Australia. Through a private limited company, an entrepreneur can i) obtain local residence and employment visas ii) set up a corporate bank account and iii) lease office or factory premises. Other company structures available in Australia include the Branch Company and the Sole Trader.

Company details are available for public viewing through ASIC’s online register. Details available include shareholders and directors, date of incorporation, share capital and registered address.

Foreign investors are attracted to Australia due to its excellent global image, and this is reflected in record foreign direct investment (FDI) figures in 2008, as well as Australia's positive 8th place ranking in the 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International.