How Much Does It Cost to Become an NDIS Provider: 5 Key Expenses
Thinking of becoming a registered NDIS provider but unsure what it’ll cost you? You’re not alone, many passionate providers like you feel overwhelmed by the confusing fees, hidden costs, and shifting requirements involved in setting up an NDIS business. The good news? With the right information, you can plan ahead and invest with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll break down the five key expenses you need to know so you’re not caught off guard. If you’ve been asking yourself how much does it cost to become an NDIS provider, this post will give you a clear, no-nonsense answer so you can take your next step with clarity and control.
How Much Does It Cost to Become an NDIS Provider? A Quick Overview
If you’re like most NDIS business owners starting out, one of your first questions is: how much does it cost to become an NDIS provider? It’s a smart question—and one that deserves a clear, straightforward answer.
The truth is, costs can vary widely depending on the type of services you plan to offer, whether you’re applying as a sole trader or a growing organisation, and whether you need verification or certification.
On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $10,000 or more to get set up and registered. That might sound like a wide range, but it all comes down to the complexity of your services and the level of compliance required.
Let’s break it down at a high level:
Here’s what typically impacts the cost:
NDIS registration cost – While the NDIS Commission doesn’t charge a direct fee to apply, the costs associated with preparing your application can add up.
Audit type – A verification audit (for lower-risk supports) is less costly than a certification audit, which is required for more complex services.
Business structure and size – A solo support worker will have lower setup and compliance costs than a provider managing multiple staff and services.
NDIS provider qualifications – Depending on your service type, you may need to invest in worker screening checks, training, or specific qualifications.
You might also hear the term NDIS license thrown around. While there’s no official “license,” what people are usually referring to is your approved registration following a successful audit—this is what legally allows you to deliver services under the NDIS.
Knowing these costs upfront helps you plan, budget, and avoid unexpected delays. At Labour Care, we often speak with providers who feel overwhelmed by the paperwork and compliance requirements especially when they just want to get started helping people. That’s why we’re here to walk you through it, step by step.
The 5 Key Expenses You’ll Face as a New NDIS Provider
Becoming a registered NDIS provider is a powerful step toward delivering high-quality, compliant care. But let’s be honest figuring out what it’s actually going to cost can feel overwhelming. Between audits, registration paperwork, and business setup, the details aren’t always clear.
That’s why we’re breaking it down simply. Below are the five essential expenses you’ll likely face when registering as an NDIS provider.
1. Application and NDIS Registration Cost
While the NDIS Commission doesn’t charge a direct fee to apply, the NDIS registration cost quickly adds up when you consider the time, preparation, and external support involved.
You may need to invest in:
Admin or compliance consultants to prepare your application: $300–$2,000+
Audit-related prep work like documentation, policies, and business planning
Templates or tools to help meet the Commission’s requirements
These costs are essential to getting your application right the first time and setting a strong foundation for your business.
“Many new providers underestimate the preparation involved in a successful NDIS application. Investing in expert help early on can prevent costly mistakes down the track.”
— Laura Saul, NDIS Compliance Specialist at Labour Care
2. Audit and Certification Expenses
Your biggest upfront expense will likely be the audit. The type of audit depends on the complexity of services you offer:
Verification audit (lower-risk supports): $500–$2,500
Certification audit (higher-risk supports or multiple services): $3,000–$10,000+
It’s important to note that many people use the term NDIS license, but what you’re actually securing is your registration status through a successful audit there’s no separate “license” issued.
3. Business Setup and Operational Costs
You’ll also need to factor in business admin costs:
ASIC registration & business name: ~$40–$100
ABN: Free
Insurance (public liability & professional indemnity): ~$500–$1,500/year
Admin software (CRM, rostering, finance tools): $50–$200/month
Optional: Website, branding, office setup
These often-overlooked setup costs also contribute to how much it costs to become an NDIS provider overall.
4. Developing Policies, Procedures and Documents
NDIS registration requires detailed, compliant documentation. Whether you DIY or get professional support, expect to spend:
DIY Templates: $0–$300
Customised policies (recommended): $500–$5,000+
5. Meeting NDIS Provider Qualifications and Training Requirements
Your team needs the right NDIS provider qualifications, including:
Worker screening checks
First aid, infection control, incident reporting training
Specific qualifications for specialised supports
Beyond Setup – Understanding Ongoing Costs of Maintaining Your NDIS License
Once you’ve successfully registered as an NDIS provider, it’s tempting to think the hard part is over. But keeping your business compliant, trusted, and audit-ready involves ongoing investment both financially and operationally.
Many providers overlook these recurring expenses, which can lead to non-compliance risks down the track. So let’s make it clear: maintaining your NDIS license (your registration status) is just as important as obtaining it.
Here are the key ongoing costs you’ll want to budget for:
1. Annual Insurance Renewals
You’ll need to maintain up-to-date insurance every year, including:
Public liability insurance
Professional indemnity insurance
Workers compensation (if you have staff)
Budget around $500–$2,000+ per year, depending on your service type and coverage limits.
2. Audit Renewal and Mid-Term Reviews
If you’re under certification, you’ll face:
A mid-term audit (usually in Year 2)
A full re-certification audit every 3 years
These can cost between $1,500–$5,000+, depending on the size and scope of your business. Even verification providers may need periodic reviews, particularly if they expand or change services.
3. Staff Training and Qualifications
Keeping your team up to date is an NDIS requirement. Plan for:
Ongoing training in incident management, infection control, manual handling, etc.
Renewal of first aid certifications
New qualifications for staff moving into specialised roles
Staff turnover also means budgeting for NDIS worker screening checks and onboarding costs throughout the year.
4. Compliance and Documentation Maintenance
NDIS providers are expected to:
Review and update policies regularly
Maintain incident and complaint logs
Stay on top of client records and service delivery evidence
This often requires admin support, software tools, or external compliance partners to help keep everything audit-ready.
How to Get Support and Reduce Your NDIS Startup Costs
Starting an NDIS business can be overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. By seeking expert support and making strategic choices, you can reduce your startup costs while ensuring compliance and long-term success.
Here are a few practical ways you can manage your costs:
1. Focus on Core Services First
When starting out, it’s tempting to offer a broad range of services. However, this can stretch your resources and increase costs. Instead, focus on your core services—the ones you’re most skilled at and that align with your passion. Once you’ve established your business, you can gradually expand your offerings.
2. Use Expert Support Instead of Trial and Error
The NDIS landscape can be complicated, and trying to navigate it alone can lead to costly mistakes. Instead of trial and error, consider working with NDIS compliance experts. They can help streamline your registration process, assist with audits, and ensure that you’re meeting all requirements. This upfront investment can save you time and money in the long run by preventing compliance issues.
3. Templates vs Tailored Compliance
While there are many free or low-cost compliance templates available, they often don’t meet the specific needs of your service and could cause delays. Investing in tailored compliance such as personalised policies and procedures—ensures that you are fully aligned with NDIS standards and are audit-ready from day one.
By seeking the right support at the right time, you’ll save both money and stress.
At Labour Care, we offer comprehensive compliance support and training for NDIS providers. Whether you need help with policies, procedures, or staff training, we can guide you through every step.
Plan Your Path to Becoming a Compliant, Trusted NDIS Provider
Navigating the costs of becoming an NDIS provider doesn’t have to be daunting. By planning ahead and understanding the five key cost areas: application and registration fees, audit and certification expenses, business setup costs, developing compliant policies, and meeting NDIS qualifications, you'll set a strong foundation for success. With the right support, you can reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes.
At Labour Care, we’re here to guide you through every step, ensuring you stay compliant and focused on delivering exceptional care. Ready to take the next step in your NDIS journey? Book a free consultation with us today to start planning your NDIS journey and grow with confidence.
FAQs: Costs, Audits, and Growing Your NDIS Business
1. Do you have to pay for NDIS?
If you're a participant receiving supports, you don’t pay to access the NDIS—it's government-funded. However, if you're becoming a registered NDIS provider, there are costs involved. These include business setup, audits, insurance, staff training, and compliance documentation. While the NDIS Commission doesn’t charge a registration fee, the associated costs can range from $500 to over $10,000, depending on your service type and structure.
2. How much does an NDIS audit cost?
Audit costs vary based on whether you're undergoing verification or certification:
Verification audit (for low-risk supports): ~$500 to $2,500
Certification audit (for more complex supports): ~$3,000 to $10,000+
3. How to get clients for NDIS?
To start attracting clients as an NDIS provider:
Register with the NDIS Commission and list your services on the Provider Finder.
Build referral networks with local area coordinators (LACs), support coordinators, and allied health professionals.
Invest in a professional website, social media presence, and Google Business profile.
Join local NDIS expos, community events, and Facebook groups.
Provide excellent service—word of mouth is powerful in the NDIS space
