OCTIS vs register a Pty Ltd yourself or use an agent in Australia
The government fee is the same either way. Agents sell paperwork, advice and ongoing services.
Last checked · 5 sources
Otty's short answer
ASIC's registration fee for a Pty Ltd is A$636 from 1 July 2026 according to business.gov.au, and it is the same whether you lodge yourself or use an agent. You can register yourself through the Business Registration Service. Pay an agent if you want legal documents, a registered office or help as a foreign owner. At least one director must live in Australia.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Register yourself (ASIC) | Lawpath | Sleek Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee | At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) | A$636 | A$636 included | Not published |
| Total price | At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) | A$636 | A$735 to A$1,003 | Quote-based |
| Annual review fee | Annual return to the Companies Registry, filings prepared by OCTIS | A$342 per year | A$342 per year | A$342 per year |
| ABN and company TFN | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Free | ABN and GST setup from A$844 tier | Free from ATO |
| Director ID | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | Required, free | Required, free | Required, free |
| Bookkeeping and BAS | Bookkeeping done by OCTIS | No | Not stated | Bookkeeper offered, BAS not stated |
| Resident director | Director can live anywhere | You supply one | You supply one | Not published (reported A$1,500 to A$5,500+ a year) |
| Registered office | Needs a Hong Kong registered office address and a Hong Kong company secretary (OCTIS's TCSP-licensed partner) | Your own address | Not stated | Registered address service, price not published |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want a company run from anywhere, with company, accounts and CRM handled in one place.
Register yourself (ASIC)
Register yourself if you live in Australia, have a simple structure and only want the company.
Lawpath
Choose Lawpath if you want ready legal documents and advice with the registration.
Sleek Australia
Choose Sleek if you want registration with a dedicated bookkeeper, and ask whether it offers nominee services as a foreign owner.
What the table does not show
What ASIC asks for
You choose a name, a registered office and principal place of business, the company rules, the shares and shareholders, and the officeholders. Each director needs a director ID before registration. You register through the Business Registration Service, which emails the ACN and certificate. ASIC posts a corporate key to the registered office, which you need for the officeholder portal.
Foreign owners
At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Australia. Without a local director you need a nominee, and third-party estimates run roughly A$1,500 to A$5,500 or more per year, which we could not confirm on Sleek's pages. Get a written quote. A physical Australian registered office, not a PO Box, is also needed.
Costs after day one
The annual company review fee is A$342 for a standard Pty Ltd from 1 July 2026, per business.gov.au. Late lodgement fees are A$102 within a month and A$428 after, per Sleek. Changes to address, officeholders or shareholders must be lodged within 28 days. Fees are indexed each July, so check ASIC's current schedule.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not register Australian companies. If you run a Malaysian or Hong Kong company, we can set up and keep the home entity's secretarial and bookkeeping, and consolidate your Australian subsidiary's statements into it. OCTIS can also compare the cost of running from Malaysia or Hong Kong instead. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Australia?
The ASIC fee is A$636 from 1 July 2026 per business.gov.au. Agent packages add to it. Lawpath lists A$735 to A$1,003 with the fee included.
Can a foreigner own an Australian Pty Ltd?
Yes, but at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Australia. Many foreign owners use a nominee director or appoint a local director.
Do I need an agent to register a company?
No. You can register through the Business Registration Service. An agent helps with documents, a registered office and ongoing compliance.
What is the annual fee for a Pty Ltd?
A$342 for a standard proprietary company from 1 July 2026 per business.gov.au. It is first due at your registration anniversary.
Do I need a director ID?
Yes. ASIC says each director must get a director ID before the company is registered.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.