How long does it take to start an NDIS business?

An unregistered business can be trading within weeks once your ABN, insurance and systems are set up. Becoming a registered provider typically takes 3 to 12 months including preparation and audit.

How to Start an NDIS Business in Australia (2026 Guide)

Q: How much does it cost to start an NDIS business?

It varies widely. A lean unregistered start can cost a few thousand dollars for an ABN, insurance and basic setup. A registered provider including audit, insurance and setup commonly costs from around $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on your services and registration groups.

Starting an NDIS business is one of the most rewarding ways to build a company in Australia, but the setup can feel like a maze of ABNs, insurance, checks and registration. This 2026 guide lays out the steps in plain English, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to actually get your first participants once you are set up.

Short answer: Get an ABN, choose a structure (usually a Pty Ltd company), arrange insurance, register for GST if needed, complete your background checks, then register with the NDIS Commission if your services require it. You can start unregistered to serve self-managed and plan-managed participants and register later.

Step 1: Decide registered or unregistered

You can start either way. Unregistered providers can support self-managed and plan-managed participants, which is a fast, lower-cost way to begin. Registration is required for NDIA-managed participants and certain supports, and from 1 July 2026 SIL and platform providers also need to register. Read self vs plan vs NDIA-managed to pick your target, and how to become a registered NDIS provider if you plan to register.

Step 2: Get an ABN and choose your structure

Applying for an ABN is free and takes about 20 minutes on the Australian Business Register. For structure, a Pty Ltd company is the common choice for NDIS providers: it costs around $611 to register with ASIC, limits your personal liability, and is taxed at the 25% base company rate rather than personal rates of up to 47%.

Step 3: Sort insurance

Insurance is non-negotiable. At a minimum you will want public liability insurance, and professional indemnity insurance if you provide advice or therapy. Registered providers usually need public liability cover in the $10 to $20 million range.

Step 4: Register for GST (if needed)

Register for GST if your annual turnover is expected to exceed $75,000. Many NDIS supports are GST-free, but you still need to be registered and handle it correctly.

Step 5: Complete background checks

National police check for key personnel and workers.
NDIS Worker Screening Check for risk-assessed roles.
Working with Children Check if you support children.

Step 6: Register with the NDIS Commission (if required)

If you are delivering registered or higher-risk supports, apply through the NDIS Commission portal, self-assess against the NDIS Practice Standards, and complete an audit with an Approved Quality Auditor. See our full registration guide.

Step 7: Set up to actually win participants

Being set up is not the same as being booked. Put a simple website, fast follow-up, and referral outreach in place from day one so your roster fills. Our guide on how to get more NDIS participants is the playbook.

What it costs and how long it takes

Path	Rough setup cost	Time to trading
Unregistered (self and plan-managed)	A few thousand dollars (ABN, insurance, basic setup)	Weeks
Registered provider	~$5,000 to $30,000+ (incl. audit, insurance, setup)	3 to 12 months

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Who this guide is for

Support workers going out on their own.
Allied health professionals launching a practice.
Anyone starting a disability support business in Australia.

About the author

Provider Scale is the NDIS growth partner built by real operators. We built Enrichment Care from zero to a $2M run-rate, so we have walked every step in this guide. Meet the team.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to start an NDIS business?

A lean unregistered start can cost a few thousand dollars for an ABN, insurance and basic setup. A registered provider including audit, insurance and setup commonly costs from around $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on services and registration groups.

Do I need to register to start an NDIS business?

Not always. You can start unregistered and support self-managed and plan-managed participants. Registration is required for NDIA-managed participants and certain supports, and from 1 July 2026 for SIL and platform providers.

How long does it take to start?

An unregistered business can be trading within weeks. Becoming a registered provider typically takes 3 to 12 months including preparation and audit.

This guide is general information, not legal, tax or compliance advice. Confirm current requirements with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, the ATO and ASIC.