Enforcing a Foreign Judgment or Arbitral Award in Cyprus
Routes for EU judgments, other foreign judgments and New York Convention awards, with the documents Cyprus courts expect.
Identify the legal route
Judgments from EU courts are generally recognised under the EU recognition regime. Judgments from other countries depend on bilateral treaties or domestic law, and arbitral awards are usually enforced under the New York Convention.
Prepare certified copies and translations
Courts require authenticated copies of the judgment or award and the agreement, with certified translation into Greek or English, plus evidence of service on the defendant where relevant.
Apply to the court and then enforce
File the application for recognition or enforcement, anticipate defences such as public policy or lack of due notice, and, once granted, use the same enforcement tools as for a Cyprus judgment. Interim relief can help preserve assets in the meantime.
FAQ
Can the debtor resist enforcement?
Only on limited grounds, such as a breach of public policy, improper service or conflict with an earlier decision. The court does not re-examine the merits of the original case.