Doing Business In Australia

Sound corporate governance practices, a resilient – globally integrated – economy, and an educated multicultural workforce make Australia a secure, low-risk environment in which to establish a business.

Australia prides itself on cutting-edge innovation, has the resources to fund entrepreneurial endeavours, and a framework of rules and regulations to protect intellectual property. It has the resources and the infrastructure required to support business owners, and the economic and financial policy to foster business growth.

At Matthews Steer we provide a cost-effective one-stop solution for non-citizens looking to establish a small or medium sized business in Australia.

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS COMPLIANCE

There are a number of important considerations for international entrepreneurs when looking to enter the Australian market or establish a business in Australia, and a raft of business rules and regulations, tax considerations, licenses and legal implications, for prospective business owners and operators.

Our experienced team at Matthews Steer can help guide you through the legal and reporting obligations and structural considerations to ensure that as a non-citizen, you are compliant with government legislation.

Our expert team can provide you with:

A tried and tested checklist of the steps you need to take to start, operate and exit a business in Australia.
A clear vision of the framework and structure that will work for your individual business.
A comprehensive understanding of the core legal, accounting and taxation framework in Australia.
Support to manage your ongoing reporting requirements, domestically and internationally.

SERVICES FOR NON-CITIZEN BUSINESS OWNERS IN AUSTRALIA

At Matthews Steer we provide you with the expert knowledge you need to make informed decisions as a non-citizen establishing a business in Australia, and the confidence to navigate any red tape you encounter throughout your journey as an Australian business owner. Our team can provide a wide range of service and advice for international clients starting a business in Australia, including:

Registering a business name in Australia.
Australian Company Numbers (ACNs).
Establishing an appropriate Corporate structure.
Appointing an Australian citizen as a director.
Corporate tax advice and ATO compliance.
Compliant internal accounting systems and procedures.
Specialised tax advice.
Advice in relation to Double-taxation agreements.
Advice in relation to Cross-border transactions and transfer pricing.
Advice in relation to Thin capitalisation and its application.
GST and superannuation advice.
Significant global entity reporting requirements.
Employment taxes.
Supporting and advising your Australian-based employees.
Business growth strategies.
Managing business performance.
Budgeting, forecasting and cash flow modelling.
Framework for Capital raising options.
Government grants.
Advice on doing business in New Zealand.
Advice on winding up an Australian business.
Advice on Extracting profits from Australia.

WHY WORK WITH MATTHEWS STEER

At Matthews Steer we have a successful track record of assisting international business owners to navigate the red tape involved with starting a business in Australia.

At Matthews Steer we:

Provide non-Australian citizens with a one-stop solution to setting up their business in Australia.
Provide a cost-effective alternative to the ‘Big 4’, making sound business structure and strategy affordable.
Offer an extensive network of resources, with established connections to service providers where we don’t offer a particular service in-house (i.e. Business innovation and investment visas)
Take a collaborative approach, and work effectively with third parties of your choosing.
Implements a long-term, forward-thinking approach to your Australian business investment that encompasses startup phase, ongoing operations and wind-up.
Facilitate timely reporting out of Australia to meet head office/ parent company reporting requirements.

WHO WE WORK WITH?

We work with non-citizens and foreign entities to establish cutting edge, entrepreneurial businesses in Australia tailoring our advisory and accounting services to suit the individual business. While everyone’s business needs are unique, we see some common themes when speak to clients.

Are you:

Unsure how to navigate the red tape associated with starting a business in Australia.
Confused about whether to set your business up as a sole trader; partnership; trust, branch or company?
Searching for clarity around the regulatory and tax considerations that apply to your specific business.
Uncertain how to register your company or appoint a director who is an Australian citizen.
How to deal with cross border transactions and associated accounting and tax implications
Looking for support to deal with changes in business framework or regulations that come in a post-Covid-19 world.
Seeking trusted advisors to guide you in setting up your business in Australia.

If these challenges resonate with you, Matthews Steer’s tailored, personalised approach to advisory is resourced to help you establish and operate your business in Australia with sound business models and strategies that enable you to drive business value and expand your market.

FUNDING AND INVESTMENT SUPPORT

Australia’s Federal and State Governments provide financial support, in the form of government grants and tax incentives, to assist overseas investors to set up and run businesses in Australia.

Grants, and incentives such as the Research and Development Tax Incentive and the Export Marketing Development Grant Program can provide invaluable support to non- citizens to establish a new Australian company, register as a branch, or acquire an existing company.

At Matthews Steer, we have a dedicated, specialist government grants team available to help our clients to maximise their chances of receiving funding under a wide-range of government grant programs. Our team is resourced to manage government grant applications, and reporting and assessment requirements throughout the application period.

MATTHEWS STEER NETWORK

The team at Matthews Steer has a wealth of experience in working with foreign entities to establish businesses and companies in Australia, and has an expansive network of specialist service providers, knowledgeable advisors and entrepreneurial business connections available to support you in your business journey. Whether you’re seeking a specialist legal advice, candidates for company directorship or authoritative industry insights, we have a network of contacts willing to share their knowledge and welcome you warmly to the Australian business community.

EXPANSION INTO NEW ZEALAND

The Australian and New Zealand Governments take a single economic market approach to their two economies, and the similarity between their respective company frameworks and regulations make it relatively simple for foreign-owned businesses to operate in both markets.

Matthews Steer’s specialist business advisory team is resourced to help non-citizen business owners build on the success of their Australian business activity through New Zealand and Asia/Pacific expansion.

COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

If you are looking for a knowledgeable, experienced accountant and advisory firm to partner you through all phases of your business journey, speak to the team at Matthews Steer about how we can help you set up your Australian business, and guide you through all phases of your business’ evolution.