Guide to application for practicing license for representatives stationed at representative offices in the Chinese mainland by Hong Kong and Macao law firms

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2026-06-15

This guide provides essential information to Hong Kong and Macao law firms on applying for practicing licenses for representatives stationed at their representative offices in the Chinese mainland.

Basic requirements
Applicants shall satisfy the conditions for obtaining a practicing license for representatives stationed at representative offices in the Chinese mainland, including the following:

1. The law firm shall be legally established and practicing in the Hong Kong or Macao Special Administrative Region and shall have no record of disciplinary sanctions for violations of professional ethics or practicing disciplines.

2. Each proposed representative shall be a practicing lawyer and a member of the relevant bar association in the Hong Kong or Macao Special Administrative Region, shall have engaged in legal practices outside the Chinese mainland for no fewer than two years and shall have no criminal record or record of disciplinary sanctions for violations of professional ethics or practicing disciplines.

3. The proposed chief representative shall have engaged in legal practice outside the Chinese mainland for no fewer than three years and shall be a partner of the law firm or hold an equivalent position.

4. The law firm shall demonstrate an actual need to establish a representative office in the Chinese mainland for the provision of legal services.

Required materials
1. Application form for dispatch (or change) of representatives (including chief representative) by Hong Kong and Macao law firms to representative offices in the Chinese mainland;
2. Application letter for dispatching representatives, signed by the principal responsible person of the Hong Kong or Macao law firm;
3. Authorization letter issued by the Hong Kong or Macao law firm for each proposed representative to the representative office;
4. Confirmation letter certifying that the proposed chief representative is a partner of the law firm or holds an equivalent position;
5. Supporting documents evidencing the legal practicing qualifications of each proposed representative and confirming that the proposed chief representative has engaged in legal practice outside the Chinese mainland for at least three years and that other proposed representatives have engaged in legal practice outside the Chinese mainland for at least two years;
6. Certificate issued by the bar association in the Hong Kong or Macao Special Administrative Region confirming that each proposed representative is a member of the association;
7. Certificate issued by the legal profession regulatory authorities in the Hong Kong or Macao Special Administrative Region confirming that each proposed representative has no criminal record and has not been subject to disciplinary sanctions for violations of professional ethics or practicing disciplines.

Where to submit your application
Authority: Hainan Provincial Department of Justice
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am-noon and 2:30 pm-5:30 pm (except public holidays)
Contact: 0898-65203043
Click here for more details.