Compare
Virtual business address vs PO Box: which do you need?
Both give you somewhere to get mail that isn't your home. Only one can be your company's registered office.
| Feature | MailStreet | Australia Post PO Box |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $550/yr inc GST ($55/mo) | $192–885/yr + $27 setup |
| ASIC registered office | Yes | No, a PO Box can’t be one |
| Street address | Yes | No |
| See your mail without visiting | Yes, envelope photos and scans | No |
| Parcels | Not accepted: letters and documents only | Depends on size and box |
| Sign-up | Online, ID check on your phone | In person, with ID and ABN |
PO Box prices from Australia Post, checked October 2026.
When a PO Box is fine
- You only need a postal address, not a registered office.
- You’re happy to visit the post office to check mail.
- Your customers never need a street address for you.
When you need a street address
- Your company needs a registered office.
- You want mail scanned to your phone.
- You want a professional address on your website and invoices.
Questions
Can I use a PO Box as my registered office?
No. ASIC requires a company's registered office to be a street address.
Can I use a PO Box on my ABN?
As a postal address, yes. Your business location on the ABR should be a physical address where you operate.
Is a virtual address more expensive than a PO Box?
Usually, yes, but it does more: a street address, registered office use, scanning and forwarding. If you just need somewhere to receive letters, a PO Box can be cheaper.
Get a real street address today
Pick a plan, verify your ID on your phone, and your address is released once checks pass. Most sole traders are live in minutes.