Foreign Investment
Navigate FIRB approvals, tax obligations, and compliance for foreign investment in Australian property and business.
Foreign Investment Services
Expert guidance on Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approvals and tax compliance for foreign investors in Australia.
FIRB Approval Requirements
Foreign persons must get FIRB approval before purchasing:
- Residential real estate in Australia
- Vacant land for residential development
- Commercial property above certain thresholds
- Shares or interests in Australian entities above threshold values
- Agricultural land above threshold values
Who is a "Foreign Person"?
- Individuals not ordinarily resident in Australia
- Foreign companies and corporations
- Foreign government investors
- Entities where foreign persons hold substantial interest (20%+)
Application Process
- Determine if your investment requires FIRB approval
- Complete the proposal checklist on the Foreign Investment Portal
- Submit application with required documentation
- Pay the applicable fee (based on investment value)
- Wait for approval (statutory decision period is typically 30 days)
- Comply with all conditions of approval
Tax Obligations for Foreign Investors
- CGT: Foreign residents have different CGT treatment ??? the 50% CGT discount is not available to foreign residents
- Rental Income: Must declare Australian rental income and lodge Australian tax returns
- Withholding Tax: 12.5% CGT withholding may apply on property purchases from foreign residents
- Land Tax Surcharges: Most states impose additional land tax surcharges on foreign owners
- Register of Foreign Ownership: Must notify ATO of certain actions and disposals
Our Foreign Investment Services
- FIRB application preparation and lodgement
- Tax structure advice for foreign investors
- Compliance with ongoing reporting obligations
- Joint venture and partnership structuring
- Due diligence for Australian property and business acquisitions
Source: Foreign Investment Review Board