Ministry of Law says QFLP renewals will depend on firms' performance over past five years and future plans

The first group of international law firms to be awarded Qualifying Foreign Law Practice (QFLP) licences in Singapore are being asked to reapply for their permits if they wish to continue practising local law in the city-state.

The six firms – Allen & Overy, Clifford Chance (CC), Herbert Smith Freehills, Norton Rose Fulbright, Latham & Watkins and White & Case – are currently in talks with the country's Ministry of Law (MinLaw) to give details about their future growth plans – a process that is expected to be completed in the next two months.