How to Resolve Commercial Disputes in Russian Arbitration Courts (2025 Guide)
Introduction
Doing business in Russia often involves complex logistics, local partners, and — occasionally — disputes. Whether it’s an unpaid invoice, breach of contract, or conflict with a joint venture partner, you need a structured legal strategy that works under Russian law.
At RT-Union – Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm, we represent European businesses in the Arbitrazh (Commercial) Court system of the Russian Federation, offering end-to-end support from risk assessment to enforcement.
Here’s how commercial litigation in Russia works in 2025 — and how we protect your company’s interests.
Legal Framework: What Is an Arbitrazh Court?
The Arbitrazh Courts (арбитражные суды) are state commercial courts, not private arbitration bodies. They handle:
Contractual disputes
Corporate conflicts (e.g. shareholder rights)
Customs, tax, and regulatory cases
Insolvency and enforcement proceedings
The system is governed by:
Arbitrazh Procedure Code of the Russian Federation (APC)
Civil Code of Russia
Relevant federal laws and treaties (e.g. CIS, EAEU)
Can Foreign Companies Litigate in Russia?
Yes — foreign legal entities may bring or defend cases in Russian courts. You don’t need a local subsidiary, but you do need:
✅ Proper legal representation (Russian-licensed lawyer) ✅ Certified Power of Attorney ✅ Russian-translated documentation
RT-Union represents foreign companies across all Russian regions.
When Should You Use Russian Arbitrazh Courts?
You may need to initiate litigation in Russia if:
A Russian partner fails to pay under contract
Your foreign judgment cannot be enforced without local action
Your company is named as a defendant
You need to freeze assets or block transactions
We also help defend clients wrongly sued by Russian parties.
Key Stages of Commercial Litigation in Russia
1. Pre-trial Claim (Optional but Often Required)
Many disputes require sending a written claim before filing suit
RT-Union drafts and serves compliant pre-litigation notices
2. Filing the Claim
Filed in the appropriate regional Arbitrazh court
Must include:
Legal claim with reasoning
Supporting evidence
Payment of state duty (based on claim value)
3. Review and Hearing Process
Preliminary hearing within 15–30 days
Main proceedings with written submissions and oral arguments
Total duration: 2 to 8 months (first instance)
4. Appeals and Cassation
Appeal to appellate court (1 month deadline)
Cassation review (limited to procedural errors)
5. Enforcement of Decision
RT-Union obtains writ and enforces via Federal Bailiff Service