Australia offers foreign investors a stable, transparent and well-regulated environment for doing business.
It is one of the world’s largest and most open economies, with strong institutions, an independent judiciary and a mature regulatory system that supports long-term investment across sectors such as energy, resources, agriculture, real estate, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and technology.
Foreign investment is actively encouraged by all levels of government, reflecting Australia’s reliance on foreign capital, expertise and partnerships to support economic growth, regional development and job creation. At the same time, overseas companies entering the Australian market must navigate a detailed legal and regulatory landscape that spans foreign investment screening, corporate and tax law, competition and consumer protection, employment, privacy, and financial crime compliance.
Thomsons supports international clients across sectors including energy, resources, agriculture, real estate, infrastructure and technology to structure, establish and grow their Australian operations.
We provide commercially focused, practical legal advice for businesses entering the market for the first time as well as those expanding existing investments, helping clients manage regulatory risk, align with government expectations and execute transactions with confidence.
At the link below is an overview of the main topics foreign investors should understand when investing or establishing a business in Australia.
- Foreign investment review
- Types of transactions that are regulated
- Establishing a business presence in Australia
- Acquisitions
- Raising capital
- Taxation
- Antitrust, Competition and Consumer Protection
- Intellectual property
- Privacy and data protection
- Employment
- Immigration
- Directors' duties and Corporate Governance
- Trade Compliance: Anti-money laundering, Sanctions and Export Controls
- Government Contracting, Transparency and Information Access
- Fees and timing