Foreign Buyers Shift Payment Methods for FIRB Fees

Foreign investors planning to purchase property in Australia need to be aware of an important administrative change to the foreign investment approval process. From 19 September 2026, Treasury no longer accepts credit or debit card payments for foreign investment fees, meaning applicants must now use alternative payment methods such as BPAY, direct deposit or international bank transfer.

The change applies to all foreign investment fee payments made on or after that date and affects investors, agents and advisers using the Foreign Investment Portal. Payment instructions, including the relevant account details and payment reference information, are provided with each submission.

For overseas buyers, this may appear to be a relatively minor procedural change, but it can have a direct impact on the timing of an application. The statutory assessment period does not begin until the correct fee has been paid, meaning delays or payment errors can slow the approval process.

This is particularly important for foreign investors considering opportunities in Melbourne’s western growth corridor, where new developments, vacant residential land and house-and-land opportunities can attract overseas interest. Buyers who are working within settlement deadlines need to ensure that their foreign investment application, payment and approval process are carefully coordinated.

Foreign investors using international bank transfers should also allow sufficient time for funds to arrive and make sure that any bank charges or transfer fees do not reduce the amount received. A payment shortfall can delay processing, so applicants should follow the payment instructions exactly and retain proof of payment.

BPAY may be convenient for investors with access to an Australian bank account, while direct deposit or international transfer may be more suitable for buyers based overseas. The correct option will depend on the applicant’s banking arrangements, but credit and debit card payments are no longer available.

For buyers using professional advisers, it is also important to confirm who is responsible for making the payment and monitoring the application. Clear communication between the buyer, legal adviser, conveyancer and other professionals can help avoid unnecessary delays.

The change does not alter the underlying foreign investment rules themselves. Foreign persons may still need approval before purchasing Australian residential property, and fees continue to depend on the type and value of the proposed investment. However, the payment method is now an additional detail that should be considered as part of the overall purchase process.

For foreign investors looking at Melbourne’s western growth corridor, preparation remains essential. Understanding the property rules, allowing enough time for approvals, budgeting for the required fee and using the correct payment method can help make the transaction smoother.

The updated payment requirements are another reminder that foreign property investment in Australia involves more than simply selecting a property. Buyers need to manage compliance, approvals, timing and payment obligations carefully to avoid delays and ensure the transaction proceeds as planned.