Want to set up a business Down Under? We can help you establish your Australian operations and meet the regulatory requirements with our specialist accounting, tax, audit and business advisory services. Our team is experienced at supporting international businesses entering Australia and can help you make the most of the opportunities that we as a country present.
Who we help
We help international businesses of all sizes and types, including:
- Foreign-owned subsidiaries in Australia
- Branches of international companies in Australia
- Multinational corporations with Australian operations
- Start-ups looking to establish a footprint in Australia
- Small businesses seeking entry into the Australian market
- International investors seeking business opportunities in Australia
- Investors seeking business advice in connection with migration to Australia
- Employees of international companies who need accounting and taxation support
We believe the best minds in our business are the best minds for your business
We know some of the challenges you face
When entering the Australian market, foreign companies often encounter a wide range of challenges:
Complex regulatory environment
Australia has strict legal and tax regulations that require compliance from the moment you enter the market. Navigating corporate tax, employment laws, and specific sector regulations can be difficult without local expertise.
Taxation intricacies
From understanding Australia’s GST (Goods and Services Tax) system to meeting income tax, withholding tax, payroll tax and capital gains tax obligations, the taxation environment is multifaceted.
Company structure
Choosing the right structure for your business is crucial. Whether it’s a subsidiary, branch, or partnership, each model has distinct tax and legal implications.
Audit and compliance
Australian regulations may require foreign entities to meet strict audit and reporting standards, depending on the size and nature of the business.
Collaboration with your global team
Your Australian team of accountants, tax advisors and bookkeepers need to be able to work in with your global team so that you can meet your world-wide tax and reporting obligations and see an accurate and holistic overview of your financial position.
How we help foreign companies thrive in Australia
At BG Private, our mission is to help foreign companies seamlessly navigate the Australian business landscape. By partnering with us, you will have access to professionals who understand not only the Australian market but also the nuances of foreign-owned companies operating here.
Guide you through regulatory compliance
We help you understand and meet Australia’s complex accounting, tax and audit obligations, ensuring full compliance from day one. We can also connect you with legal and HR experts to help you understand your legal and employee-related obligations.
Offer tax-efficient strategies
Our tax advisors will work with you to implement strategies that help minimise tax liabilities while staying compliant with Australian regulations. We can also work with your world-wide team to ensure you are not paying too much in tax, e.g. by avoiding double taxation where appropriate.
Provide ongoing business advisory services
Whether it’s market entry strategies, business expansion advice, or mergers and acquisitions guidance, we offer practical solutions tailored to your company’s needs.
Operate as a partner and sounding board
Our team works collaboratively with you, acting as an extension of your business to offer advice that drives efficiency and profitability.
We speak your language
At BG Private we speak over 25 languages making it easier to explain the intricacies in your native language, and helping you to navigate the complexity easier.
Our services
BG Private is proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the specific needs of foreign companies operating in Australia:
Strategy
- International business structure advice (whether it’s a subsidiary, branch or joint venture). We advise you on establish the approproriate structure
- Strategic planning for market entry, growth and scale
- Insights on industry trends, risk management, and operational efficiencies
- Advice relating to franchise agreements, mergers and acquisitions, business sale, or the addition of new partners/investors
- Payroll and Bookkeeping services
- Year end tax preparation
- Strategic preparation for the owner’s retirement including succession planning or ownership changes
Analysis and advisory
- Management accounting, including provision of relevant data, insights and forecasting; business performance benchmarking; tracking and managing income, expenses, assets and liabilities; breakeven analysis; working capital management and forecasting so cashflow fluctuations can be tracked accurately; budgeting advice, including investigating where costs may be reduced
- Creating understanding around your revenue and profit drivers
- Pricing reviews and scenario modelling
- Accounting software selection, migration and implementation
- Advice around analysing and optimising labour costs
- Advising how all of this data and information can help you make more informed decisions and maintain financial stability
- Risk management advice to ensure your business stays on track, including asset protection
Tax planning, compliance and reporting
- Tax planning to help you navigate Australia’s tax laws, goods and services tax (GST), capital gains tax and international tax considerations
- Preparing corporate income tax returns
- Accounting services including managing your statutory reporting and Australian Taxation Office (ATO) obligations, and ensuring your financial records are accurate and up to date
- Corporate secretarial services such as company registration and maintaining statutory records
- Strategic tax planning to minimise liabilities while ensuring compliance with the relevant laws and regulations
- Tax efficiency guidance relating to the purchase of supplies or equipment
- Accurate, timely financial reports and accounting services that comply with Australian standards including bookkeeping, payroll, business activity statements (BAS), goods and services tax (GST), tax returns and preparation of statutory financial statements
- Tax advice on more complicated matters and transactions
- Audit and assurance, including internal controls and reviews, ensuring your financial reporting meets Australian and international standards, and advice on corporate governance
Positive outcomes you can expect
Partnering with BG Private brings a wide range of benefits for foreign companies operating in Australia:
- Regulatory compliance. With our guidance, you can rest assured that your business complies with all local regulations, avoiding costly fines and legal issues.
- Tax savings. Our tax advisory services will help you minimise your tax obligations, both in Australia and in your home country.
- Efficient business operations. By handling accounting, audit, and compliance needs, we allow you to focus on running your business and growing your market share in Australia.
- Local market expertise: With our deep understanding of the Australian business landscape, you will gain a competitive edge and make informed decisions that lead to business success.
- Seamless business establishment. From company registration to tax filings, our experts guide you through every step of setting up your business in Australia, ensuring a smooth and successful entry.
FAQs
To set up a foreign subsidiary in Australia, you need to:
- Choose a company structure and establish initial documents such as the constitution
- Register the company with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Comply with local tax laws and regulations, including registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST) if applicable
- Speak to a local accountant and business advisor such as BG Private, to ensure the above steps and many more are seamlessly taken care of
Yes, foreign companies operating in Australia are subject to Australian income tax on income earned from Australian sources. This includes corporate tax rates, goods and services tax (GST), and other relevant taxes, depending on the nature of operations.
There are many steps to registering a foreign company in Australia, but at a high level these are some of the steps:
- Choose a company name and ensure it complies with Australian naming rules
- Lodge the application with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), providing required documents
- Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register for any necessary taxes
- Speak to a local business advisor such as BG Private, to ensure you meet all your obligations when registering a foreign company in Australia
Yes, a foreign company must appoint at least one Australian resident director when registering as an Australian company. This ensures compliance with local governance and legal requirements. We can assist in sourcing suitable candidates if needed.
Yes, a foreign company can open a branch in Australia. This involves registering the branch with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN), and ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations, including tax obligations.
A branch is an extension of the foreign company and not a separate legal entity, while a subsidiary is a distinct legal entity incorporated in Australia. Subsidiaries have limited liability and are subject to local laws, whereas branches are directly liable for their debts and obligations.
Get in touch
If you’re a foreign company looking to do business in Australia, let BG Private be your trusted partner. Our experience, local knowledge, and comprehensive service offering will help you navigate the complexities of the Australian business landscape with confidence.
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