How to Apply

If you are applying to purchase residential real estate, you can submit an application through the online system.

For business proposals or applications for real estate other than residential, email or fax is the preferred channel - do not post originals in addition to sending an application by email or fax. Applications should only be posted to FIRB if you are unable to submit your application via email or fax. Please note that postal applications generally take longer to process.

The addresses for submission of applications that cannot be submitted using the online system are:

All applications that are received via email will be acknowledged with an automatically generated message confirming receipt. Please contact us if you do not receive an automatic message shortly after sending your application.

No fees or charges apply to applications.

Please do not combine multiple large documents into a single attachment. Each individual element of the application should be submitted as separate file attachments to the email. The preferred formats for attachments are .pdf or Word files. Applicants are requested to avoid attaching multiple individual pages as separate picture files. The email message should also include a webpage hyperlink to the appropriate current web addresses of any other material or information relevant to the application. Separate attachments would include the following:

• covering explanatory letter;
• statutory notice under section 25/26/26A; and
• other supporting documents such as company annual reports and financial statements (if applicable).
• Please note that emails larger than 10 megabytes will be blocked. If necessary, please send multiple emails as follows:
  • an initial email with the covering explanatory letter and statutory notice, clearly labelled as 'Part 1' of the application (ensuring it is below 10 megabytes); and
  • subsequent email(s) with the additional attachments, clearly labelled as 'Part 2', etc.

Statutory notices

Acquisitions which are subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the FATA) require a statutory notice to be submitted to FIRB in accordance with the relevant form as prescribed under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers (Notices) Regulations 1975

See the Statutory notices page for more details on the notices required.

Click on the relevant page to access the application forms (including the relevant statutory notices), as well as specific details on how to submit an application:

• Residential real estate (including property that is zoned other than residential real estate but including a component of residential);
• Non-residential real estate;
• Existing corporation or business - acquisitions of shares or assets, or other arrangements resulting in control of an Australian business or corporation;
• New business, and
• Integrated tourism resort.