Doing Business with China

New Zealand Investor Visa includes residential real estate

Doing Business with China, NZ Investor Migration

Immigration New Zealand has made a smart move to discourage applicants from placing investments entirely in bonds. From 22 May 2017,  where 50% of the investor visa funds are invested in “growth oriented” investments, the amount that is required for the Investor 2 visa is discounted by NZD 500,000.

With similar climates, wide-open spaces, good schooling and a strong economy, like Australian, New Zealand is an attractive destination for migration and is already popular in China. Continue reading New Zealand Investor Visa includes residential real estate →

Buying property in Australia – what overseas investors need to know

Agriculture, Doing Business with China, Property, Updates

Australia is an attractive market for foreign investors, particularly when in comes to owning property including land. However, with escalating property prices in Sydney and Melbourne, the Australian and State Governments have made it more restrictive for foreign residents to purchase residential property in Australia. 

In this article, Ben Weeding from Buyside buyers agency outlines what investors can currently do when it comes to purchasing properties in Australia. Continue reading Buying property in Australia – what overseas investors need to know →

Is FIRB approval required to purchase an Australian farm?

Agriculture, Doing Business with China
Australia has a vast amount of land and whilst not all is suitable for farming has become attractive to foreign investors particularly with the need for increased production with global population growth. 
Agriculture business

Proposed direct interests in an agribusiness generally require Foreign Investment Review Board Approval (FIRB) where the value of the investment is more than $55 million.

However, where the purchaser is from a country where Australia holds a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) there is no limit. Current FTA countries include New Zealand, Canada, Chilie, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the US.

Agricultural businesses include forestry and fishing as well as processing for meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, fruits and vegetables, grains and sugar.

Agricultural land

This is land that can be used for a primary production business.

All proposed investments in agricultural land by foreigners must be notified to the Australian Taxation Office Register of Foreign Ownership. Approval is required where the cumulative value exceeds $15 million, again except FTA partners.

For further guidance go to the government websites Agricultural land investment and Agribusiness Investments.