Applying for Practising Certificate

The type of Practising Certificate ('PC') which you will need to apply for will depend on the nature of your practice. There are generally 2 forms of PCs. For ease of reference, they shall hereinafter be referred to as (1) PC for full-time practice, and (2) locum PC.

If you are a sole proprietor, partner, director, or employee of a law practice, you will require a PC for full-time practice. A locum PC may give you some degree of flexibility as you are engaged by a law practice on a temporary or freelance basis. However, there are restrictions and additional requirements to be met before you qualify or may be issued a locum PC.

Pursuant to Section 130N of the Legal Profession Act, an advocate and solicitor of Singapore may practise Singapore law (in prescribed areas of practice) in a Joint Law Venture or its constituent foreign law practice, a Qualifying Foreign Law Practice or a licensed foreign law practice.

Comprehensive details on the processes, procedures and forms of application for the different types of PC are provided herewith for your ease of reference and use.