How to Register a Business in Melbourne, Australia (VIC) — 2026 Guide
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Melbourne requires registration at the federal, state, and local council levels. At minimum, you need an Australian Business Number (ABN) from the Australian Business Register, and depending on your business type, you may need council registration, food licensing, planning permits, and more.
Contact City of Melbourne at 03 9658 9658 for local requirements. More information: melbourne.vic.gov.au/business-permits-and-resources.
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What Makes Melbourne Different
Melbourne has several characteristics that affect the registration process:
- No general business licence — food, street trading, personal care, and body art businesses need registration
- Food businesses classified by risk: Class 1 (hospitals) to Class 4 (pre-packaged only)
- Self-assessment tool on council website identifies required permits
- Laneway activation permits for pop-up businesses in designated laneways
- Extended trading hours after 11pm may require planning permit amendment
- Free small business mentoring through council
The Registration Stack
Federal (ABN + Tax): Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) at abr.gov.au — free and usually instant for sole traders. Register for GST if turnover exceeds $75,000/year. If operating as a company, register with ASIC ($611 for Pty Ltd).
Business Name: If trading under a name different from your legal name, register with ASIC ($45/1yr or $104/3yr) through connectonline.asic.gov.au.
Local Council (Melbourne): Business Registration + Planning Permit from City of Melbourne. Phone: 03 9658 9658.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Melbourne can be fully registered and operational within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based or online businesses can often complete the process in under 2 weeks, while food businesses, hospitality venues, and businesses requiring Development Applications typically take 6 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — your ABN must come first, council registration often requires proof of entity and ABN, and some permits cannot be applied for until planning approval is granted. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Melbourne has its own quirks that generic guides miss. PermitBoard analyses your specific business type against Melbourne's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.