June 20, 2026
Has an overseas bank, foreign lawyer, investor or government authority asked your company to provide a Certificate of Good Standing?
This is one of the most common requests received by Australian companies conducting business internationally.
Many directors first become aware of a Certificate of Good Standing after receiving an email from an overseas bank, lawyer or business partner requesting company documents before an account can be opened, a transaction can proceed or a foreign entity can be registered.
We regularly assist Australian companies requiring Certificates of Good Standing, Certificates of Incumbency, ASIC company documents, Apostilles and legalisation services for use overseas.
What Is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing is a notarial certificate prepared following a review of a company’s ASIC records.
The certificate is commonly used to confirm:
- The company’s legal name
- The company’s ACN
- The date of incorporation
- The registered office
- The directors and officeholders
- That the company remains registered in Australia
- That the company is not in liquidation, receivership or administration
- That the company has legal capacity to enter into transactions
Certificates of Good Standing are commonly requested by foreign banks, overseas lawyers, investors, regulators and government authorities.
Why Has an Overseas Bank Requested a Certificate of Good Standing?
Foreign banks frequently require independent confirmation that an Australian company exists and remains in good standing before opening an account or approving a transaction.
In addition to a Certificate of Good Standing, banks often request:
- Certificate of Incumbency
- ASIC Company Extract
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company Constitution
- Director Resolutions
- Shareholder Resolutions
- Beneficial Ownership Documents
- Powers of Attorney
Every institution has different requirements, and it is common for Australian companies to receive detailed document requests from overseas banks and lawyers.
Opening an Overseas Bank Account
One of the most common reasons companies contact us is because an overseas bank has requested a Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Incumbency.
We regularly assist Australian companies opening accounts with overseas banks and financial institutions.
Recent matters have involved documents for use in:
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- China
- India
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- Switzerland
These are just a few examples. We regularly prepare Certificates of Good Standing, Certificates of Incumbency and related company documents for use throughout the world.
Many foreign banks require company documents to be notarised before an account can be opened or activated.
Establishing an Overseas Business Presence
Certificates of Good Standing are also commonly required when:
- Establishing a foreign subsidiary
- Registering an overseas branch
- Applying for licences and permits
- Purchasing overseas property
- Participating in international tenders
- Completing cross-border acquisitions
- Entering joint venture arrangements
Foreign authorities often require evidence that the Australian company remains properly registered and authorised to conduct business.
Certificate of Incumbency Australia
Many overseas organisations request a Certificate of Incumbency together with a Certificate of Good Standing.
A Certificate of Incumbency identifies the company’s directors, officeholders and authorised representatives and is frequently required by foreign banks, lawyers and regulatory authorities.
We can assist with both documents.
Apostille and Legalisation of Company Documents
Many countries require additional authentication after notarisation.
Depending on the destination country, company documents may also require:
- Apostille
- DFAT Authentication
- Embassy Legalisation
We can assist with the entire process and advise on the requirements of the receiving country.
Fast Turnaround Available
We understand that requests for Certificates of Good Standing often arise at short notice.
Many clients contact us after receiving an urgent request from an overseas bank, foreign lawyer, investor or government authority requiring company documents within a limited timeframe.
Upon receiving details of the request, we can advise on the documents required and the most appropriate way to proceed.
Received a Request for a Certificate of Good Standing?
If an overseas bank, lawyer, investor or government authority has requested a Certificate of Good Standing, simply forward the request to us and we can advise on the documents required.
Many requests also involve a Certificate of Incumbency, ASIC company documents, Apostilles or legalisation.
Email michael@solicitor.sydney
Call 0422 058 165
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