Australia generally welcomes foreign investment. The Australian government's Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) screens certain foreign investment proposals on a case-by-case basis to determine whether a particular proposal is contrary to the national interest. This brochure explains some of the rules governing the screening process.  However, Australia’s foreign investment rules are complex, and legal advice should be sought.

The brochure covers:

• What laws govern foreign investment
• Who is regulated
• Types of transactions that are regulated
• Monetary thresholds
• Special rules for foreign government investors
• National interest test
• Procedure
• Penalties

This brochure is current as of 4 June 2020.