Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN)

Definition

The Australian Registered Body Number (ARBN) is a unique identifier assigned to foreign companies registered to do business in Australia.

What is an Australian Registered Body Number?

An Australian Registered Body Number is a nine-digit number and it serves as a unique identifier for foreign companies registered to operate in Australia. It separates these companies from Australian companies and other organisations and is used for various administrative and regulatory purposes.

Foreign companies seeking to conduct business in Australia are required to register with ASIC and get an ARBN. This registration process involves providing details about the company’s structure, directors, shareholders, and registered office address. This number must be displayed on all public documents, including invoices, contracts, and official correspondence. Failure to include the ARBN on these documents may result in penalties or non-compliance with regulatory requirements.

Once assigned, the ARBN remains with the foreign company throughout its operations in Australia, regardless of changes in ownership, directors, or structure. It provides a consistent identifier for the company, facilitating continuity and record-keeping.

The ARBN is publicly accessible, allowing individuals and organisations to search for and verify information about registered foreign companies. This transparency promotes trust and confidence in the corporate sector.

Example of an Australian Registered Body Number

XYZ Corporation, a multinational company based in the United States, recently registered to conduct business in Australia. As part of the registration process, XYZ Corporation was assigned an Australian Registered Body Number. The ARBN for XYZ Corporation is 123 456 789.