Enforcement Foreign Judgment in Portugal

The enforcement of a foreign court judgment in Portugal is vital for individuals and entities who seek legal recognition and execution of a judgment issued outside Portugal. This service is crucial for:

• Individuals with foreign divorce, adoption, or child custody judgments.
• Companies needing enforcement of commercial judgments or arbitral awards.
• Parties to international legal disputes seeking to enforce a foreign court's decision in Portugal.

• The judgment must be issued by a competent foreign court as per international jurisdiction rules recognized in Portugal.
• It should not conflict with any previous judgments in Portugal or contradict public order.
• The parties involved must have been properly served and given a fair opportunity to present their case.
• The judgment should be final and not subject to appeal in its country of origin.

• Initial Assessment: Analyze the foreign judgment for compliance with Portuguese legal standards.
• Submission of Application: File an application for the revision and confirmation of the foreign judgment at the competent Tribunal da Relação (Court of Appeal).
• Documentation: Submit necessary documents, including a certified copy of the foreign judgment, its Portuguese translation, and proof of finality.
• Legal Representation: Engage a local attorney to represent the case in Portuguese courts.

• Legal Recognition: Ensures foreign judgments are recognized and enforceable under Portuguese law.
• Streamlined Process: For EU judgments, simplified procedures under EU regulations.
• Expert Guidance: Professional handling by lawyers familiar with both international and Portuguese law.
• Comprehensive Scope: Capable of handling a variety of judgments including civil, family, and commercial matters.

The enforcement process in Portugal involves the revision and confirmation of foreign judgments by a Portuguese court. Key aspects include:

• Reviewing the foreign judgment to ensure it does not contradict the public order of Portugal and meets the criteria set by Portuguese law.
• Ensuring the foreign judgment is final, with no pending appeals.
• Verifying the foreign court had jurisdiction and the judgment was not obtained fraudulently.