🇲🇲 Leading Law Firms for Foreign Investment in Myanmar
Based on rankings from prestigious legal directories like IFLR1000 and Chambers Asia-Pacific, these firms are highly recommended for international businesses operating in Myanmar.
🏆 The Top Tier Firms (Outstanding Recognition)
These firms often rank in the highest tiers for Financial & Corporate and General Business Law advice, signaling their deep expertise in complex transactions.
| Law Firm Name | Origin/Network | Key Distinction & Focus |
| DFDL Legal & Tax | Regional (Asia) | One of the longest-standing and most respected foreign legal consultancies in Myanmar. Highly rated for M&A, Energy, and Tax advice. |
| VDB Loi | Regional (Asia) | Strong reputation for Tax, Energy, and Infrastructure projects. Frequently recognized for its depth of local knowledge and strategic advice. |
| Allen & Gledhill (Myanmar) Co., Ltd | Regional (Singapore) | Highly recommended, especially for clients originating from Singapore and Southeast Asia. Excels in Banking & Finance and Corporate matters. |
💼 Strong International & Regional Contenders
These firms have significant on-the-ground presence and are often chosen for their specialization or deep integration with larger international networks.
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Rajah & Tann Myanmar Company Limited: Part of the large Singapore-based Rajah & Tann Asia network, offering strong support in Banking & Finance and regional compliance.
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Kelvin Chia Yangon Ltd (KCY): Recognized as the oldest foreign legal consultancy active in Myanmar (since 1995). Strong in Real Estate, Infrastructure, and IP matters.
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Myanmar Legal Mori Hamada Limited: Affiliated with the major Japanese firm Mori Hamada & Matsumoto. A top choice for Japanese investment into Myanmar, specializing in corporate, finance, and compliance.
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Tilleke & Gibbins: A strong regional firm with a well-established Yangon office. Highly regarded for Intellectual Property (IP), commercial transactions, and due diligence.
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Luther Law Firm Limited: Active since 2013, providing a “one-stop” service solution that includes legal, tax, corporate secretarial, and accounting services.
🔑 Key Areas of Legal Expertise
Due to the evolving nature of Myanmar’s regulatory environment, the best firms are those that can navigate these complex areas:
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Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Advising on the latest changes to the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) regulations and structuring joint ventures.
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M&A and Corporate: Handling acquisitions, divestments, and corporate reorganizations, which require careful due diligence under local law.
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Banking & Finance: Assisting foreign banks and institutions with licensing, regulatory compliance, and complex loan and security agreements.
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IP Registration and Enforcement: Critical for protecting international brands, an area where firms like Tilleke & Gibbins are particularly strong.
For any foreign company looking to operate in Myanmar, the best strategy is to choose a firm with a proven track record of local success and clear ties to a reputable regional or international network.
