Victoria is a great place to start a business. Victoria has a first world, highly regulated economy and business framework. The Victorian Government provides a streamlined process for setting up a business.

Victoria’s business strengths

Victoria's industry strengths are in the agricultural, food, manufacturing, medical research, financial services, tourism and cultural industries. Victoria is Australia's leader in the new, knowledge-based industries such as information and communication technology, biotechnology, professional services, design, advanced manufacturing and environmental management.

Business migrants choose Victoria because it offers:

• an open and transparent regulatory system
• a stable political environment
• advanced information and communication technologies
• high-quality professional support services
• low-cost infrastructure
• an AAA economy rating from Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Services
• strong intellectual property safeguards
• a modern, integrated transport network
• a highly skilled, multicultural workforce
• an abundance of raw materials
• competitively priced office space and development sites
• thriving regional centres
• an Asian time zone.

Read more about Victoria's industries.

Starting a business in Victoria

The Victorian Government provides a wealth of business information on the Business Victoria website. It provides in-depth information on starting and managing a business; licencing, regulation and tax obligations; and export assistance.

Business registration

Speak to a qualified accountant, lawyer or other business professional to determine the best structure for your business and your registration requirements.

Registering a business name

You may not need to register a business name if you are a single person trading under your name. However, to conduct business in Victoria under any name other than your own, that name must be registered with Consumer Affairs Victoria. See the Consumer Affairs Victoria website for more information on registering a business name in Victoria, including the requirements and fees.

Registering a company

Legal or other professional advice will help you decide if a company structure best suits your business requirements. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is responsible for the registration of Australian companies. For more information on registering a company, visit the ASIC website.

Registering for an Australian Business Number (ABN)

You may be required to register your business with the Australian Business Register to get an Australian Business Number (ABN), a unique number that will identify you when you deal with the Australian Tax Office. Your accountant or lawyer will be able to advise you of your individual requirements.  For more information on ABNs, visit the Australian Business Register website.

Trading

Infrastructure

For those wishing to trade in the export or import of goods, Victoria provides excellent infrastructure throughout the state, including an integrated network of road, rail, sea and air transport, and access to regional, national and international markets.

Melbourne International Airport is Australia's largest 24-hour, curfew-free, freight and passenger airport. The Port of Melbourne is Australia's largest and most modern container-handling port, operating 24 hours a day. Victoria also operates regional ports.

Export support and assistance

Both the Victorian and the Australian Government support local businesses that export goods and services internationally.

Visit the Export Connections website for information about export support provided by the Victorian Government and visit the Austrade website for information about export support provided by the Australian Government.