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21 Sept 2023

I'm trying to apply for an Australian Business Number for my Hong Kong Limited company.

We are working with a 3rd party warehouse and plan to start shipping from Australia. The warehouse company is requiring an ABN from us for importing goods and shipping from Australia.


I selected "Other incorporated entity" is this correct or should I select something else?


Unfortunately I'm running into some issues.

  1. It says a phone number or email is required, unfortunately I doesn't let me proceed without providing both, including an Australian phone number which I don't have
  2. I'm trying to add myself as an associate (I'm a director), unfortunately it doesn't let me continue showing the following error:

We are unable to verify the identity of one or more of the associates listed in your application. If we can't confirm the identity of all associates, your application will be refused. Providing tax file numbers will reduce the chance of this happening. If you choose not to provide these, you need to provide an address for each associate which matches ATO systems.


Even it allows me to select another country, it doesn't really seem to allow you to continue without an Australian address.

Any ideas how to apply for ABN? We don't have anything Australian e.g. phone number, address, Australian entity etc.


829 views
3 replies
829 views
3 replies

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Most helpful reply

Deb_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
17 July 2024

Hi @suttong1


We've got the solution. Check out the steps you'll need to follow from a similar post that's had technical assistance. This'll get you on the right path.

All replies

TeddyATO(Community Support)Community Support
22 Sept 2023

Hello @Silberlight,


You may want to seek the assistance of a tax professional when setting up an entity from outside the country as they can assist with the application and follow it up in the fastest manner. Depending on what type of business you are will depend on what type of entity structure you are trying to create. This will set what you choose in the application as each different type of entity has its own obligations and requirements for registration. Also as a director you will also need to obtain a directors id as you are setting up the entity which is another set of requirements you will need to meet.


You will be able to add all your associates in however you will also need to send in documentation before you are given an ABN, the steps for this are in the above link.

suttong1(I'm new)I'm new
10 July 2024

I have the same problem. We are a Canadian registered business that will be selling services in Australia. I do not need tax advice. I just need help with entering a non-Australian address. As the OP stated, when trying to add an associate with a foreign address it keeps saying "Some of the information you entered was not valid. See details below." Those details are rather cryptic and seem to indicate that the address is not correct. I have entered the address only into the Address Line 1, 2, and suburb just as the help window says. But it does not let you proceed from here. What are you supposed to enter on this page for foreign address associates?

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Foreign Company registering for ABN | ATO Community