Can Canadian citizen practice law in India?

Asked by: Rosendo Feil  |  Last update: August 2, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (25 votes)

Foreign lawyers and foreign law firms can practice foreign law in India on a reciprocity basis, under the “BCI Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022”.

Is a Canadian law degree valid in India?

Is a law degree from Canada valid in India? According to the Bar Council of India, Indian legislation allows students who have obtained a degree in Law from a foreign country, such as Canada, to practice as a lawyer in India. However, these students must satisfy certain specified criteria for the purpose.

Can foreign citizens practice law in India?

Although permitted to practice in India, foreign lawyers must fulfill the eligibility criteria laid down by the Bar Council of India. To be eligible to practice law in India, foreign lawyers with a degree: Must be eligible to practice in their country. Must register with the Bar Council of India.

Can OCI holders practice law in India?

On your question: OCIs can be lawyers in India. There is a GOI notification re the same. Get an OCI card after your citizenship change and you should be fine.

Can a lawyer from India practice in Canada?

In order to practise law in Canada you must have a qualifying law degree from Canada, or you must take a law degree outside Canada and then go through the process required by the National Committee on Accreditation. Osgoode Hall Law School offers a Juris Doctor program for those interested in pursuing a career in law.

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20 related questions found

Can Canadian lawyers practice in the US?

A foreign lawyer cannot provide legal services in the United States without being admitted to at least one state's bar. Exceptions may exist in some states for example, where foreign lawyers may apply for a license as a foreign law consultant.

Is Indian law applicable in Canada?

The Canadian accreditation committee recognizes Indian law degrees. However, you need to qualify for the bar in Canada. For this, the minimum requirement is a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) which can take around three years to complete.

Can a Canadian citizen practice law in India?

Foreign lawyers and foreign law firms can practice foreign law in India on a reciprocity basis, under the “BCI Rules for Registration and Regulation of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2022”.

What can an OCI holder not do in India?

Despite the extensive rights, OCI cardholders do not enjoy full citizenship rights. They cannot vote in Indian elections, hold public office, or take up government jobs. Additionally, they are barred from purchasing agricultural land, a restriction put in place to protect India's agrarian economy.

Can OCI own house in India?

A: OCI card holders can purchase residential and commercial properties in India. But they are not permitted to purchase agricultural land, including farmland or any kind of plantation property. Q: Can a foreign national of non-Indian origin resident outside India purchase immovable property in India?

Is Indian law valid in USA?

An Indian law degree is valid in the USA, but Indian lawyers need to complete additional qualifications, such as an LLM (Master of Laws) from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school, to meet the eligibility requirements for U.S. state bar exams.

How to practice law in India?

How to Become a Lawyer
  1. Step 1: Complete Higher Secondary Education. ...
  2. Step 2: Prepare for Entrance Examinations. ...
  3. Step 3: Enroll in a Law School. ...
  4. Step 4: Gain Practical Experience. ...
  5. Step 5: Clear the All India Bar Examination (AIBE) ...
  6. Step 6: Choose Your Specialization and Career Path.

What are the top law firms in India?

Top Law Firms In India
  • Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co.
  • Trilegal India.
  • Khaitan & Co.
  • J Sagar And Associates(JSA)
  • DSK Legal.
  • AZB & Partners.
  • Anand & Anand.
  • Vaish associates.

Does Canadian degree have value in India?

A degree acquired from a Canadian institute is recognised globally and has a high value in the international job market. Canada is one of the safest places in the world with a very low crime rate. The University of Toronto is amongst the top universities in Canada,” says Aayushi.

Can a US citizen practice law in India?

Foreign lawyers and firms can now register in India but with specific restrictions. Their practice is limited to international law advisory and transactional work. They cannot represent clients in Indian courts, handle litigation, or advise on Indian law.

How much do Canadian lawyers make?

The estimated total pay for a Lawyer is $116,145 per year, with an average salary of $103,175 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Can an OCI holder practice law in India?

So by reciprocity, any Foreign National with an Indian Law degree and work permit or Permanent residence in India (i.e OCI, PIO, Work permit) should legally be able to work in India despite the provisions of the Advocates act or Bar Council rules. The above is implied and explicitly stated.

Does India allow dual citizenship with Canada?

The Indian Citizenship Act, 1955, does not allow DUAL Citizenship. If a person has ever held an Indian Passport and has obtained the Passport of another country, he/she is required to surrender the Indian Passport immediately after acquiring citizenship of any other country.

Can Canadian citizens buy property in India?

Can a Canadian citizen buy property in India? Yes, Canadians residing in India may purchase immovable property in the country. However, they must obtain approvals and satisfy any relevant requirements imposed by governmental authorities such as State Governments.

Can foreign lawyers practice in India?

Foreign lawyers and firms can only practice law in India by registering with the BCI. The stringent registration process, which includes several documents and undertakings on oath, has been implemented to ensure that only eligible applicants register.

Which country's law degree is valid in India?

Studying Law in the UK and Practicing in India

Most Indian students pursuing law in the UK often wonder if they can practice in India after graduating. The answer is, yes, you can! The Bar Council of India recognises a law degree from 45 UK universities where you can study law and practice it later in India.

Can I practice law in Dubai with a Canadian degree?

Foreign lawyers based and practising in Dubai must register with the Dubai Legal Affairs Department (DLAD) and be admitted to the roll of practising legal consultants. To be admitted to the roll, foreign lawyers must meet certain requirements, including: a law degree, or equivalent from a recognised university.

Can Canadian citizen work in India?

In case they wish to work in India, they should apply for an Employment Visa.

Which countries do not have extradition with Canada?

Canada has extradition treaties with over 50 countries, but many others, including Russia, China, and Iran, lack such agreements. The absence of a treaty complicates the extradition process but does not make it impossible.

What is the double tax treaty between India and Canada?

DTAA between India and Canada allows taxpayers to avoid paying double taxes on their income in both countries. It is an important development for bilateral investment and trade between the two nations.