In 30 seconds
A judgment from a US or UK court is not enforced in Italy automatically. In general you need a declaration of enforceability from the Italian Court of Appeal, which checks formal requirements and does not re-examine the merits. Arbitral awards follow the New York Convention route. Whether the Italian court had to be involved from the start is better decided before the foreign case begins.
You won a case in New York, Texas or London, or you obtained an arbitral award, and the debtor has assets in Italy. This guide explains the route in plain language, and what to ask before you spend money on a foreign case that must be enforced here.
Court judgments from outside the EU
For judgments from non-EU countries, Italian law (Law 218/1995, art. 64) lists conditions for recognition. According to specialist guides, they include: the foreign court had jurisdiction under principles equivalent to Italian ones; the defendant was properly served and could defend itself; the judgment is final under the law of the country where it was issued; it does not conflict with an Italian final judgment or an earlier pending Italian case between the same parties; and it does not produce effects contrary to Italian public policy.
Italian courts do not re-examine whether the foreign judge decided correctly. They check the conditions above. To enforce, you ask the Court of Appeal for the territory where enforcement is sought for a declaration of enforceability. Guides report that this can take from one to several months, depending on the case and on any opposition.
United Kingdom judgments after Brexit
The old EU rules no longer apply to UK judgments in new cases. The UK has joined the 2019 Hague Judgments Convention, which took effect for the UK on 1 July 2025. Whether it covers your judgment depends on the date of the proceedings and on the type of claim, so check this before you rely on it. If the Convention does not apply, the general rules on non-EU judgments described above are the fallback.
Frequent case
A problem that happens often. Frequent case described in general terms: names, places and details do not refer to real people or cases.
A US company obtains a money judgment in a US court against an Italian distributor based near Salerno. The judgment is final, but the distributor was served only by email. Before asking the Italian Court of Appeal to declare it enforceable, the company must check whether service met the requirements, because defective service is a typical ground for refusal.
The best path for you
Usually the best path is: (1) check, with the contract, where the debtor’s assets are; (2) decide whether to sue in Italy directly or to rely on a foreign judgment or award; (3) if you already have a foreign decision, collect the final judgment, proof of service and a certified translation, and file for the declaration of enforceability. No outcome can be promised.
Facing a similar situation? You can send your documents to the firm for an assessment, from anywhere in the world.
Arbitral awards
Foreign arbitral awards are recognized under the New York Convention and Italian procedural rules (arts. 839-840 of the Code of Civil Procedure). The application goes to the Court of Appeal of the district where the other party resides or, if it does not reside in Italy, to the Court of Appeal of Rome. You file the original or a certified copy of the award and of the arbitration agreement, with a certified Italian translation.
Recognition can be refused on specific grounds, for example an invalid arbitration agreement, lack of notice, an award beyond the scope of the agreement, or a result contrary to Italian public policy. The other side can oppose within a short period.
Choosing the forum first
- If most of the debtor’s assets are in Italy, suing in Italy may be faster than winning abroad and then enforcing here.
- If you need a foreign judgment, make sure the contract has a clear, exclusive forum clause: see our guide on jurisdiction clauses.
- Keep proof that the Italian party was properly served with the foreign proceedings.
- Ask for a translation plan early: certified translations are needed for the enforcement file.
How attorney Fiorentino can follow you
- Check whether your judgment or award meets the conditions for recognition.
- Locate the Italian court that has jurisdiction and prepare the file, including translations.
- Advise you whether to sue in Italy instead, when that is simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Does Italy enforce US judgments automatically?
No. In general you need a declaration of enforceability from an Italian Court of Appeal.
Will the Italian court re-examine the merits?
No. It checks the formal conditions for recognition.
Which court handles an arbitral award?
The Court of Appeal of the district where the other party resides or, if it is not in Italy, the Court of Appeal of Rome.
Do I need certified translations?
Yes, usually for the judgment or award and the agreement. We will tell you which ones.
Related guides
Learn more: Legal guides from Studio Legale Fiorentino.
A company dispute or project in Italy?
Every situation must be assessed on the documents of the specific case. You can consult the firm from anywhere in the world: by video call, phone, WhatsApp or email. Appointments in person in Naples (Piazza Giovanni Bovio 22 and Via Monte di Dio 14), Rome and Bari.
Official sources
Information updated on October 13, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. The firm does not advise on United States or United Kingdom law or taxes.
Do you have a similar issue?
Every situation depends on the documents of the specific case. You can contact the firm from anywhere, remotely.