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Foreign Investment (FIRB)
Foreign investment in Australia is closely regulated by the FIRB. Morcos Law Group offers strategic advice for international investors, multinationals, and Australian businesses in cross-border transactions.
Who Is This For?
Our FIRB service supports international investors, sovereign funds, multinationals, developers, and foreign-owned Australian businesses navigating Australia’s investment framework.
Key Benefits / Value Points
- End-to-end FIRB application management and compliance advice.
- Expert navigation of national security and sensitive sector reviews.
- Ongoing compliance monitoring and condition management.
- Experienced counsel for complex cross-border investment structures.
What’s Included In Foreign Investment (FIRB) Service
FIRB Applications & Approvals
We prepare and manage FIRB applications for residential and commercial property acquisitions, business investments, and agricultural land purchases -ensuring compliance with notification thresholds and approval conditions.
Cross-Border M&A Support
We advise on FIRB implications for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures involving foreign persons, coordinating approvals alongside broader transaction management.
National Security Considerations
We navigate the national security review framework, advising on sensitive sectors, critical infrastructure, and defence-related investments that trigger enhanced scrutiny.
Compliance & Reporting
We advise on ongoing FIRB compliance obligations, condition management, reporting requirements, and disposal obligations -helping foreign investors maintain good standing.
FIRB Applications & Approvals
We prepare and manage FIRB applications for residential and commercial property acquisitions, business investments, and agricultural land purchases -ensuring compliance with notification thresholds and approval conditions.
Cross-Border M&A Support
We advise on FIRB implications for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures involving foreign persons, coordinating approvals alongside broader transaction management.
National Security Considerations
We navigate the national security review framework, advising on sensitive sectors, critical infrastructure, and defence-related investments that trigger enhanced scrutiny.
Compliance & Reporting
We advise on ongoing FIRB compliance obligations, condition management, reporting requirements, and disposal obligations -helping foreign investors maintain good standing.
Contact Us
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FAQ
Clear answers for complex questions. We break down legal language into practical, straightforward guidance so you can make informed decisions with confidence. No jargon. No ambiguity. Just clarity when it matters most.
We believe in transparency and direct communication, so we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries regarding our embedded advisory model, fee structures, and specialised practice areas.
Who needs FIRB approval?
Foreign persons -including individuals, companies, trusts, and governments with foreign ownership or control -may need FIRB approval before acquiring interests in Australian land, businesses, or entities above applicable monetary thresholds.
What are the current FIRB monetary thresholds?
Thresholds vary depending on asset type, investor origin, and applicable free trade agreements. Residential real estate generally requires approval regardless of value, while business acquisitions have higher thresholds. We provide current threshold advice for your specific transaction.
How long does FIRB approval take?
The standard statutory timeframe is 30 days, but FIRB can extend this by up to 90 days and issue interim orders. Complex or sensitive transactions may take longer.
What happens if I don’t get FIRB approval when required?
Acquiring an interest without required FIRB approval is a criminal offence and can result in civil penalties, divestiture orders, and infringement notices.
Can FIRB impose conditions on an approval?
Yes. FIRB commonly imposes conditions including construction deadlines, reporting obligations, restrictions on use, and development requirements. We advise on conditions and help manage ongoing compliance.