International market access for law firms
Get an overview of the latest market and regulation changes, including risks to be aware of in key jurisdictions.
Our international work
Our international team works to reduce barriers for solicitors from England and Wales working in overseas markets.
We do this by establishing and maintaining links with international counterparts.
We provide practical support, training, information and advice to law firms and legal professionals working abroad or exploring international opportunities.
For more information:
- email international@lawsociety.org.uk
- call +44 (0)20 7242 1222
- sign up to our international update newsletter
- learn more about our international team
Australia
Requalification is the priority issue for our members based in Australia.
Requalifying as a solicitor in Australia is currently complicated, lengthy and costly.
The limited liability partnership (LLP) business structure is not currently available in Australia for any type of business, including foreign and domestic law firms.
Latest developments
A Legal Services Regulatory Dialogue was created under the UK-Australia free trade agreement.
The Dialogue is a forum for the legal professions of both countries to meet and discuss issues related to legal services trade.
Law Society chief executive, Ian Jeffery, is co-chairing two Dialogue working groups on qualifications and business structures.
We are using the Dialogue to improve the requalification process for our members in Australia and encourage the adoption of LLPs.
We have conducted a survey of our members to better understand their interest in requalification and the barriers they face.
We hope that the findings from this survey will help inform future suggested improvements to the admissions process for foreign lawyers in Australia.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email will.miller@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Australia.
Belgium
Belgium is a very open market in Europe.
It is host to the highest number of Law Society members in the EU and is a hub for EU competition work.
UK solicitors in the country still face issues with requalifying and mobility.
Latest developments
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed between the UK and Belgian Bars.
This encourages the Belgian Bars to open routes for requalification for UK solicitors without the need to return to university.
The MoU was signed in September 2025.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email beatriz.martinezmolina@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Belgium.
China
China’s legal services market is partially open to foreign law firms and solicitors.
There are restrictions on providing legal services. These apply to firms operating independently or in cooperation with a Chinese firm.
Foreign lawyers and foreign law firms are prohibited from practising Chinese law.
Latest developments
We are pursuing better market access for UK law firms across China, as well as more specifically in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Our international team visited Beijing and Shanghai in May 2025.
We presented our recommendations to the authorities in Shanghai. These are aimed at making it easier for foreign law firms to establish Joint Law Offices with Chinese firms.
The Shanghai Pudong Bureau of Justice reported that:
- the registration process for new representatives will be shortened and simplified
- subsidies for housing are available to young foreign lawyers coming to Shanghai
We also visited Shenzhen in January 2025. The city is attracting increasing interest from UK law firms.
We met with the Shenzhen Bureau of Justice (BoJ) and officials in the Qianhai Economic Zone to discuss improving market access.
Our key asks include:
- speeding up the registration of new representatives
- allowing solicitors qualified in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to practise GBA law on behalf of foreign firms in China
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email will.miller@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in China.
You may also be interested in our Hong Kong jurisdiction updates.
European Union
Following Brexit, EU legislation no longer applies to English and Welsh solicitors. This includes the EU lawyers' directives.
UK-EU trade is now regulated by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
The rules governing solicitors’ practising rights vary in each EU member state, country in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Free movement to the EU has also ended. There are new rules governing the ability of solicitors to cross the border to each EU member state, countries in the EEA and Switzerland.
Latest developments
Since the UK left the EU, we have maintained strong links with colleagues in Europe and associated EU organisations and institutions.
Our international team visit Brussels regularly. This includes an annual trip with our president in February or March.
We will use these opportunities to engage with high level officials at EU institutions and influence where possible.
The Law Society is also a member of the TCA Domestic Advisory Group. This group monitors EU-UK trade relations and feeds back to government.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email marco.cillario@lawsociety.org.uk and georgina.berriman@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information on practising or operating in the EU post-Brexit, read our Brexit and the legal profession guide.
For more information on practising in specific EU countries, read our:
- Belgium guide
- France guide
- Germany guide
- Italy guide
- Luxembourg guide
- Republic of Ireland guide
- the Netherlands guide
France
UK limited liability partnerships (LLPs) which set up in France before 31 December 2020 were allowed to continue operating.
UK law firms can no longer open a new branch office in France. This is because it is not possible for non-EU individuals or entities to own shares in a French law firm.
New firms that want to establish themselves in France should do so under French company law.
UK lawyers can practise under their home country professional title in France, provided they register as foreign legal consultants.
Latest developments
We have requested clarification from the French National Bar and the Paris Bar on the specific legal structure law firms should adopt when establishing themselves in France.
We would also like to simplify the process for our members to register as foreign legal consultants, particularly when they seek to practise on a temporary basis.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email beatriz.martinezmolina@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in France.
Greece
In August 2024, the Greek government passed legislation requiring Greek bars to create a register for UK lawyers wishing to practise English and international law.
Latest developments
We are working to support our members seeking registration with the Greek Bars.
We are also seeking clarity on the most suitable immigration route for UK lawyers to relocate to Greece.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email beatriz.martinezmolina@lawsociety.org.uk.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a key overseas hub for our members.
Foreign solicitors have a limited right to practise home or third country law on a temporary fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) basis. They can only do this within a registered foreign firm or a Hong Kong firm.
To practise or give advice on Hong Kong law, you must be admitted as a barrister or solicitor in Hong Kong.
Latest developments
We visited Hong Kong in January 2025 and met with senior legal stakeholders.
Following our visit in January 2024, we spoke with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) about the insufficient supply of Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) test slots in Hong Kong.
Since then, the SRA has increased capacity for SQE slots and changed the booking system to avoid the rush of bookings.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email will.miller@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Hong Kong.
You may also be interested in our China jurisdiction updates.
India
In May 2025, the Bar Council of India announced new rules to allow foreign solicitors and law firms to set up a presence in India.
There are some issues with the new rules.
There is a limit of 60 days a year for unregistered fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) practice. This arrangement has become more restrictive, with:
- stricter calculations for the 60 days duration, and
- a mandatory requirement to submit prior declarations for each visit (including fees for declarations made)
To enter a formal partnership with foreign lawyers and foreign law firms, Indian lawyers and law firms must also register with the Bar Council of India as foreign lawyers or foreign law firms.
Foreign lawyers can provide arbitration services to Indian clients, but it is unclear whether arbitration can be seated in a jurisdiction outside India.
Latest developments
We consulted our members on the rule changes and raised the issues listed above with the Bar Council of India in July 2025.
We have shared recommendations and are awaiting a response.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email preeti.sawhney@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in India.
Indonesia
Law firms in Indonesia can only be established by Indonesian lawyers.
Law firms are allowed to employ foreign solicitors. To do this, they need approval from:
- the Indonesian government, and
- the Indonesian Bar Association (PERADI)
Market access challenges in Indonesia include:
- foreign law firms can only be established by collaborating with Indonesian firms
- all the partners in a foreign law firm must be Indonesian. Foreign solicitors cannot be partners in an Indonesian law firm
- getting a letter of recommendation or work permit from PERADI is difficult and complex
- the ratio of foreign solicitors to Indonesian solicitors in a law firm must be 1:4. The maximum number of foreign solicitors is capped at five
- foreign solicitors must complete 100 hours of pro bono work per year to extend their work permit
Latest developments
We are lobbying PERADI to address the market access issues listed above.
The Department of Business and Trade is raising these concerns with the Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and Ministry of Manpower.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email preeti.sawhney@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Indonesia.
Italy
It is possible for English and Welsh solicitors to practise under home title in Italy. They can advise clients on English law and public international law.
Solicitors can no longer register with one of Italy’s local bars or form partnerships with Italian lawyers in Italian law firms.
Latest developments
We signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian National Bar (Consiglio Nazionale Forense – CNF) on 26 June.
Under the memorandum, the CNF committed to advocating for legislative amendments to the Legal Professional Act that would create a register for UK lawyers in Italy.
Registration would allow our members to form partnerships with Italian lawyers.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email beatriz.martinezmolina@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Italy.
Japan
The registration system for foreign lawyers in Japan is onerous and time-consuming.
This is the priority issue for our members in Japan.
Latest developments
Our international team visited Japan in September 2025.
We met with the Japanese Ministry of Justice (JMoJ) and the Japanese Cabinet Office. We encouraged them to:
- remove or reform the requirement for one-year overseas experience to register as a foreign lawyer
- speed up the length of time to register
The Japanese Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) implemented reforms to its registration procedures on 1 September 2025.
Applications for changes to the register of domestic and foreign lawyers can now be made electronically.
For example, if a foreign lawyer moves firms or changes their address, they will be able to report the changes electronically.
Following our visit to Tokyo in July 2024, the JMoJ implemented our recommendations to streamline the registration process for foreign lawyers. This is helping law firms save time and money by reducing the amount of application documentation required.
Since then, the JFBA has also started processing new foreign lawyer applications in accordance with the JMoJ’s changes.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email will.miller@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Japan.
Malaysia
There are two types of foreign law firm licences in Malaysia:
- qualified foreign law firm (QFLF) – only firms that have Islamic Finance expertise qualify for this licence and there are restrictions on areas of practice
- international partnerships
No foreign law firm has yet applied for an international partnership licence.
Under international partnerships the Malaysian partner holds at least 60% equity and voting rights. This removes the incentive for the foreign partner to expand their business.
This is the key reason why no foreign law firm has taken up the international partnerships licence.
Latest developments
In September 2024, we secured greater market access for our members by agreeing an extension of foreign firm licence renewals.
Licences for foreign law firms in Malaysia are now valid for five years instead of three when these are renewed.
We are working with the Malaysian Bar Council to ensure the framework for the legal sector in Malaysia is clear, transparent and sustainable.
Malaysia and the UK set up a ‘joint committee on bilateral trade and investment cooperation’ in 2020. The committee focuses on minimising barriers to trade between the countries.
We are part of this joint committee. We are working to ensure that restrictions in the legal services sector are addressed in the UK’s trade dialogues with Malaysia.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email preeti.sawhney@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Malaysia.
Nigeria
We attended and supported the British Nigeria Law Forum Summit in Lagos in June 2025.
We attended the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law Annual Conference in July and took part in a panel discussion on technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
In October 2025, we will meet representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association and their Section on Business Law.
We will discuss how our two associations can work together in the future.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email international@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Nigeria.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a priority market for UK law firms.
Foreign firms and solicitors can practise there. The following stipulations apply to law firm licences:
- at least 70% of a company's workforce must be Saudi nationals
- no more than 30% of a company’s income can leave Saudi Arabia
Companies must establish a regional headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia if they want to secure government contracts. The RHQ must:
- employ 15 staff, with three staff members at executive level, and
- operate as a non-revenue-generating support centre
Latest developments
We have been working with the Ministry of Justice, Saudi Bar and Ministry of Investment.
We plan to visit Saudi Arabia in February 2026 and will meet with members and regulators.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email international@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Saudi Arabia.
Singapore
There are four different types of licences for foreign law firms in Singapore:
- foreign law practices (FLPs) – this licence enables foreign law firms to establish in Singapore and practise their own laws. They are not permitted to practise Singapore law
- joint law ventures (JLVs) or formal law alliances (FLAs) – these licences cover joint ventures between foreign law firms. They allow firms to practise foreign law and all aspects of local law
- qualifying foreign law practices (QFLPs) – this licence enables foreign law firms to practise some elements of Singapore law but not all
Singapore’s Ministry for Law (MinLaw) launched a regulatory framework review for law practices in September 2023. The outcome of the review is yet to be published.
Our members have raised concerns about the lack of information and engagement from MinLaw on the review.
They have also raised concerns about the length of time it’s taking for foreign law firm licences to be approved.
Latest developments
MinLaw has assured us that it is not intentionally slowing down the approval process for foreign law firm licences.
Many MinLaw staff assessing applications are not lawyers, so it takes them more time to understand the financial structures and agreements involved in new firm applications.
We are still waiting for the outcome of the regulatory framework review. This was expected in June or July 2025. We have followed up with MinLaw for an update.
We are working alongside the Ministry of Justice and Department for Business and Trade to address legal services barriers and resolve issues faced by our members in Singapore.
Our international team is visiting Singapore in October 2025.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email preeti.sawhney@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Singapore.
South Korea
South Korea first liberalised its legal market through its free trade agreements (FTAs), but many restrictions remain in place for foreign law firms.
The UK and South Korea are currently negotiating an enhanced free trade agreement (FTA). The final round is expected to take place in the autumn of 2025.
Legal services have been a focus of the FTA negotiations.
We have been working to influence the negotiations and push for a more liberalised legal market in South Korea.
Latest developments
Our international team visited Seoul in September 2025.
We met with representatives of South Korea’s legal profession. We discussed the benefits of expanding the legal services market by making it easier for foreign law firms to operate.
The Korean Bar Association (KBA) told us it is considering reducing the experience requirements for foreign lawyers to register as foreign legal consultants.
The KBA is also considering reforms to the Joint Venture Law Firm model.
Currently, only two foreign law firms have entered into this arrangement. This is due to the restrictions it imposes.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email will.miller@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in South Korea.
Türkiye
UK solicitors can practise home country law under home title in Türkiye, but they cannot form partnerships with Turkish lawyers.
UK law firms can form a foreign attorney partnership. These can only be set up as a general unlimited liability partnership.
This restriction means solicitors cannot operate through entities with separate legal personality under Turkish law.
This affects:
- liability exposure – foreign solicitors may be personally liable rather than protected by a corporate structure
- taxation – firms may face different tax treatment compared to locally incorporated entities
Latest developments
The UK government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Türkiye.
We are advocating for provisions to allow our members to partner with Turkish lawyers.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email beatriz.martinezmolina@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in Türkiye.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE is a priority jurisdiction for the Law Society and our members. It hosts the largest number of overseas members.
The two key UAE hubs are Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Law society firms and members can easily establish and practise English law there.
Latest developments
We visited Dubai in February 2025. We met with members and the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (DLAD).
We hold a strong relationship with the DLAD. We regularly share information of relevance to our organisations and respective members.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email international@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information on practising or operating in the UAE, read our:
United States of America (USA)
Regulation of legal services in the USA is at the state level.
Rules, conditions and barriers to practise for UK solicitors and law firms vary from state to state.
Latest developments
We regularly visit the United States to attend the annual meeting of the American Bar Association each August. This allows us to engage with the ABA leadership and State Bar presidents.
We use this opportunity to advocate for the removal of the barriers to investment by UK firms and businesses in the US.
We also received funding from the UK Department for Business and Trade’s Ricardo Fund to address state-specific barriers.
Under this programme, we visited Florida and Texas in 2025. This allowed us to gain a better understanding of the support that our members operating in those states need. We also engaged with regulators to address the issues they are facing.
In 2026, we will return to Florida and visit California to continue working to ease barriers for our members in these markets.
More information
If you have questions or would like to find out more, email michael.padua@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, read our guide on practising or operating in the USA.
You can also find more information in our state-specific guides: