What is Resident director? A Guide for Australian BusinessesBusiness setup

August 13, 2026
5 min read

A company director who ordinarily resides in Australia, satisfying the requirement under section 201A of the Corporations Act 2001 that every proprietary company have at least one such director, and every public company have at least two. The test is based on where someone actually lives on an ongoing basis, not their citizenship. Foreign-owned companies without anyone locally based often use a professional resident director service to meet this requirement.

Understanding the fundamentals of Australian business setup is essential for any entrepreneur or sole trader. Whether you are just starting out or looking to optimise your existing setup, understanding Resident director is an important step.

Key points

  • ABN required for all businesses operating in Australia
  • ASIC registration mandatory for companies
  • Choosing the right business structure impacts liability and tax
  • A registered business address must be a real street address

Why it matters for your business

In today's evolving Australian business landscape, staying informed about concepts like Resident director gives you a competitive edge. From sole traders and freelancers to growing companies, these fundamentals apply across all business types and sizes.

How Space Penguin can help

Space Penguin provides flexible workspace solutions, virtual addresses, and business support services across Australia. Whether you need a professional registered address, a coworking desk, or a private office, we have options to suit every stage of your business journey.

Explore our full glossary for more essential Business setup terms and definitions.

Related guides: Nominee director  · Director ID · ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission)

Still deciding? Talk to a real person.

Our Australian-based support team knows the local market and can help you find the right space, list yours, or set up a virtual address.