Registering a company in Victoria follows the same national ASIC process as any other Australian state. There is no separate Victorian company registration ASIC registration is federally administered and your company can operate in any state. The Victorian-specific obligations begin after registration: payroll tax, state licences, WorkSafe insurance, and long service leave under Victorian law.
This guide covers the complete process from ASIC registration through to Victorian compliance obligations.
Table of Contents
- Federal registration vs Victorian obligations
- Step-by-step: registering your company
- Melbourne registered office address
- Victorian-specific obligations
- Victorian business licences and permits
- Victorian payroll tax
- After registration: ongoing requirements
- Frequently asked questions
Federal Registration vs Victorian Obligations
Company registration is a federal process — ASIC issues a national ACN and your company can trade anywhere in Australia from day one. No separate Victorian registration is required.
Victorian-specific obligations are layered on top:
- Victorian payroll tax – applies once total Australian wages exceed the threshold
- WorkSafe Victoria insurance – mandatory for employers in Victoria
- Long service leave – governed by the Long Service Leave Act 2018 (Vic)
- Industry licences – building, real estate, food, liquor, and other sector-specific licences administered by Victorian state bodies
Step-by-Step: Registering Your Company
Step 1: Get Director Identification Numbers
Each director must have a Director Identification Number (DIN) from the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) before the company can be registered.
- Apply at abrs.gov.au
- Free of charge
- Usually issued instantly
Step 2: Choose and Check Your Company Name
Use ASIC's company name availability search to confirm your preferred company name is available.
The name must end in:
Pty Ltd
Also check the IP Australia trademark register to avoid future brand conflicts.
Step 3: Use the Business Registration Service
Visit:
register.business.gov.au
This federal portal allows you to:
- Register your company
- Apply for an ABN
- Register for GST
all in one application.
You will need:
- Company name
- Registered office address
- Principal place of business
- Director details and DINs
- Shareholder details
- Share structure
- Governance rules (Replaceable Rules or a custom constitution)
Important: Your registered office can be located anywhere in Australia; it does not need to be in Victoria.
Step 4: Pay the ASIC Fee
ASIC company registration fee (2025):
$576
This is paid online during the application process.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate of Registration
ASIC generally approves applications within minutes.
You will receive:
- Certificate of Registration
- Australian Company Number (ACN)
Your company is now legally registered.
Step 6: Obtain an ABN
If you use the Business Registration Service, your ABN application is bundled automatically.
Otherwise, apply separately via:
abr.business.gov.au
Step 7: Register for GST
Register for GST if annual turnover is expected to reach or exceed:
$75,000
Once registered:
- Add 10% GST to invoices
- Lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS)
GST registration can be completed during company registration.
Step 8: Open a Business Bank Account
Use your ACN and ABN to open a company bank account.
Banks typically require:
- Certificate of Registration
- ABN
- Director identification
- Physical business address
A Space Penguin Melbourne virtual address satisfies business banking address requirements.
Melbourne Registered Office Address
If you want a Victorian registered office, a Space Penguin Melbourne virtual address satisfies all ASIC requirements:
✅ Real physical street address
✅ Staffed during business hours (minimum 3 hours between 9am–5pm)
✅ Capable of receiving legal documents
✅ Signed occupier consent letter provided
A Melbourne CBD or inner-city commercial address also supports:
- ASIC registration
- Business banking
- State licensing applications
- WorkSafe registrations
Victorian-Specific Obligations
Victorian Payroll Tax
Payroll tax is administered by the State Revenue Office Victoria (SRO).
For 2025–26:
- Standard threshold: $700,000
- Regional employer threshold: $1,000,000
- Standard rate: 4.85%
Victoria's payroll tax threshold is lower than NSW's.
This means businesses may owe payroll tax in Victoria before reaching NSW thresholds.
WorkSafe Victoria
Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory for Victorian employers.
Register with WorkSafe Victoria before paying your first employee.
Premiums depend on:
- Industry classification
- Employee wages
- Claims history
Long Service Leave (Victoria)
Under the Long Service Leave Act 2018, Victorian employees become entitled to long service leave after:
7 years of continuous service
This is more generous than NSW, where the standard entitlement generally arises after 10 years.
Maintain accurate employment records from the start.
Owner-Drivers and Contractors
Victoria has additional protections under the:
Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005
Businesses engaging owner-drivers should ensure compliance with mandatory disclosure and contract requirements.
Victorian Business Licences and Permits
| Industry | Victorian Licence / Permit |
|---|---|
| Building & construction | Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registration |
| Real estate | Consumer Affairs Victoria estate agent licence |
| Food service | Local council food premises registration |
| Liquor | Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) licence |
| Plumbing | VBA plumbing licence |
| Electrical | Energy Safe Victoria electrical contractor licence |
| Security | Victoria Police security licence |
The easiest way to identify licence requirements is through:
ablis.business.gov.au
Victorian Payroll Tax
Victorian payroll tax applies to:
- Wages
- Allowances
- Fringe benefits
- Employer superannuation contributions
paid to Victorian employees above the applicable threshold.
2025–26 Rates and Thresholds
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard threshold | $700,000 |
| Regional employer threshold | $1,000,000 |
| Standard rate | 4.85% |
| Regional rate (eligible employers) | 1.2125% |
Registration
Register through:
sro.vic.gov.au
Requirements include:
- Monthly payroll tax returns
- Annual reconciliation
Businesses approaching the threshold should monitor wages closely.
After Registration: Ongoing Requirements
ASIC Annual Review
ASIC conducts an annual review of every company.
Current review fee (2025):
Approximately $329
You must:
- Pay the fee
- Confirm company details are accurate
Company Tax Return
Every company must lodge an annual company tax return with the ATO.
BAS Lodgements
If GST registered:
- Quarterly BAS (most businesses)
- Monthly BAS (larger businesses)
Superannuation
Employers must pay Superannuation Guarantee contributions for eligible employees.
Current rates:
- 11.5% for 2024–25
- 12% from 1 July 2025
ASIC Address Updates
Notify ASIC within 28 days if your:
- Registered office changes
- Principal place of business changes
This is done through ASIC Connect using Form 484.
WorkSafe Premium
Victorian employers must pay annual WorkSafe premiums based on:
- Industry
- Employee wages
- Claims history
SRO Returns
Businesses above the payroll tax threshold must lodge monthly payroll tax returns with the State Revenue Office Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register Separately in Victoria to Operate There?
No.
ASIC company registration is national.
A company registered anywhere in Australia can operate in Victoria without additional registration.
Is the Victorian Payroll Tax Threshold Lower Than Other States?
Yes.
Victoria's $700,000 threshold is significantly lower than NSW's $1.2 million threshold.
Growing Victorian businesses should monitor payroll carefully.
Do I Need WorkSafe Insurance if I Have No Employees?
No.
A company with no employees generally does not require WorkSafe insurance.
Once you hire employees in Victoria, registration becomes mandatory.
What Is the Difference Between a Company Constitution and the Replaceable Rules?
The Replaceable Rules are standard governance provisions contained in the Corporations Act 2001.
Most small companies rely on these rules.
A custom constitution allows greater flexibility and is often used where:
- Multiple shareholders exist
- Investors are involved
- Complex governance arrangements are required
Can I Use a Virtual Address for My Victorian Company?
Yes.
A Space Penguin Melbourne virtual address can be used as your registered office provided it satisfies ASIC requirements.
Benefits include:
- ASIC compliance
- Professional Melbourne business presence
- Business banking compatibility
- Home address privacy
Space Penguin provides ASIC-compliant Melbourne virtual addresses for Victorian company registrations from $20/month.