Enforcing Foreign Judgments and Arbitral Awards in Georgia

Georgia is a party to key instruments for cross-border enforcement, including the New York Convention on the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Foreign court judgments may also be recognized and enforced, but the route, grounds for refusal, and competent forum depend on Georgian private international law, treaties, and procedural rules—not on a single “one-size-fits-all” filing.

This article is general information, not advice for your case. Always confirm current procedure and competent court with counsel before relying on any overview.

Arbitral awards

Parties often choose arbitration for speed, confidentiality, and enforceability under the Convention. To obtain an executable title in Georgia, the prevailing party typically must bring recognition and enforcement proceedings before the court that the law designates for that request. Grounds for refusal are limited but technical; defects in translations, PoAs, or original awards are common practical failure points.

Foreign court judgments

Recognition of foreign judgments is a separate analysis from arbitration. It may turn on reciprocity, treaty relations, due process, and whether the original court had jurisdiction acceptable under Georgian rules. Strategy should be planned before you spend costs on parallel litigation.

Documents and translations

Georgian courts generally expect key exhibits in Georgian with certified translation, and powers of attorney that match court and notarial requirements. Starting late on apostille/legalization chains is a frequent reason enforcement moves slip.

For representation in recognition, enforcement, or parallel disputes, see Litigation & Dispute Resolution or contact TK Counsel.