Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a virtual address work?
A virtual address provides you with a real, physical street address without the need to lease or operate from an office space. You can use it for business registration, receiving mail and parcels, and general business correspondence. It’s a flexible solution that allows you to operate professionally without being tied to a full-time office.
Can I register a company without using my home address?
Yes. Using a NatPost virtual address allows you to keep your personal home address private while still meeting ASIC requirements. We provide a recognised physical street address that can be used for company registration, helping protect your privacy and separating your personal and business details from the public record.
What is the difference between a virtual address and a PO Box?
A virtual address is a real street address, not just a mailbox. This means you can use it for business registration, receive parcels from all carriers (not just Australia Post), and have documents signed and handled on your behalf. A PO Box, on the other hand, is limited to Australia Post deliveries only and does not provide a professional street address for business use. A virtual address also gives you access to reception-style services, making it feel like your own business front.
Can a sole trader use a virtual business address?
Yes. Sole traders can absolutely use a virtual address. Even as a sole trader, you still require an official business address for registration and correspondence. A virtual address provides a professional alternative to using your home address while maintaining privacy and credibility.
Can I receive parcels at a virtual office?
Yes. Parcels can be received and managed on your behalf at no additional cost or inconvenience. We notify you by email when parcels arrive and provide secure locker access for collection outside of business hours. This ensures flexible, secure, and convenient access to your deliveries.
Can I use a virtual office address for ASIC?
Yes. ASIC recognises virtual addresses as valid business addresses. You can use your full allocated address (including suite/unit number, where applicable) as your principal place of business and address for service when registering or updating your ASIC details.
What’s the difference between the Premium and Regular plans?
Premium Plan:
Includes free scan-to-email, free quarterly mail forwarding, and a streamlined address format such as 12/585 Little Collins Street or 1/585 Little Collins Street.
Regular Plan:
Includes a dedicated physical mailbox with a three-digit identifier (e.g. 123/585 Little Collins Street). Additional services such as mail scanning and forwarding can be added whenever required, with minimal additional fees.
Is a virtual address a real address?
Yes. A virtual address is a genuine, physical location where your mail and parcels are delivered and securely managed. You can also visit the location to collect mail if required—it simply isn’t your day-to-day operating office space.
I want my business to look professional—not just like a mailbox.
We understand the importance of presentation. You can format your address in a professional manner as long as your allocated mailbox or suite number is included. This ensures mail is correctly delivered while still maintaining a clean, professional business appearance.
✔️ Okay:
John Smith
Suite 123
585 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
ABC Pty Ltd.
123/585 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
✖️ Not okay:
John Smith
585 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
X This version leaves out your mailbox number and may cause confusion.
What happens if a customer shows up at the address?
If someone visits your listed address, they will be greeted by reception. Our team will confirm that you are not onsite and will check whether they have an appointment. If not, we will take a message and guide them to your preferred contact method.
We will never disclose your personal details to any visitor. Instead, we will collect their contact information and email it to you directly so you can choose to follow up with them. While walk-ins are not expected, we handle any in-person enquiries professionally and discreetly when they occur.
What if a system doesn’t recognise my virtual address?
Some online systems may not recognise formatted virtual addresses. In these cases, you should manually enter the address instead of using auto-fill. We can also provide guidance on the correct format to ensure successful registration with systems such as government or utility platforms.
Is a PO Box better than a virtual address?
In most cases, no. A PO Box is limited to Australia Post and cannot be used for ASIC registration or parcel deliveries from other carriers. A virtual address provides a real street address, greater functionality, a more professional image, and support from a staffed service team.
Can I get parcels delivered to my virtual address?
Yes. We accept and sign for all parcels from all carriers. You will receive an email notification when items arrive, and they will be placed in a secure locker for convenient collection. Items can be held for a limited period, with forwarding options available if required.
How can a virtual address help keep my personal details private?
Using a virtual address ensures your home address is not publicly listed on websites, invoices, or government records. This adds an important layer of privacy while maintaining a professional business presence.
Who is a virtual address suitable for?
Virtual addresses are suitable for a wide range of users, including businesses that want a professional street address, e-commerce operators, sole traders, remote workers, and individuals who need secure mail handling. It is also ideal for those who travel frequently or want to separate personal and business correspondence.
Are there any extra fees for parcels?
No additional fees apply for receiving parcels. You will be notified upon arrival and given secure locker access. Items are held for a set period, after which forwarding or alternative arrangements can be made if needed (forwarding fees may apply).
What are the key and security pass deposits for?
Mailbox keys are required for in-person mail collection. For 24/7 access, a security pass (such as a fob or card) can be issued, allowing access to mailboxes and parcel lockers outside of business hours. Both options require a small refundable deposit.