The short version
For mainland buyers the practical questions are usually not the FIRB paperwork but moving the money lawfully and documenting where it came from. If the developer holds a new dwelling exemption certificate, you can buy within its terms (up to $3 million per buyer per development) without applying yourself, but check the certificate covers your purchase.
Are Chinese citizens foreign persons in Australia?
Yes. PRC citizens are foreign persons unless they hold Australian citizenship or a permanent visa.
Moving money to Australia
This is the hard part. Each individual may buy foreign exchange up to the equivalent of US$50,000 a year, a purpose declaration is required, and buying overseas real estate with that quota is a prohibited use. Pooling relatives’ quotas (“structuring”) can lead to fines and suspension of the quota. Australian lenders will also want evidence of where a deposit came from. This summary is based on law-firm commentary; check the current SAFE rules before you move money.
Tax treaty
Yes — a double tax agreement has been in force since 1990.
Home loans and CNY income
Renminbi is on the preferred-currency list at brokers that place non-resident loans, but lenders will want to trace where a deposit has come from, so evidence of the deposit and your savings history matter more than the currency.
Lender policy changes. See our home loans guide for how lenders generally treat overseas borrowers.
Visas
Student (500), Skills in Demand (482) and partner visas are the usual temporary routes, and the permanent National Innovation visa (858) is for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. On a temporary visa you are still a foreign person.
Next steps
- Check the application fee and your state’s surcharge.
- Read the FIRB approval guide.
- Look at new homes foreign buyers can purchase.
Need a loan from China?
We can introduce you to a licensed broker who works with overseas buyers. Free to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need FIRB approval to buy property in Australia from China?
Yes, unless you are an Australian citizen or permanent visa holder (or a New Zealand citizen with a Special Category visa, or buying as a joint tenant with such a spouse). Foreign persons need approval to buy a new home or vacant land, and cannot buy established homes until 30 June 2029.
Does Australia have a tax treaty with China?
Yes — a double tax agreement has been in force since 1990.
Sources
- Sheppard Mullin — China’s capital controls and the US$50,000 quota
- Treasury — Income tax treaties
- Home Affairs — National Innovation visa 858
- Treasury — Guidance Note 2: Key concepts (v5, 12 December 2025)
- ATO — Banning foreign purchases of established dwellings
- ATO — Tax rates for foreign residents
- Home Loan Experts — Foreign income home loans (broker page)
- Odin Mortgage — Australian expat home loans (broker page)
Checked 5 October 2026.
firbapproval.com.au is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Foreign Investment Review Board, the Australian Treasury or the Australian Taxation Office. We do not lodge or process applications. Applications are made to the ATO. General information only, not legal, tax, migration or financial advice.