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The Bar Council of India (BCI) has notified the detailed fee schedule governing the registration, renewal, and Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) declarations for foreign lawyers and law firms seeking to practice or consult within India.
1. Registration Fees
Foreign legal professionals and entities must pay substantial fees to begin practice in India. Individual foreign lawyers are required to pay USD 15,000 or an equivalent amount from their primary jurisdiction, whichever is higher. For foreign law firms—whether partnerships, LLPs, or corporations—the registration fee is USD 25,000 or the equivalent higher local amount.
In cases where multiple jurisdictions are involved, additional fees apply:
- USD 5,000 per jurisdiction for individual lawyers.
- USD 10,000 per jurisdiction for firms.
2. Renewal Every Five Years
Renewal is required every five years, with fees set at:
- USD 8,000 for individual lawyers.
- USD 15,000 for firms.
Extra charges for multi-jurisdiction practice remain consistent, at USD 2,000 and USD 5,000 respectively.
3. Fly-In Fly-Out Declarations
For lawyers visiting India temporarily, a Fly-In Fly-Out declaration must be filed:
- USD 3,000 per declaration for individuals.
- USD 6,000 for firms.
Additional jurisdictions attract USD 1,000 and USD 2,000 respectively. Renewal of these declarations costs half the initial fee.
4. Security Deposits
To ensure compliance, refundable security deposits are mandatory:
- USD 10,000 for individuals and USD 30,000 for firms.
- For multiple jurisdictions: USD 2,500 (individuals) and USD 5,000 (firms).
- FIFO-specific security: USD 5,000 for individuals and USD 10,000 for firms.
5. Non-Refundable Process Charges
Every application—be it for registration, renewal, or FIFO—must include a non-refundable processing fee:
- USD 2,000 for individuals.
- USD 5,000 for firms.
- Additional charges apply for multiple jurisdictions.
Guiding Principles
The schedule emphasizes parity and fairness, allowing revisions in line with international standards and reciprocal treatment for Indian lawyers abroad. The BCI retains the right to amend fees to reflect global and local economic conditions or legal reciprocity.
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