Exequatur Explained

Enforcing a foreign court judgment in Romania is not automatic in most cases.
Foreign creditors must generally comply with Romanian exequatur rules, a judicial procedure that allows a foreign judgment to become fully enforceable in Romania.

IB Legal Business provides comprehensive legal assistance to international companies and law firms seeking to enforce judgments against Romanian debtors efficiently, lawfully, and without unnecessary delay.

What Is Exequatur Under Romanian Law?

Exequatur is the court procedure through which Romanian courts recognize a foreign judgment and authorize its enforcement on Romanian territory.

Without exequatur:

• Romanian bailiffs cannot initiate enforcement proceedings
• Bank accounts and assets cannot be seized
• The judgment has no executory power in Romania

When Is Exequatur Required in Romania?

EU Court Judgments

Most judgments issued by courts within the European Union benefit from direct enforcement, based on:

Brussels II bis Regulation

➡ Exequatur is generally not required for EU judgments.

Non-EU Court Judgments

Judgments issued in non-EU jurisdictions, including:

• United Kingdom
• United States
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• Turkey
• Other non-EU states

➡ Exequatur is mandatory before enforcement in Romania.

Exequatur Procedure in Romania – Step by Step

Competent Court

The application is filed with the Romanian Tribunal having jurisdiction over the debtor’s domicile or registered office.

Legal Conditions Reviewed by the Court

The Romanian court verifies:

• The final and binding nature of the foreign judgment
• Proper jurisdiction of the foreign court
• Respect for the right of defense
• Absence of conflict with Romanian public order
• Reciprocity, where applicable (for non-EU judgments).

Court Decision

If all legal requirements are met, the court grants exequatur and the judgment becomes fully enforceable in Romania.

⏱ Average duration: 2–4 months

Documents Required for Exequatur in Romania

Foreign creditors must submit:

• Certified copy of the foreign judgment
• Proof that the judgment is final and enforceable
• Apostille or legalization (if applicable)
• Authorized Romanian translation
• Proof of proper service on the debtor.

⚠ Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delay or rejection.

Enforcement After Exequatur Approval

Once exequatur is granted, enforcement is carried out by Romanian judicial bailiffs and may include:

• Bank account garnishment
• Seizure of movable and immovable assets
• Salary garnishment
• Forced sale procedures.

IB Legal Business coordinates the entire enforcement process, from court recognition to asset recovery.

Costs and Timeline for Enforcing a Foreign Judgment in Romania

Stage	Estimated Duration
Exequatur procedure	2–4 months
Enforcement phase	1–6 months

Costs depend on:

• Claim object
• Case complexity
• Enforcement measures required.

Common Mistakes Made by Foreign Creditors

❌ Assuming UK or US judgments are automatically enforceable
❌ Missing apostille or legalization
❌ Improper service of court documents
❌ Delaying enforcement beyond limitation periods

Contact us for exequatur in Romania.