Recognition of Foreign Court Decisions

Enforcing Foreign Court Decisions in Turkey

A court judgment obtained abroad is not automatically enforceable in Turkey. It must go through a recognition and enforcement (tenfiz) or recognition-only (tanıma) proceeding before Turkish courts.

Our Services

• Recognition proceedings (tanıma) for foreign judgments
• Enforcement proceedings (tenfiz) for foreign judgments
• Recognition of foreign divorce decrees
• Recognition of foreign custody orders
• Enforcement of foreign arbitral awards
• Document translation and notarization assistance

How the Process Works

Step 1 — Document Review: We review the foreign judgment and assess its eligibility for recognition in Turkey.

Step 2 — Translation: We arrange certified translation of all required documents into Turkish.

Step 3 — Court Application: We file the recognition/enforcement application before the competent Turkish court.

Step 4 — Enforcement: Once recognized, we initiate enforcement proceedings if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between tanıma and tenfiz?
Tanıma (recognition) establishes the legal existence of a foreign judgment in Turkey. Tenfiz (enforcement) additionally allows the judgment to be executed against assets in Turkey.

Are all foreign judgments enforceable in Turkey?
Not all. Judgments must meet certain conditions, including reciprocity between countries and compliance with Turkish public order.

How long does the process take?
Typically 3 to 12 months depending on the court’s workload and whether the other party contests the application.