FIRB: Foreign Investment Review Board

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The Foreign Investment Review Board (the FIRB) examines proposals by foreign people and companies to invest in Australia and advises the Treasurer on those subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 and Australia's foreign investment policy.

This FIRB website contains information about Australia's foreign investment review arrangements including application forms and 'How to Apply' Guides as well as information material to assist potential applicants. It also provides information on Australia's engagement on international investment policy matters at International Engagement.

Applications for Foreign Investment Approval

Real estate information
Business investment information

Residential real estate

Send applications for real estate purchases to: firbrealestateapplications@treasury.gov.au

Acquisitions of share and other interests in companies and businesses

How to apply

Send applications for business acquisitions to: firbbusinessapplications@treasury.gov.au

What's New

On 15 July 2010, the Treasurer announced the appointment of Ms Anna Buduls to the Foreign Investment Review Board. Ms Buduls replaces Ms Lynn Wood, who recently retired from the Board.

The Government now requires temporary residents to seek FIRB approval before acquiring residential real estate in Australia.

Compliance hotline - Members of the public can report information on possible breaches of Australia’s foreign investment policy on 1800 050 377. For other telephone inquiries, please call (02) 6263 3795

1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010, the monetary thresholds will be revised to $231 million (the threshold for private business investment) and $1004 million (the threshold for US investors under the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement). The policy documents will be updated to incorporate these revised thresholds.

Related Sites:

The Australian National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises