Lawyers in London

When you need a solicitor in London

London is expensive and heavily regulated, so cutting corners on legal fees tends to cost far more in the end. Russian-speaking expats need a solicitor for: property purchases (conveyancing), visas and ILR, business matters, and disputes.

Typical rates: solicitor in London — £200–500/hr; conveyancing fixed at £1,500–3,000. General questions are answered free of charge, and a specialist will personally review your case.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

The UK is the strictest jurisdiction of all when it comes to money from Russia, and this needs to be understood from the outset:

• Origin of funds — be thorough. Banks, solicitors, and agents are required to verify the source of funds; money from Russia is treated with particular scrutiny and may be refused. Prepare a complete documentary chain — without it, the transaction will not go through.
• Investor visa closed. The Tier 1 Investor (’golden visa’) was abolished in 2022. The realistic routes are Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Innovator Founder.
• Property tax is higher for non-residents. SDLT plus a 2% non-resident surcharge and +3–5% for a second home — calculate this in advance.
• CIS documents. Apostille and certified translation — can be arranged remotely. For payments from Russia — USDT, third countries, and international transfers.

Real estate: leasehold and SDLT

• a large share of English property is sold as leasehold (right to occupy, not outright ownership): check the lease term, ground rent, and service charge — these are critical;
• freehold — full ownership;
• conveyancing solicitor is mandatory: verifies title at Land Registry, conducts searches, and checks for encumbrances;
• SDLT: the standard rate scale plus surcharges for non-residents and additional properties.

Visa, ILR, and business

• Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder — the main pathways;
• ILR (permanent residence) — typically after 5 years;
• the attorney handles renewals, appeals against refusals, and Ltd registration.

How much it costs and how to choose

• hourly rate — £200–500; verify registration with the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority);
• hire a solicitor with experience serving CIS clients and handling origin-of-funds issues;
• property purchases — only through a conveyancing solicitor;
• agree on scope and fees (letter of engagement).

Need help from a solicitor in London? Describe your situation — we’ll answer your questions for free, and a specialist will personally review your case.