Guide to application for approval for the establishment of 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 approval to establish representative offices in the Chinese mainland.

Basic requirements
The law firm shall be lawfully established and practicing in the Hong Kong or the Macao Special Administrative Region and shall not have been subject to penalties for violations of professional ethics or practicing disciplines.

Representatives of the proposed representative office shall be practicing lawyers and members of the bar association in the Hong Kong or Macao Special Administrative Region, shall have practiced law outside the Chinese mainland for no less than two years, and shall have no criminal record or record of penalties for violations of professional ethics or practicing disciplines. The proposed chief representative shall have practiced law outside the Chinese mainland for no less than three years and shall be a partner of the law firm or hold an equivalent position.

There shall be an actual need to establish a representative office in the Chinese mainland to conduct legal services business.

Required materials
1. Application form for the establishment (or additional establishment) of representative offices in the Chinese mainland by the Hong Kong and Macao law firm;
2. Application letter for establishing the representative office and appointing representatives, signed by the principal responsible person of the Hong Kong or Macao law firm;
3. Supporting documents evidencing that the Hong Kong or Macao law firm has been lawfully established in its respective special administrative region;
4. Partnership agreement or articles of association of the Hong Kong or Macao law firm, together with a list of the responsible persons and partners;
5. Authorization letters issued by the Hong Kong or Macao law firm for each proposed representative of the representative office, together with confirmation that the proposed chief representative is a partner of the law firm or holds an equivalent position;
6. Supporting documents evidencing the legal practicing qualifications of each proposed representative, and evidencing that the proposed chief representative has practiced law outside the Chinese mainland for a minimum of three years and that other proposed representatives have practiced law outside the Chinese mainland for at least two years;
7. Supporting documents evidencing that each proposed representative is a member of the bar association in the relevant jurisdiction;
8. Supporting documents evidencing that neither the Hong Kong or Macao law firm nor any proposed representative has been subject to criminal punishment or penalties for violations of professional ethics or practicing disciplines;
9. Proof of premises.

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.