Enforcement Of Foreign Judgments

INTRODUCTION

Cyprus does not have a formal policy towards the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. The question whether a foreign judgment can be enforced in Cyprus, depends solely by the criteria, provided in the relevant legislation -(if applicable to the foreign judgment in question)- or by the principles of Common Law, if the foreign judgment, lies outside the ambit of the legislation.

A foreign judgment, has no direct operation in Cyprus, but it may be enforced, by action or counterclaim at Common Law, or under statute, or it may be recognized as a defence to an action, or as conclusive of an issue, in an action.

In general, the Cyprus Court's attitude is to assist in the enforcement of foreign judgments, provided the following requirements are met: