Do All NDIS Providers Need to Be Registered in Australia? A Complete Guide for New and Existing Providers

Understanding whether all NDIS providers need to be registered is one of the most common questions among businesses entering the disability sector in Australia. The NDIS market includes a mix of registered and unregistered providers, each with different responsibilities, requirements, and limitations. While some providers must be registered due to the supports they deliver, others can legally operate without registration, depending on the participant’s plan type. This blog breaks down the rules clearly so you can make an informed decision about your pathway as an NDIS provider.

Do All NDIS Providers Need to Be Registered?

The short answer is no not all NDIS providers need to be registered. However, whether you must register depends on two things:

• The types of services you provide
• How your participants’ plans are managed

Registered providers undergo a full audit and meet strict NDIS Practice Standards.

Unregistered providers, on the other hand, can still legally deliver certain supports but cannot serve all participant types.

When Registration Is Mandatory for NDIS Providers

There are specific circumstances where registration is the only legal option.

Providers MUST register if they deliver:

• High-intensity daily personal activities
• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
• Supported Independent Living (SIL)
• Behaviour Support (including restrictive practices)
• Plan Management
• Assistance with medication where high risk is involved
• Supports to NDIA-managed participants

These services involve higher risk, requiring the provider to demonstrate compliance with strict quality and safety rules.

When NDIS Providers Can Operate Without Registration

Unregistered providers can still operate legally, but only under certain conditions.

You can remain unregistered if you:

• Deliver low-risk, non-complex supports
• Serve self-managed or plan-managed participants
• Offer services like cleaning, community access, transport, gardening, therapy assistance, etc.

Common examples of unregistered providers:

• Support workers without a company
• Therapy assistant businesses
• Cleaning and domestic assistance companies
• Support coordinators (in some cases)
• Allied health professionals operating independently

However, unregistered providers must still run their business professionally, ethically, and safely.

Key Differences Between Registered and Unregistered Providers

Clients You Can Support

• Registered providers: NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed participants
• Unregistered providers: Only plan-managed and self-managed participants

Compliance Requirements

Registered providers must:

• Undergo initial and mid-term audits
• Meet NDIS Practice Standards
• Maintain strict risk, safety, and governance systems

Unregistered providers must still:

• Keep ABN, insurance, worker checks, and safety documents
• Follow Australian consumer law
• Operate ethically and transparently

Marketing & Visibility

Registered providers are listed on the NDIS Provider Finder, which increases visibility.
Unregistered providers depend on marketing, word of mouth, and referrals.

Advantages of Being a Registered Provider

Even though registration is not mandatory for everyone, choosing to register comes with strong benefits.

Major advantages include:

• Access to all participant types
• Increased trust and credibility
• Ability to deliver high-risk supports
• Higher business opportunities
• Listings on official NDIS platforms
• More partnership and referral opportunities

Who Should Consider Becoming Registered?

Registration is ideal for providers who:

• Want to scale their business
• Wish to deliver core or high-intensity supports
• Want to work with NDIA-managed clients
• Want to bid for government-funded programs
• Need to build a trusted brand in the sector

If you plan to grow long-term, registration is the most strategic option.

How LYFIT Supports Providers With Registration

LYFIT helps new and existing providers by:

• Reviewing business documents
• Preparing all policies and procedures
• Providing audit-ready documentation
• Guiding through the NDIS portal application
• Supporting during the audit process
• Ensuring compliance with NDIS Practice Standards

Whether you choose to remain unregistered or become registered, LYFIT ensures your business operates safely, ethically, and successfully.