Pros and Cons of Being Unregistered

If you’re starting your NDIS business, one of the first questions you’ll face is:

👉 Do I need to register as an NDIS provider?

The answer? Not necessarily.

Many small business owners—especially support workers, cleaners, therapists, and allied health professionals—choose to operate as unregistered NDIS providers (and it’s often the smartest move when you’re starting out).

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of registering vs remaining unregistered so you can make the right decision for your business.

What’s the Difference?

• Registered NDIS providers go through a formal audit and registration process with the NDIS Commission. They can work with NDIA-managed participants and are listed on the official provider directory.

• Unregistered NDIS providers don’t go through the registration process but can still work with self-managed and plan-managed participants.

You can run a fully compliant, professional, and successful business without being registered—as long as you follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and deliver supports that align with a participant’s plan.

✅ Registration can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created editable NDIS Starter Policies to simplify the process.

Benefits of Being Unregistered

1. Faster & Cheaper to Start

Skip the expensive audit process, registration fees, and months of paperwork.

2. More Flexibility

You can run your business your way—without being tied to all the obligations of registration.

3. Still Fully Compliant

Unregistered providers still follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and Privacy Act—but don’t need full policies or audits unless they choose to grow or register later.

4. You Can Still Get Referrals

Many support coordinators and plan managers refer to unregistered providers if you’re professional, responsive, and easy to work with.

Drawbacks of Being Unregistered

1. You Can’t Work with NDIA-Managed Participants

These clients can only use registered providers. You’ll miss out on that segment of the market.

2. You Must Handle Your Own Admin

No portal access means you invoice participants or plan managers directly.

3. You’ll Need to Build Trust Without the “Badge”

Being registered adds instant legitimacy. If you’re unregistered, you’ll need to show professionalism in other ways—like clean documents, branded forms, and a clear online presence.

Benefits of Being Registered

If you’re planning to grow, deliver high-risk supports, or want access to all participants (including NDIA-managed), registering might be a good fit.

Registration is required if:

• You provide behaviour support

• You use restrictive practices

• You want to access government-funded tenders

• You’re delivering supports to NDIA-managed clients

It also comes with stricter obligations—like audits, reporting, and policy documentation.

👉 If you’re applying as a cleaning provider, our Cleaning Essentials Pack gives you WHS, complaints, and risk management policies.

So, Should You Register?

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to work with NDIA-managed clients?

• Am I delivering high-risk supports?

• Do I have the budget, time, and support to go through an audit?

If you’re just starting, you can operate professionally and grow your business as an unregistered provider—then choose to register later when it makes sense.

Launchly Supports Unregistered Providers

Whether you’re staying unregistered by choice or just starting out, Launchly gives you everything you need to stay compliant, look professional, and grow confidently.

💼 Our templates include:

✅ NDIS-compliant Service Agreements
✅ Intake & Consent Forms
✅ Invoice Templates
✅ Client Welcome Packs
✅ Admin Bundles

👉 Explore Templates for Unregistered Providers →

Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Register to Be Legit

You don’t need a registration number to be a great provider.

With the right tools, documents, and mindset, you can build a thriving NDIS business without going through the full registration process.

Whether you stay unregistered or register down the track—Launchly has your back.

🚀 Ready to start? Browse our full range of NDIS Policy Packs by Profession today.