Exequatur of foreign judgments
in France
Issues and definition
In most cases, the enforcement in France of a judgment rendered abroad requires a prior recognition procedure called exequatur. As foreign decisions are not automatically enforceable on French territory, this judicial procedure allows them to be granted executive force.
Exequatur thus constitutes an essential step: once the decision is recognized, it becomes possible to implement enforcement measures, such as the seizure of assets located in France.
Conditions and procedures
Obtaining exequatur in France requires demonstrating that the foreign decision emanates from a competent jurisdiction, was rendered in compliance with the rights of the defense, is not tainted by fraud, and does not contravene French international public policy.
The procedure is initiated before the competent judicial court and involves the production of the decision, proof of its final character, a sworn translation, as well as a legal analysis of the conditions for recognition. Depending on the circumstances, it may be uncontested or give rise to adversarial proceedings.
Areas of expertise
Judgments rendered outside of Europe are subject to the exequatur regime. European Union decisions, however, are often enforceable in France without exequatur, subject to specific matters (insolvency) or challenges.
The firm intervenes to:
International commercial judgments
Arbitral awards
Litigation involving foreign States
Insolvency decisions
Succession decisions
Client support
Exequatur is part of an overall enforcement strategy aimed at a concrete result: once the decision is recognized, the implementation of measures such as asset seizure becomes decisive.
The firm supports its clients at every stage, from recognition to effective enforcement, in an international context involving decisions from various legal systems, with each case being subject to an analysis adapted to the applicable law.
Exequatur by country
The law firm of Maître Motte-Suraniti carries out exequatur procedures in France for judgments and arbitral awards rendered in any foreign country. The conditions for exequatur depend on the country in which the court decision was rendered.
Foire aux Questions
Peut-on saisir les biens d’un État étranger en France ?
Oui, sous réserve du respect des règles relatives aux immunités d’exécution.
Qu’est-ce que l’immunité d’exécution ?
C’est le principe selon lequel les biens d’un État sont protégés contre les saisies.
Existe-t-il des exceptions ?
Oui, notamment pour les biens utilisés à des fins commerciales.
Une sentence arbitrale suffit-elle ?
Elle constitue un titre, mais son exécution suppose une analyse des immunités.
La procédure est-elle complexe ?
Oui, elle nécessite une expertise spécifique et une stratégie adaptée.
La loi Sapin II empêche-t-elle de saisir les biens d’un État ?
Non. Elle encadre les conditions d’exécution, mais ne les interdit pas.
Une autorisation du juge est-elle toujours nécessaire ?
Dans de nombreux cas, oui, notamment pour les mesures visant des actifs sensibles.
Quels biens peuvent être saisis ?
Principalement les biens utilisés à des fins commerciales.
Les procédures sont-elles plus longues ?
Elles peuvent l’être, en raison du contrôle judiciaire renforcé.
Peut-on exécuter une sentence arbitrale contre un État ?
Oui, sous réserve du respect des règles relatives aux immunités d’exécution.
Do you wish to initiate exequatur proceedings in France or analyze the possibilities for asset seizure?
The Firm assists you in the definition and implementation of a tailored strategy.