Request waiver of an application fee

When can you request a fee waiver

There are only limited circumstances where we grant a fee waiver or refund for foreign investment fees.

Generally, we will not waive or refund your fees if:

• your application is not approved
• you change your mind about purchasing the property
• you were unsuccessful in purchasing the property
• you withdraw your application
• you obtain approval to purchase a property of a particular value, but you obtain that property at a lower price. The difference in application fees will not be refunded. For example, if you receive approval to purchase residential land for over $1 million but acquire the residential land at auction for under $1 million.

For more guidance about fees, refer to foreigninvestment.gov.auExternal Link.

How to apply for a fee waiver

Before applying to waive your fee, check the information about the different waiver types. This service is not currently available in Online services for foreign investors.

When can you apply for a vacancy fee waiver

Do not use this form if you are attempting to lodge a Vacancy fee return. All vacancy fee returns must be lodged using Online services for foreign investorsExternal Link.

You can only apply for a fee waiver if you have a vacancy fee liability and:

• you have reasons beyond your control that prevented you from lodging your vacancy fee return on time
• your situation has changed making you exempt from lodging a vacancy fee return and a fee has been applied to that vacancy fee year
• your property was occupied for fewer than 183 days and you have not requested a fee waiver previously
• your property was occupied for fewer than 183 days due to situations beyond your control.

Follow these steps to complete the form:

1. At Reference type select Vacancy fee reference number.
2. In Reference number type the 13-digit number found at Our reference number on your Vacancy fee notice – only include the numbers.
3. At What fee are you asking to be waived? select Vacancy fee.
4. For Request details include
   • the reason why you believe the fee should be waived
   • the period your dwelling was residentially occupied for the relevant vacancy fee year
   • why you did not lodge your vacancy return on time, if applicable
   • attach any supporting evidence, such as travel documents, tenancy agreements, evidence the property was occupied for 183 days or more, or contracts of sale.

Apply for a residential application fee waiver

If you have already received a decision on your foreign investment application, go to Apply for other fee waiver.

Follow these steps to complete the form:

5. For Reference type select Foreign investment application number.
6. For Reference number type the number from your foreign investment application.
7. In What fee are you asking to be waived? select Current application fee.
8. In Request details include
   • details of the reasons you believe the fee should be waived
   • attach supporting documents, contracts of sale or copies of visa grants.

Apply for a residential application variation fee waiver

If you have received a decision on your request to vary an existing foreign investment approval, go to Apply for other fee waiver.

Follow these steps to complete the form:

9. In Reference type select Foreign investment application number.
10. In Reference number type the number from either your foreign investment (FIRB) approval or application.
11. For What fee are you asking to be waived? select Variation to existing approval.
12. In Request details include

Apply for other fee waiver

You can only apply for a fee waiver if:

• you have a valid reason for the fee to be waived
• you have received a decision from us on your foreign investment approval
• it is for an exemption certificate fee.

Follow these steps to complete the form:

13. For Reference type select

14. In Reference number type the number from either  

15. For What fee are you asking to be waived? select Other.
16. In Request details include

Application outcome

We will consider your request to waive the fee and advise you of our decision by email. Our decision is final.

To avoid delays, attach all relevant supporting evidence with your application. We will contact you if we need more information about your request.

If you need more information, refer to Foreign investment in Australia or you can contact us about foreign investment.