All businesses reach a stage where they need a physical location to register their company legally. This is usually when people start asking how to get a virtual office. Not because they want to fake size, but because they need a credible address they can use.
Working from home is fine until you realise ASIC requires a registered business location. Customers expect to see an address. And Google won’t let you verify a Business Profile with a P.O. Box.
A virtual office gives your business a place on the map without tying you to a lease.
What is a Virtual Address for an LLC?
There is no direct equivalent of the American LLC in Australia; however, Pty Ltd companies function in a similar way. A virtual office address allows you to list a commercial business location, regardless of your company's size - all that's needed is compliance with ASIC.
Luckily, this type of business address is accepted for:
It ticks all the boxes a business needs.
You gain access to a physical address where mail is received and verified without needing to rent physical office space. It's perfectly legal, and you are maintaining privacy by keeping your home address out of the picture.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Virtual Office
If you want a fast business setup with minimal friction, then you need a process with clarity. Here's how the process goes with most virtual office providers.
1. Select a Virtual Office Provider
Not all virtual offices offer a prestigious business address or top services, so it's imperative to compare.
To start, find a provider that includes:
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A reputable registered business address
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ASIC-compliant services - are they known for a seamless journey?
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Mail forwarding services and scanning options
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Call answering service
We strongly recommend avoiding low-cost providers. They commonly outsource receptionist services, which risks the quality of interactions your customers have with you. A professional business image is one where all elements come together; don't let a cheap price deceive you.
2. Pick a Location That Matches Your Business Goals
If you're targeting national clients, choose a CBD address in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane. Want local visibility? Get an address close to your service area to boost local trust and SEO.
3. Select Your Plan
Many providers only offer business address-only plans, but Servcorp includes call handling, mail forwarding, and even complimentary 60 hours of coworking space usage per month.
But if all you need is an address to register your company and start trading, then Servcorp also offers address packages.
4. Submit Required Documents
A trustworthy provider will ask you to verify important documentation to confirm your business is legitimate. Virtual offices that don't do this run the risk of accumulating bad reviews associated with their addresses.
At a minimum, you'll need to provide:
Your business can be operational with a dedicated landline number and address confirmed within an hour.
5. Get Confirmation and Update Your Records
Start updating your business information with your professional business address and phone number. Use it on your website, Google business profile, ASIC, email signature, and wherever else you may mention such details.
Common Misconceptions About Virtual Offices
It's not a fake address, nor is it a mailbox in the back of a servo. Many businesses fear that clients will perceive this as "deceptive" behaviour, but this is not the case. Countless companies, which are the size of a global enterprise, have their head office registered overseas at an office space the dimensions of a tiny box.
This is common, and if anything, your virtual office - at least with Servcorp - is a location you can visit. You can rent on-demand workspaces and meeting rooms, plus see your virtual team in person.
It’s staffed, it’s mailable, and it gives your business a footprint you can’t get with a residential address.
Many people assume you can’t use a virtual address for an LLC or Pty Ltd company. That’s wrong. As long as the address meets ASIC’s standards, it’s fine. The key is that it must be a physical, commercial site where official documents can be received during business hours.
Another mistake is using it only for registration, then forgetting to update it everywhere else. If your website footer still displays your flat number or your Gmail signature lists an outdated address, it breaks trust quickly. If you're unsure where to start, comparing virtual office providers is a good way to establish your needs.
Does It Work for Small or Home-Based Businesses?
Virtual offices are perfect for small and home-based businesses.
Conceptually, virtual office solutions were created for individuals who don't want to rent a physical office but still need to run a business. One that looks real to clients, lenders, and platforms.
For those running a remote team or offering services nationally, having a virtual office in a CBD location, such as Sydney or Melbourne, lends your brand more credibility. It also improves your chances of showing up in local Google results if the address matches your service area.
Servcorp has been operating in this space for decades, with CBD offices across every significant Australian capital. That gives you not just an address, but presence.
Secure a Virtual Office For Your Business
Finding virtual office services in Australia is a painless process, but the devil is in the details. Give close attention to the paperwork, especially those that offer "cheap" virtual offices and ones that you can't even visit. Aim for credibility and you'll likely be up and running before the next business day ends.
Servcorp's team of professionals are available to guide you through the entire process when selecting a virtual office with us. Pick from prestigious office towers in commercial hubs that "wow" clients and speak volumes about your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
