Registration of Foreign Judgments

At Vasiliou Law, we provide expert legal services for the registration of foreign judgments in Cyprus. Whether you are seeking the recognition and enforcement of a foreign court decision or arbitration decisions or assistance with navigating the legal complexities of having foreign judgments recognized in Cyprus, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

We understand the importance of ensuring that foreign court decisions are appropriately enforced, and we offer tailored legal guidance to ensure your rights and interests are protected.

In today’s globalized world, where business relationships often extend beyond national borders, international legal cooperation is vital for safeguarding the rights of the parties involved. A cornerstone of this cooperation is a creditor’s ability to request the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in another jurisdiction, ensuring that cross-border disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently.

The registration and enforcement of foreign judgments in Cyprus is a vital process for creditors seeking to execute a court decision issued in another country. This legal procedure allows creditors to enforce judgments in Cyprus, whether the debtor resides or has assets in Cyprus, the process of registration ensures that the foreign judgment is legally binding and enforceable in Cyprus.

Mechanisms for Registering and Enforcing Foreign Judgments in Cyprus

The applicable procedure depends on the country in which the judgment was issued and whether there is a relevant legal framework between that country and Cyprus. The main mechanisms include:

1

European Judgments

- As a member of the European Union, Cyprus follows EU Regulations, specifically Regulation 1215/2012 (Brussels I Recast), which ensures the recognition and enforcement of judgments across EU Member States regarding the Civil and Commercial Disputes without the need for further judicial proceedings.
- Additionally, regarding the payment orders, the European Enforcement Order established by the EU Regulation 1896/2006. With the Regulation 1896/2006 a Court in an EU member state can issue the EPO and is automatically recognised and enforceable to any member state.

2

Arbitral Awards

- International arbitral awards are recognized and enforced in Cyprus under the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards of 1958. Cyprus has proceeded with a Ratification Law of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards of 1979 (Law 84/1979).
- In addition, the arbitral awards can be enforced in Cyprus according to The International Commercial Arbitration Law of 1987 (101/1987) regardless of the country of its issuance, subject to the provisions of article 17I and in accordance with the provisions of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (Ratification) Law.
- The registration and the enforcement commenced with the filing an application by summons along with an affidavit accompanied with the all the evidences – Arbitral Reward to the competent court, which examines whether the award meets the conditions of the Convention.

3

Judgments from Commonwealth Countries

- Regarding the Judgments from Commonwealth Countries, can be recognized and enforce in Cyprus under the law The Foreign Judgments (Mutual Enforcement) Law (CHAP.10), allowing for the registration and enforcement of judgments from Commonwealth countries through a simplified procedure.
- The court examines whether the judgment meets the legal requirements and is enforceable. The Registration commence with an ex-parte application supported by an affidavit of the applicant accompanied with all the evidences and the Judgment.

4

Judgments and Arbitral Awards from Third Countries

- If there is no bilateral agreement between Cyprus and the country which the Court Judgment, recognition may be sought through common law principles.
- In such cases, the applicant must file an action in a Cypriot court based on the foreign judgment, provided that it meets the principles of natural justice and does not contradict Cyprus’ public policy.
- Regarding the Arbitral awards from a Third Countries where Cyprus don’t have a bilateral treaty and/or Convention can be registered and enforced under the International Commercial Arbitration Law of 1987 (Law 101/1987).

Why Is the Registration of Foreign Judgments Necessary?

Registering a foreign judgment in Cyprus is crucial for ensuring its legal enforceability.

Without registration, a foreign judgment holds no power within Cyprus, and a creditor may be unable to take enforcement actions.

Registration enables the creditor among others to:

Seize debtor assets in Cyprus

Issue payment orders

Initiate further enforcement measures, such as wage garnishment or property liens

Why Choose Vasiliou Law?

At Vasiliou Law, we specialize in ensuring that foreign judgments are recognized and effectively enforced in Cyprus. Our team of legal professionals has extensive experience in navigating the complexities of international law and is dedicated to providing personalized solutions for both individuals and businesses.

We are committed to offering reliable legal counsel, ensuring that your foreign judgments are properly registered and enforced, securing the justice you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with judgments from EU Member States, Commonwealth countries, or third countries, we are here to provide the expert guidance you need.

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