FIRB approval is the regulatory clearance from the Australian Treasurer (advised by the Foreign Investment Review Board) required for certain acquisitions of Australian businesses, entities, or land by foreign persons under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth). For business and entity acquisitions, FIRB approval is generally required where the buyer acquires a “substantial interest” of 20% or more, and the transaction value exceeds the relevant monetary threshold.
From 1 January 2026, the standard monetary threshold for non-FTA investors is AU$347 million, and AU$1.498 billion for investors from free trade agreement partner countries. Lower thresholds, including a $0 threshold, apply to national security businesses, sensitive sectors, media businesses, and acquisitions by foreign government investors.