Can a Company be Registered at a Virtual Address?

Table of Contents

Share at:

Are you thinking of registering a company? Would you like to list your company under a virtual office address?

When you register a company, ASIC will ask for a registered office address and a principal place of business. These addresses do not need to be the same and have slightly different requirements, which will affect whether they can be a virtual address.

What is a Registered Office Address?

A registered office address is where your company will be registered with ASIC.

Requirements for a registered office address:

  1. Must be in Australia and cannot be a PO Box
  2. Must be able to receive communications and notices from ASIC
  3. Written consent from the occupier is needed if you do not occupy the address yourself

This means that a virtual address will be suitable for your registered office address with ASIC.

What is a Principal Place of Business?

A principal place of business is the address where your company conducts the majority of its business (i.e. a warehouse, office or home).

Requirements for a principal place of business address:

  1. Must be where your company mainly conducts its business
  2. Cannot be a PO Box

Due to the need for a principal business address to be where a company mainly conducts business, a virtual address is unlikely to be appropriate.

Start your ABN application in minutes!

Need an Australian Business Number to start a casual job? We've got you covered.

Conclusion

A virtual address is a great option for a registered office address with ASIC. However, for a principal place of business address you will need to supply the address where you primarily conduct your business.

If you have a registered office address and principal place of business, you can register a company.

Get on demand legal advice for one low monthly fee.

Sign up to our Legal Advice Plan and access professional legal advice whenever you need it.

Share at:

Simplify creating legal documents today

Browse through Lawpath's AI tools which can be used to draft, review and refine legal documents today!

Related Articles

House keys on a ledger page representing a trustee handover

How to Change the Trustee of a Discretionary Trust in Australia (2026 Guide)

Changing the trustee of a discretionary trust may be required for a number of reasons. In this article, we break down how to do so and its affect.

Tips For Contesting A Fine In NSW If You Have Committed A Traffic Offence

Have you committed a traffic offence in NSW? Here are tips for contesting a fine.

How to Start an Investment Partnership

Investment partnerships differ from common business structures, and it is important to understand what you are entering into by choosing such a structure for your business.

Changing Business Structure From Sole Trader To Partnership: A Legal Guide

Expanding your business? Here’s how to change your business structure from a sole trader to a partnership.

Should You Use A Mutual or One-Way NDA? (2026 Update)

As a business owner, it's important to protect your confidential information in every context. Find out the difference between one way and mutual NDAs here.

Resigning During Probation: How Much Notice? (2026 Update)

Resigning during probation in Australia? Find out your legal notice period obligations for full-time, part-time, and casual employees to avoid pay issues.