The short version
Unregistered: faster, cheaper, limited to self- and plan-managed participants and lower-risk supports. Registered: broader market including agency-managed participants, higher-risk supports permitted, but you carry an audit cycle and ongoing compliance.
What unregistered still requires
An ABN, NDIS Worker Screening (most plan managers insist), the NDIS Code of Conduct, a service agreement, incident and complaint handling, and pricing within the NDIS Pricing Arrangements if you want plan managers to pay without friction.
When registration is worth it
You have participants who are agency-managed. You want to deliver supports that require registration (e.g. specialist disability accommodation, behaviour support). You’re building something to sell one day — registered providers command a premium.
A sensible path
Start unregistered with a compliant foundation, prove demand, then register with the policies already in use rather than written for the audit.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. Requirements change; confirm with the regulator or a qualified professional.