Apply to register as a foreign lawyer

Updated September 2021

Step by step guide

Who can apply?

For an application to succeed, four basic requirements must be fulfilled:

• you must be a foreign lawyer (An RFL is a "foreign lawyer" who is registered with us and therefore appears on our register of RFLs.)
• the profession of which you are a member must be approved by the SRA as appropriately regulated.
• your own professional rules must allow practice with solicitors in England and Wales.
• you must satisfy us as to your character and suitability.
• You must read the full criteria and guidance to check you are eligible.

Get ready to apply

• Log in to mySRA to apply. You will need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
• You will need to upload a certificate of good standing from the association or society you are registered by.

How to apply

You will need to update:

• your account details, professional and personal
• your existing jurisdiction
• the authorised body or firm you will be working for.

How to pay

The fee is £338. Payment is by credit or debit card at the end of the application, initial applications are pro-rated through the first year.