Getting the right licences and registrations

You must get the necessary licences, registrations and permits to conduct your business lawfully before you start operating.

The types of licences, registrations and permits you may need will depend on the business type, activity and location.

Business licences

A business licence is issued by local, state or federal government and provides a business with permission to operate.

Business licences can also help to protect your business, customers and your employees.

Each licence will have its own conditions and rules. If your business is issued with a licence, you must ensure that you always meet the necessary conditions.

The following are common business licences and examples of businesses who might use them.

Business permits

A business permit regulates the safety of business operations. Permits are issued by state, local and other government agencies.

Specific permits may be required to allow your business to operate in a certain area, industry and location or to conduct specific activities.

For example, businesses will require:

Finding licences and permits for your business

Search for permits and licences relevant to your specific business operations with Business Launchpad.

Answer questions about your business activity, location and services, and Business Launchpad will generate a tailored guide of results from Australian, Queensland and local governments.

Access Business Launchpad

Types of business registrations

There are several key business registrations that your business may need to apply for. They include an Australian business number (ABN), business name and tax registrations.

You can use the Australian Government's Business Registration Service to apply for relevant business registrations.

A registered business name is the trading name your business operates under. Your business structure determines how you register your business name.

Use the Business Registration Service if you intend to operate your business as a sole trader, partnership or trust.

Alternatively, if you want to operate your business as a company, you will need to register for an Australian company number (ACN) with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Use the ACN when you apply to register your company business name.

Your tax requirements will depend on the type of business you operate and the number of employees you have.

If you are operating a partnership, company or trust, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will automatically assign a business tax file number.

If you are a sole trader, you will use your individual tax file number for both business and personal use.

Read about tax basics for business.

A trademark is a word, symbol or phrase that is used to identify your business or its products. It is part of your business's intellectual property.

It is advised that you register a trademark on your business name and logo when you start your business.

Registering the trademark early will help you protect your business.

Many businesses have found they must change all their branding (at great cost) when they discover a competitor has used and trademarked their business name.

A domain name is a web address (e.g. www.yourbusinessname.com.au) that allows you to have a professional presence on the internet.

Learn how to select and register a domain name.

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