Introduction
Winning a court case in Germany, France, or the Netherlands is only half the battle. If your debtor or their assets are in Turkey, you’ll need to enforce your foreign judgment through Turkish courts.
At RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm, we help European companies and private clients turn their court victories into real results — by obtaining recognition and execution of foreign decisions under Turkish law.
This 2025 guide explains how.
At RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm, we help European companies and private clients turn their court victories into real results — by obtaining recognition and execution of foreign decisions under Turkish law.
This 2025 guide explains how.
Can Foreign Judgments Be Enforced in Turkey?
Yes — Turkish law allows the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments under the following conditions:
RT-Union confirms enforceability before initiating proceedings — to save time, cost, and risk.
- The decision is final and enforceable in the issuing country;
- There is either:
- a bilateral/multilateral treaty (e.g. with Germany, France, Italy), or
- reciprocity between Turkey and that state;
- The judgment does not contradict Turkish public order;
- The defendant had proper notice and right to defense.
RT-Union confirms enforceability before initiating proceedings — to save time, cost, and risk.
Types of Judgments That Can Be Enforced
✅ Civil and commercial judgments (e.g., unpaid debts, breach of contract)
✅ Family law decisions (divorce, custody, maintenance)
✅ Foreign arbitral awards (under New York Convention)
✅ Court settlements and enforceable orders
Tax and administrative rulings from foreign states are not enforceable in Turkey.
✅ Family law decisions (divorce, custody, maintenance)
✅ Foreign arbitral awards (under New York Convention)
✅ Court settlements and enforceable orders
Tax and administrative rulings from foreign states are not enforceable in Turkey.
Step-by-Step Process: Enforcement in Turkey
🔹 1. Legalization and Translation
🔹 2. Filing the Recognition Petition
🔹 3. Court Hearing
🔹 4. Issuance of Enforcement Decision
🔹 5. Execution Through Bailiff (İcra Office)
- Judgment must be apostilled or legalized (depending on treaty);
- Full Turkish translation by sworn translator;
- Proof of finality and jurisdiction required.
🔹 2. Filing the Recognition Petition
- Filed with the Civil Court of First Instance;
- RT-Union selects court based on debtor's location or asset jurisdiction.
🔹 3. Court Hearing
- Turkish judge examines:
- Validity of service of process abroad
- Public policy impact
- Treaty or reciprocity
🔹 4. Issuance of Enforcement Decision
- Once granted, the judgment has same legal force as Turkish decision;
- Appeal is possible, but limited.
🔹 5. Execution Through Bailiff (İcra Office)
- RT-Union applies for enforcement writ;
- Freezes bank accounts, seizes assets, initiates collection.
Common Mistakes and How We Avoid Them
Mistake:
- Missing apostille
- Poor translation
- Wrong venue
- No proof of reciprocity
- Delay in filing
Risk:
- Petition rejected
- Misunderstanding in court
- Delays and procedural issues
- Enforcement denied
- Time-bar arguments
RT-Union Solution:
- We prepare and certify documents in advance
- We work with licensed legal translators
- We select proper court by jurisdiction
- We cite court precedents and legal basis
- We act immediately and track limitation periods
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
- Document preparation: 1–2 weeks
- Court review: 2–4 months
- Execution stage: 1–3 months (depends on asset traceability)
Total: 3–6 months from filing to recovery — faster than most expect.
Case Study: French Judgment Enforced in Izmir
A French logistics company won a court decision in Lyon for €95,000 against a Turkish freight partner.
RT-Union:
Result: 100% recovery within 5 months.
RT-Union:
- Legalized and translated the decision;
- Filed in Izmir Civil Court;
- Represented the client at two hearings;
- Secured enforcement and obtained bank seizure via bailiff.
Result: 100% recovery within 5 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I enforce a UK judgment post-Brexit?
Yes — under reciprocity. Turkish courts have accepted UK rulings even after EU exit.
Is an arbitral award easier to enforce?
Yes — if issued in a country party to the 1958 New York Convention.
Do I need to attend court in Turkey?
No. With POA, RT-Union fully represents you.
Can I freeze a Turkish debtor’s bank account?
Yes — after enforcement order is issued. RT-Union handles the execution phase.
Yes — under reciprocity. Turkish courts have accepted UK rulings even after EU exit.
Is an arbitral award easier to enforce?
Yes — if issued in a country party to the 1958 New York Convention.
Do I need to attend court in Turkey?
No. With POA, RT-Union fully represents you.
Can I freeze a Turkish debtor’s bank account?
Yes — after enforcement order is issued. RT-Union handles the execution phase.
Why Work with RT-Union – Russian-Turkish Law & Consulting Firm
- ⚖️ Experts in international enforcement procedures
- 🇹🇷 Licensed Turkish litigators + cross-border support
- 🌍 Multilingual team serving clients across Europe
- 🛡️ Full service: from document prep to asset recovery
We don’t just file papers — we enforce your rights on Turkish ground.
Start Your Enforcement Today
🕊️Have a court judgment from the EU or UK?
Let RT-Union turn it into real enforcement in Turkey — fast and legally secure.
📞 Free document review and enforceability assessment.
👉 Enforce Your Judgment with RT-Union
Let RT-Union turn it into real enforcement in Turkey — fast and legally secure.
📞 Free document review and enforceability assessment.
👉 Enforce Your Judgment with RT-Union
