How to Register a Business in Perth, Australia (WA) — 2026 Guide
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Perth 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 Perth at 08 9461 3333 for local requirements. More information: perth.wa.gov.au/develop-and-build/planning-and-building-approvals.
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What Makes Perth Different
Perth has several characteristics that affect the registration process:
- Food business registration required — risk-based classification (P1 highest to P3 lowest)
- Small bar licensing category for venues under 120 capacity — streamlined process
- Extended trading hours for retail — different rules than eastern states
- Development Assessment Panels (DAPs) handle larger commercial approvals, not council
- Home-based business may require home occupation approval
- Alfresco dining permits have strict furniture placement guidelines
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 (Perth): Business Registration + Planning Approval from City of Perth. Phone: 08 9461 3333.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Perth 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 Perth has its own quirks that generic guides miss. PermitBoard analyses your specific business type against Perth's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.