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Part 3 - Certificates: No.1  Certificate of Judgment Sought to be Enforced or Recognised in a Contracting State of the Brussels or Lugano Convention

The Certificate of Judgment Sought to be Enforced or Recognised in a Contracting State of the Brussels or Lugano Convention is a Courts Service of Ireland form used to request recognition or enforcement of an Irish court judgment in another EU/EEA country that is party to the Brussels I or Lugano Convention. It is filed when you want a foreign court to enforce an Irish judgment.

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Form Overview

Part 3 - Certificates: No.1  Certificate of Judgment Sought to be Enforced or Recognised in a Contracting State of the Brussels or Lugano Convention

The Certificate of Judgment Sought to be Enforced or Recognised in a Contracting State of the Brussels or Lugano Convention is a Courts Service of Ireland form used to request recognition or enforcement of an Irish court judgment in another EU/EEA country that is party to the Brussels I or Lugano Convention. It is filed when you want a foreign court to enforce an Irish judgment.

The form records details of the judgment, the parties, the foreign court where enforcement is sought, and a declaration that the judgment meets the Convention’s criteria.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to attach a certified copy of the original judgment.
  • Incorrect foreign court details
  • Missing signature or date
  • Failure to attach the original judgment
  • Using an outdated version of the form

Plain English

If you have won a case in Ireland and need the judgment to be honoured in, say, France or Germany, you fill out this certificate. It tells the Irish courts that you are asking a foreign court to recognise and enforce the decision under EU/EEA rules.

Submission Date

  • There is no statutory deadline, but filing should occur before you lodge any enforcement application in the foreign jurisdiction to avoid procedural setbacks.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • When you need enforcement of an Irish judgment in another EU/EEA state.
  • When the foreign court requires a formal certificate under the Brussels or Lugano Convention.
  • If the judgment is final and enforceable in Ireland.
  • When you are the judgment creditor (the party awarded money or relief).
  • If you are applying for recognition of a judgment that is not yet enforceable in Ireland, a different form may be needed.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Enforcement in non‑EU stateCertificate of Judgment for Non‑Convention CountriesDifferent legal basis, not covered by Brussels/LuganoVerify the target country’s treaty status
Recognition of a foreign judgment in IrelandForm 1 – Application for Recognition of Foreign JudgmentOpposite direction – you are the debtorConfirm the foreign judgment meets Irish criteria
Request for a certified copy of the judgmentForm 2 – Request for Certified CopyNot an enforcement requestUse only to obtain official copies

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline, but filing should occur before you lodge any enforcement application in the foreign jurisdiction to avoid procedural setbacks.

Before you submit

  • Original judgment and any appeals attached.
  • Correct name and address of the foreign court.
  • All parties’ names exactly as on the judgment.
  • Signature of the judgment creditor (or authorised representative).
  • Date of completion.
  • Electronic submission confirmation or postal receipt.
  • Copy of the certificate retained for your records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Log into eCourts or download the PDF version.
  2. 2Enter judgment reference number and date.
  3. 3Provide details of the foreign court and enforcement request.
  4. 4Attach certified copies of the judgment and any related orders.
  5. 5Sign the form electronically or print, sign, and scan.
  6. 6Submit online or mail the signed document to the Central Office.
  7. 7Save the acknowledgment receipt.

Known limitations

  • Only applicable to states party to the Brussels I or Lugano Convention.
  • Does not cover enforcement of judgments in non‑EU countries.
  • Requires the Irish judgment to be final and enforceable.
  • Electronic submission may not be available for all users.

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Current Form Status

The form is currently the 2023 version and remains in force. No major revisions have been announced for 2024.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the form header for the 2023 revision date.
  • Confirm that the eCourts portal lists Part 3 – Certificates – No.1.
  • Verify that the signature field allows electronic signing.
  • Ensure the list of accepted supporting documents matches the current guidance.

Quick Facts

Anyone who holds an Irish court judgment and wishes to have it enforced or recognised in another Brussels or Lugano Convention state must submit this form.
The form records details of the judgment, the parties, the foreign court where enforcement is sought, and a declaration that the judgment meets the Convention’s criteria.
Submit the certificate as soon as you intend to start enforcement proceedings abroad, typically before filing any application with the foreign court.
The form is lodged with the Courts Service of Ireland, either through the Courts Online portal (eCourts) or by post to the Central Office of the Courts Service, Dublin.
Accurate completion is required for the foreign court to accept the judgment; errors can cause refusal, delays, or the need to start the process again.
1. Gather the original judgment, any appellate decisions, and details of the foreign court. 2. Log into eCourts, select ‘Certificates – Part 3’, and choose Certificate No.1. 3. Fill in the judgment details, parties, and foreign enforcement request. 4. Sign electronically or print, sign, and attach supporting documents. 5. Submit online or mail the signed copy to the Central Office.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
22/01/26

Part 3 - Certificates: No.1  Certificate of Judgment Sought to be Enforced or Recognised in a Contracting State of the Brussels or Lugano Convention

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After you file

  • Keep the acknowledgment receipt safe.
  • Send a copy of the certificate to the foreign court or its legal representative.
  • Monitor the foreign court’s response or any further procedural requirements.
  • If the foreign court rejects the certificate, seek advice on possible amendments.
  • Update your records with any enforcement costs or fees incurred.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number inferred from provided name.
  • Issuing agency identified as Courts Service of Ireland.
  • Purpose (recognition/enforcement under Brussels/Lugano) inferred from title.
  • Submission methods (eCourts portal, post) based on typical Courts Service procedures.
  • Signature and supporting document requirements are standard for similar certificates.
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact deadline or timing windows.
  • Not confirmed in official source: specific electronic signing capabilities.

Common confusion points

6 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up the Brussels I and Lugano Convention jurisdictions.

  • 2

    Assuming the same form works for non‑EU countries.

  • 3

    Leaving the foreign court address blank or incomplete.

  • 4

    Using a non‑certified copy of the judgment.

  • 5

    Forgetting to sign the form before submission.

  • 6

    Submitting the form after the foreign enforcement action has already started.

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