What it is
The Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets started on 1 July 2023 under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act. The Commissioner of Taxation is the Registrar. You give notices through ATO online services for foreign investors, which needs a myID.
What triggers a notice
- Acquiring a legal freehold interest in Australian land.
- Acquiring a lease over residential land that is reasonably likely to run for more than five years.
- Becoming a foreign person while you already hold the interest.
- A change in what you registered, such as selling the property or ceasing to be a foreign person.
Each property is registered separately.
The 30-day deadline
For a freehold purchase the day you acquire the interest is the day of settlement. Treasury’s example: a contract signed on 1 March that settles on 1 April means the notice is due within 30 days of 1 April. The ATO may allow an extension depending on circumstances and your compliance history.
Penalties and records
- Failing to give a register notice is a civil penalty of 250 penalty units, which is $91,000 at $364 a unit.
- Infringement notices are available.
- Keep records relating to register notices for five years.
Register first, then the vacancy return
You need the property’s register reference number to lodge your annual vacancy fee return, so register promptly after settlement.
The 2026–27 Budget flagged streamlining of the Register. At the time of checking, Treasury’s guidance (version 7, 1 July 2026) still states the 30-day rule.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register if I have FIRB approval?
Yes. Approval and registration are separate obligations. A foreign person who acquires residential land must give a register notice after settlement.
Is the register public?
No. Treasury says the register is not public.
When is the notice due?
Within 30 days of settlement for freehold land.
What if I sell or stop being a foreign person?
That is a change in your registered circumstances, and a further notice is required.
Sources
- Treasury — Guidance Note 15: Register of Foreign Ownership (v7, 1 July 2026)
- ATO — How a foreign person registers a residential property
- Treasury — Guidance Note 14: Residential compliance (v4, March 2025)
- Treasury — Further streamlining and strengthening the foreign investment framework (19 May 2026)
- Crimes (Amount of a Penalty Unit) Instrument 2026
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.