Check step by step whether a foreign court judgment meets the conditions for recognition or enforcement in Turkey under the Turkish Private International and Procedural Law (Law No. 5718). The checklist helps you spot gaps before filing.
What do you need?
Is the judgment final under the law of the country where it was given?
No ordinary appeal should remain available (Art. 50).
Is it a judgment in a civil matter (including civil claims in a criminal judgment)?
Art. 50(1).
Do you have the certified original judgment and a certificate of finality?
Certified by the issuing authorities; an apostille where the country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention (Art. 53).
Are certified Turkish translations of these documents ready?
Translations certified by a Turkish notary or consulate (Art. 53).
Is there reciprocity between Turkey and the country of the judgment?
A treaty, a statutory provision or actual practice enforcing Turkish judgments (Art. 54(a)). Not required for recognition (Art. 58).
Is the subject matter outside the exclusive jurisdiction of Turkish courts?
For example, rights in rem over real property in Turkey fall within exclusive jurisdiction (Art. 54(b)).
Was the defendant duly summoned and represented in the foreign proceedings?
Examined if the defendant objects on the ground of the right of defence (Art. 54(ç)).
Is the judgment free from any manifest conflict with Turkish public policy?
For example, violation of fundamental rights or basic principles of law (Art. 54(c)).
Which court hears the case?
The civil court of first instance (asliye hukuk), or the family court for family matters. Venue: the respondent’s domicile in Turkey, otherwise their residence, otherwise Ankara, Istanbul or Izmir (Art. 51).
Recognition vs. enforcement?
Recognition gives the judgment res judicata and conclusive evidence effect; enforcement also makes it executable. For judgments that need no execution, such as divorce, recognition may suffice, and reciprocity is not required (Art. 58).
Will the Turkish court re-examine the merits?
No. The court does not review the merits; it only checks the conditions above.
Full guide: Enforcement of foreign judgments in Turkey · Service of process abroad · Statutory interest calculator
General information only, not legal advice. The result is a preliminary check based on your answers; the court’s assessment depends on the specific facts. Enforcement of arbitral awards follows separate rules (e.g. the New York Convention).