As such we would tend to encourage you to start a new business in Australia via a serviced office arrangement. Terms tend to be flexible and capable of being changed at short notice (for example to take additional office space, or to leave to occupy a longer term lease), and the office infrastructure is available immediately - all serviced offices should provide dedicated and personalised telephone and fax lines, voicemail, mail collection and delivery, secretarial services, photocopying, office furniture, etc. Many will also provide video conferencing and fast internet access. In our experience the quality of serviced offices is very good - and the costs are generally reasonable.

One stage removed from the serviced office is a virtual office, allowing the smaller business to perhaps work from home or maintain an office address in Australia when actually overseas or interstate. A professional and efficient office presence is maintained through personalised telephone answering, mail acceptance and forwarding, use of office and boardroom facilities when required, etc.

Be aware though that having a business presence in Australia will mean you have to register your business name with the tax authorities, and with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission if you are a company.

We have associate links with most of the serviced office providers across Australia - please contact us to discuss what you are looking for and we will be pleased to let you know our experiences.

Go Matilda - Your Gateway to Australia