Quick answers
Can I enforce a German judgment in Romania?
Yes. A civil or commercial judgment from Germany or any other EU Member State is enforceable in Romania without a declaration of enforceability (Regulation 1215/2012, art. 39). You present a copy of the judgment and the art. 53 certificate from the court of origin.
Can I enforce a UK, US or other non-EU judgment in Romania?
A judgment from a non-EU country needs recognition and exequatur under the international civil procedure rules of the Code of Civil Procedure, unless a treaty provides otherwise.
Who enforces a foreign judgment in Romania?
A Romanian court enforcement officer (executor judecătoresc) carries out enforcement against the debtor's assets.
In short
- A civil or commercial judgment from another EU Member State is enforceable in Romania without a declaration of enforceability (Regulation 1215/2012, art. 39).
- The creditor presents a copy of the judgment and the certificate issued under art. 53 of the Regulation by the court of origin.
- Judgments from non-EU countries need recognition and exequatur under the international civil procedure rules of the Code of Civil Procedure, unless a treaty provides otherwise.
- Enforcement itself is carried out by a Romanian court enforcement officer (executor judecătoresc).
Three steps
1. Check the judgment
Identify the issuing State, the date proceedings began and whether the decision falls under an EU regulation or a treaty.
2. Obtain the documents
Request the certificate from the court of origin (for EU judgments) and prepare certified copies and translations.
3. Enforce in Romania
Apply for exequatur where needed and instruct a court enforcement officer against the debtor’s assets in Romania.
Documents to prepare
- Certified copy of the foreign judgment
- Certificate under art. 53 of Regulation 1215/2012 (EU judgments)
- Proof that the judgment is final or enforceable in the State of origin, where required
- Proof of service on the debtor, for default judgments
- Certified Romanian translation and, where needed, apostille
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Official sources
- Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 (Brussels I recast) — EUR-Lex
- Romanian Code of Civil Procedure — consolidated text (Legislative Portal)
- European e-Justice Portal — recognition and enforcement of judgments
General legal information, not legal advice. Each situation requires individual review. Cabinet de Avocatură Pantilimon Rikhárd-Árpád, based in Târgu Mureș.