INFO 32
Foreign companies
New ID requirement for directors. Company directors are now required by law to apply for a director identification number.
In plain English
This guide explains the requirements for foreign companies wanting to register or carry on business in Australia.
Foreign companies must register with ASIC to operate in Australia. They need to appoint a local agent. Directors must apply for a director identification number. This applies to companies wanting to register or continue to operate in Australia. Check the ASIC website for full details.
Why it matters
If your business is registered overseas and operates in Australia, you must follow these rules. Failure to do so can impact your ability to legally operate here.
AI-assisted summary, grounded in the source link below. Generated 2026-05-23 via gemma3:12b.
Issuing regulator
ASIC →Topics
Source: https://www.asic.gov.au/for-business/registering-a-company/steps-to-register-a-company/foreign-companies/. Rules Mate indexes + summarises; always verify against the regulator's live publication.