What Is Exequatur Under Romanian Law?
Exequatur is the legal procedure by which Romanian courts recognize a foreign court judgment and authorize its enforcement in Romania.
Without exequatur:
- Romanian bailiffs cannot initiate enforcement proceedings
- Bank accounts, real estate, and assets cannot be seized
- The foreign judgment has no executory force in Romania
Exequatur transforms a foreign judgment into an enforceable Romanian title, allowing immediate coercive enforcement.
When Is Exequatur Required in Romania?
EU Court Judgments – No Exequatur Required
Judgments issued by EU courts generally benefit from direct enforcement in Romania, based on:
- Brussels I Recast Regulation
- European Enforcement Order
➡ In most EU cases, exequatur is not required, and enforcement may start directly.
Non-EU Court Judgments – Exequatur Is Mandatory
Exequatur is required for judgments issued in non-EU jurisdictions, including:
- United Kingdom (post-Brexit)
- United States
- Switzerland
- United Arab Emirates
- Turkey
- Other non-EU states
➡ Without exequatur, enforcement in Romania is legally impossible.
IB Legal Business regularly assists clients enforcing UK and US court judgments in Romania, navigating post-Brexit and reciprocity requirements.
Exequatur Procedure in Romania – Step by Step
Competent Court
The exequatur application is filed before the Romanian Tribunal having jurisdiction over:
- the debtor’s domicile, or
- the debtor’s registered office.
Legal Conditions Verified by Romanian Courts
The court examines whether:
- The judgment is final and binding
- The foreign court had proper jurisdiction
- The debtor’s right of defense was respected
- The judgment does not violate Romanian public order
- Reciprocity exists (for non-EU judgments)
Romanian courts do not re-examine the merits of the case.
Court Decision Granting Exequatur
If all conditions 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
To avoid delays or rejection, foreign creditors must submit:
- Certified copy of the foreign court judgment
- Proof that the judgment is final and enforceable
- Apostille or legalization (where applicable)
- Authorized Romanian translation
- Proof of proper service on the Romanian debtor
⚠ Missing or improperly legalized documents are the main cause of failed exequatur applications.
IB Legal Business performs a pre-filing legal audit to ensure full compliance.
Enforcement After Exequatur Approval
Once exequatur is granted, enforcement is conducted by Romanian judicial bailiffs and may include:
- Bank account garnishment
- Seizure of movable assets
- Seizure of real estate
- Salary garnishment
- Forced sale through public auction
Our lawyers coordinate enforcement strategy to maximize recovery and minimize time.
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:
- Value of the claim
- Number of enforcement measures
- Asset complexity
IB Legal Business provides clear cost estimates before initiation.
Common Mistakes Made by Foreign Creditors
❌ Assuming UK or US judgments are automatically enforceable
❌ Ignoring apostille or legalization requirements
❌ Improper service of court documents
❌ Missing limitation periods
❌ Attempting enforcement without exequatur
These mistakes often result in months of delay or complete enforcement failure.
Why Choose IB Legal Business – Exequatur Lawyers in Romania
- Proven experience in foreign judgment enforcement
- Dedicated exequatur lawyers in Romania
- Strong cooperation with Romanian bailiffs
- Fast-track procedures where legally possible
- Clear communication with foreign counsel
We act as your local enforcement partner in Romania. Contact us.