Starting a business in Australia is a time-honoured tradition for many Brits, but it can be a life-changing choice for entrepreneurs everywhere. Generations of immigrants have been drawn to Australia not only for its picturesque scenery and enviable lifestyle, but also for its reputation as a land of opportunity.
That appeal is as strong today as it ever has been. With a resilient economy, English-speaking population and a wealth of visa and investment options, Australia offers the chance to build a successful business while creating an entirely new life—and position yourself for success both nationally and across the region.
A thriving economy with global reach
Australia’s economy is one of the most stable in the world, with decades of uninterrupted growth and strong ties to major markets in nearby Asia, North America, and Europe. The average salary ranks well above the UK at around £49,000/year, while economic growth remains strong due to government investment and household expenditure. The country’s natural resources, highly educated workforce, and advanced infrastructure all make it appealing for companies across a range of industries, from the mining and energy sectors to technology, finance, healthcare, and education.
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Australia is in many ways a nation of immigrants, with 48% of the population having at least one parent born in a foreign country. This makes it a welcoming environment to set up a business, with plenty of expats and infrastructure to support you. It’s also a diverse and affluent local consumer market, with growing demand for high-quality goods and services. Australia’s free trade agreements meanwhile give companies preferential access to a range of markets—a blend of local strength and global reach that gives startups an ideal foundation for growth.
Visa and investment options
Australia has always been keen to attract investment, and typically offers several visa pathways specifically designed for entrepreneurs and skilled workers. At the time of writing, however, most business and investment visas have been temporarily closed for applications. This isn’t the end of your business dreams, though: you can still move to Australia under another visa, start a business, and then apply for a visa extension or new business visa when they become available.
One option to do this is through a skilled worker visa. Many professionals choose to move to Australia on the basis of their skills and qualifications, and once there, find that starting a business is a natural progression. This pathway allows entrepreneurs to experience life in Australia first-hand and see if it’s the right fit for them, while also mentally (and monetarily!) preparing for the transition to business ownership.
For those who want a more flexible option, the country’s temporary visas also provide opportunities to explore the market and establish contacts before making a long-term commitment.
Lifestyle and quality of life
Beyond the practicalities of visas and investments, one of the biggest draws of Australia is its lifestyle. Known for its warm climate all year round, pristine beaches, and bustling multicultural cities, the country offers a balance between work and leisure that rivals any country in the world. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth consistently rank among the most liveable in the world, with excellent healthcare, education, and cultural opportunities.
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As well as being a global coffee capital—they invented the flat white—Australia is a young country with a young vibe. The lifestyle in Australia tends to be relaxed and dynamic, with excellent nightlife, an incredible culinary scene, and a wealth of outdoor activities.
It’s an environment that breeds creativity and innovation, and one that encourages strong business relationships. Networking often takes place outside of formal settings, whether on the golf course, at a beachside café, or during one of the country’s countless cultural festivals—a welcome thought for anyone dreading their next trudge to the office.
Starting a business in Australia as a foreigner
Australia has a transparent and supportive regulatory framework for businesses. The legal requirements for starting a business in Australia include registering with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN), and meeting tax obligations with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Depending on the nature of your business, you may also need specific licences or permits at the state or federal level.
While the system is designed to be accessible, it can be complex for those unfamiliar with local regulations. Here at Euro Start Entreprises, we have Australian agents that can provide expert guidance to navigate you through this process, ensuring that all your paperwork is filed correctly, that your company structure suits your goals, and that you remain compliant with Australian law from the outset.
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When weighing up the decision to start a company in Australia, cost will always be a factor. The cost of starting a business in Australia is competitive compared to other developed economies, with a relatively straightforward registration process and moderate fees. Costs will vary depending on the structure chosen (typically a sole trader, partnership, or limited company), but remain accessible for most entrepreneurs.
Government initiatives and funding schemes can also help to offset some of these initial expenses, particularly for innovative startups who can take advantage of R&D funding, or those contributing to key sectors of the economy.
Opportunities for skilled workers
While investment visas have been temporarily wound down, Australia’s skilled worker programme remains one of the most robust in the world, attracting professionals from across the globe. Many of these individuals eventually turn their skills to entrepreneurship, and start their own businesses. For example, a skilled IT professional might initially relocate on a skilled worker visa, but identify opportunities to launch a tech consultancy or software startup later on.
This pathway allows new arrivals to settle into life in Australia, and gain insights into the local market that they can use to make a success of their own venture. For families, it also provides the reassurance of financial stability and security, while also giving you the space to dip your toe into entrepreneurship, and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Starting a business in Australia may be an economic decision in principle, but it’s also an adventure, and one that offers thousands of people a fresh start and an incredible new life. Australia offers both economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and an enviable quality of life—-a unique combination of advantages that few other destinations can match.
At Euro Start Entreprises, we pride ourselves on making this process as smooth as possible. With our expertise, you can focus on the excitement of building your future while we take care of the formalities. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to start your adventure, or visit our Australian formation page to learn more about our services.
