How Much Does It Cost to Be NDIS Registered? (Full 2025 Guide)

Becoming an NDIS registered provider is a major step for individuals, sole traders, and organisations delivering disability services in Australia. Furthermore, one of the most common questions new providers ask is: How much does it cost to be NDIS registered? Additionally, many applicants want clarity, especially because costs vary, and ultimately these expenses can affect how they prepare for registration.

The truth is: the cost varies depending on your registration groups, organisation size, risk level, audit type, and the number of workers you employ. Moreover, this guide breaks down all the NDIS registration costs so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. Additionally, it explains each cost clearly, and consequently helps you avoid confusion. Furthermore, by understanding these details early, you can plan effectively and ultimately reduce unnecessary expenses.

What Are the Main Costs of NDIS Registration? ( how much does it cost to be NDIS registered)

NDIS registration involves three main cost categories:

✔ 1. NDIS Audit Costs (Stage 1 & Stage 2)

✔ 2. Document Preparation Costs (Policies, procedures, templates)

✔ 3. Business Setup Costs (insurances, staff checks, etc.)

The NDIS Commission requires every applicant to meet strict quality, safety, governance, and compliance standards; therefore, costs vary based on what is required for your organisation. Additionally, these standards differ by registration group, and moreover, providers must meet specific audit criteria. Furthermore, requirements can change over time, so consequently, organisations should stay updated. Ultimately, understanding these factors early helps you plan effectively and avoid surprises.

NDIS Audit Costs (The Biggest NDIS registration Cost explained)

The NDIS audit is the largest expense in the registration process; moreover, it often determines your overall budget. Additionally, providers must prepare thoroughly because audit requirements can vary. Furthermore, missing documents can increase costs, and consequently, delays may occur. Ultimately, understanding audit expectations helps you plan confidently.

There are two types of audits:

Verification Audit Cost (Low-Risk Providers) – NDIS Registration Costs Breakdown

Applies to registration groups such as:

• Household Tasks (0120)
• Assist–Travel/Transport (0108)
• Community Nursing (0114)*
• Assist-Personal Care (0107)*
• Assist-Life Stage Transition (0106)
  (*depending on risk level)

Typical Cost:

$900 – $1,800 for most sole traders and small providers.

Cost depends on (factors affecting how much it costs to be NDIS registered)

• Number of services you are registering; additionally, this affects audit complexity, and consequently, it influences your overall NDIS registration cost.
• Documentation quality
• Whether your policies meet the Practice Standards; moreover, this determines how prepared you are for the audit. Additionally, strong policies reduce assessor time and, consequently, lower overall costs. Furthermore, clear documentation supports compliance, and ultimately, it helps you pass the audit more efficiently.
• Auditor selection

Certification Audit Cost for providers (NDIS Registration costs for medium-high risk providers)

Required for services like:

• Support Coordination (0132)
• High Intensity Daily Personal Activities (0104)
• SIL – Supported Independent Living
• Community Participation (0125)
• Behaviour Support (0110)

Typical Cost for medium-high risk providers (NDIS Audit cost comparison)

$3,500 – $10,000+ depending on:

• Staff numbers
• Number of participants
• Organisation size
• Locations you operate
• Registration groups
• Audit complexity
• Internal systems & readiness

Large providers can pay $15,000–$30,000 or more.

Document Preparation Costs for NDIS Registration (how much does It cost to be NDIS registered)

The NDIS Commission requires comprehensive documentation, including:

• Governance policies
• HR & staff screening
• Incident management
• Complaints & feedback
• Risk management
• Participant rights
• Worker orientation
• Emergency & disaster management
• Practice Standards compliance
• Forms, registers, onboarding templates

Cost depends on:

High-risk providers need more complex documentation, which increases the cost.

Business Setup Costs for NDIS Registration (NDIS Provider Cost Guide)

To be registered, you must have:

✔ NDIS Worker Screening Checks

Approx: $80 – $130 per worker (varies by state)

✔ Police Checks

Approx: $40 – $80 per worker

✔ Working With Children Check (if required)

Approx: $80 – $120 (varies by state)

✔ Insurance Requirements

Mandatory policies include:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Professional Indemnity
• Workers Compensation (if you have staff)

💰 Average Insurance Costs:

$600 – $1,800 per year

For larger organisations: $3,000 – $8,000+

✔ Company Setup (If you’re starting new)

ABN: Free
ACN / Pty Ltd company: $538 (ASIC)
Business name registration: $42 – $100

Total Cost to Become an NDIS Registered Provider (how much does it cost to be NDIS Registered in 2025?)

Here is the realistic cost breakdown:

🟣 Low-Risk Providers (Verification Audit)

👉$1,500 – $4,000 total

Includes:

• Audit: $900 – $1,800
• Documents: $300 – $1,200
• Insurances + checks: $300 – $800

Mid-Risk Providers

👉 $4,500 – $10,000 total

Includes:

• Certification audit
• More policies & procedures
• Staff screening
• Extra compliance setup

🔴 High-Risk Providers (SIL, High Intensity, Behaviour Support)

👉 $10,000 – $25,000+ total

Includes:

• High-complexity certification audit
• Advanced documentation
• Larger staff team
• Multiple sites
• Risk assessments
• Quality assurance systems

Are There Ongoing NDIS Costs After Registration?

Yes NDIS providers must maintain compliance.

Ongoing yearly costs include:

Insurance renewals are required annually; moreover, they ensure ongoing protection, and additionally, they help maintain full NDIS compliance.

Worker screening renewals must be completed on time; furthermore, they verify staff suitability, and consequently, they support participant safety.

Staff training is essential for compliance; additionally, it builds worker capability, and moreover, it ensures high-quality service delivery.

Policy updates must be reviewed regularly; furthermore, they keep your organisation aligned with NDIS changes, and additionally, they reduce compliance risks.

The mid-term audit is mandatory for certified providers; moreover, it assesses your ongoing compliance, and consequently, it helps identify any required improvements.

Incident reporting systems must be maintained properly; additionally, they ensure timely notifications, and furthermore, they support risk management obligations.

Governance and record-keeping compliance is essential; moreover, it demonstrates organisational accountability, and additionally, it strengthens long-term audit readiness.

Ongoing yearly cost:

$500 – $5,000+ depending on provider size

How to Reduce Your NDIS Registration Costs

You can reduce costs by:

Preparing documents before the audit; additionally, this reduces delays, and ultimately, it helps lower your overall NDIS registration cost.

Avoiding re-audits caused by missing evidence; moreover, this prevents extra costs, and additionally, it reduces delays. Consequently, your registration process becomes faster and ultimately more efficient.

Choosing the right registration groups; moreover, this helps control your audit cost, and additionally, it reduces unnecessary complexity. Consequently, you avoid higher compliance requirements and ultimately streamline your NDIS registration process.

Working with an experienced consultant; moreover, this helps you avoid costly mistakes, and additionally, it ensures your documents meet NDIS standards. Consequently, the registration process becomes smoother and ultimately more successful.

Using compliant policies (avoid cheap templates)

Being fully prepared before Stage 1 audit; moreover, this helps you avoid delays, and additionally, it strengthens your documentation. Consequently, auditors can assess your application faster, and ultimately, your registration progresses smoothly.

Organising your HR and onboarding systems early; moreover, this helps you meet NDIS requirements efficiently, and additionally, it reduces compliance risks. Consequently, your audit becomes easier to pass, and ultimately, your registration process is far smoother.

This prevents additional auditor hours (which cost more); moreover, it helps control your overall budget, and additionally, it reduces unnecessary delays. Consequently, your registration becomes more efficient and ultimately more affordable.

To prepare for registration, you can also read our detailed guide on what documents are needed for NDIS, which outlines the exact evidence required for a smooth application.

Working With an NDIS Registration Consultant Saves Money

NDIS registration is complex, and many providers spend thousands more because of mistakes; moreover, these errors often cause delays. Additionally, missing documents can increase audit costs. Consequently, providers may face re-audits, and ultimately, the entire process becomes more expensive.

A consultant can help you:

• Choose the correct registration groups; moreover, this reduces unnecessary audit complexity, and additionally, it helps control your registration costs. Consequently, you avoid overpaying for services, and ultimately, your NDIS registration becomes more manageable.
• Prepare documents correctly; moreover, this prevents delays, and additionally, it reduces the likelihood of audit issues. Consequently, your registration process becomes smoother, and ultimately, you increase your chances of approval.
• Avoid delays
• Prepare documents correctly; moreover, this prevents delays, and additionally, it reduces the likelihood of audit issues. Consequently, your registration process becomes smoother, and ultimately, you increase your chances of approval.
• Implement compliance systems; moreover, this strengthens your organisation’s readiness, and additionally, it reduces long-term risks. Consequently, auditors can verify your processes more easily, and ultimately, your NDIS registration becomes more secure and sustainable.
• Reduce back-and-forth with auditors; moreover, this speeds up your registration timeline, and additionally, it minimises misunderstandings. Consequently, your audit process becomes far smoother, and ultimately, you achieve approval faster.

Consultant cost:

$1,500 – $6,000 depending on your scope.

Providers Consultant gives:

✔ Full documentation
✔ Audit preparation
✔ Application management
✔ Compliance systems
✔ Ongoing support

Usually resulting in lower overall costs than doing it alone; moreover, partnering with an expert prevents common errors, and consequently, it helps you save both time and money. Ultimately, your registration experience becomes much easier.

Final Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Be NDIS Registered?

The total cost ranges widely:

🟣 Low-risk providers: $1,500 – $4,000

🔵 Medium-risk providers: $4,500 – $10,000

🔴 High-risk providers: $10,000 – $25,000+

Your exact cost depends on:

• Audit type
• Registration groups
• Staffing
• Documentation
• Compliance systems
• Business size
• Complexity of services

Understanding these costs upfront helps you plan better and avoid surprises; moreover, it allows you to prepare financially, and additionally, it reduces stress during registration. Consequently, you can make informed decisions, and ultimately, move through the NDIS process with confidence.

FAQs: NDIS Registration Costs

What is the most expensive part of NDIS registration?

The certification audit is the most expensive part of NDIS registration; moreover, it involves detailed assessments, and additionally, it requires more auditor time. Consequently, the overall cost is higher than verification audits, and ultimately, it becomes the largest expense for most medium- to high-risk providers.

Can I become NDIS registered for free?

No audits, documentation, and checks all have costs; moreover, each requirement must be completed properly. Additionally, providers need to budget for these expenses, and furthermore, missing any step can increase overall fees. Ultimately, understanding these costs helps you prepare effectively.

What if I cannot afford the audit?

You can reduce registration groups or start with low-risk supports; moreover, this helps lower your initial audit cost, and additionally, it simplifies the registration process. Consequently, you avoid unnecessary expenses, and ultimately, you begin your NDIS journey more affordably.

How much does the mid-term audit cost?

Approx: $1,500 – $6,000 depending on provider size.

Do sole traders pay less?

Yes, audit costs are lower for small providers; moreover, they typically require fewer documents, and additionally, their audits take less time. Furthermore, auditors charge less for smaller scopes, and consequently, overall expenses stay manageable. Ultimately, this makes registration more affordable for new or sole providers.

For official information on provider registration requirements, you may visit the NDIS Commission website, which explains all obligations for registered providers.