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What documents does an Israeli court require to enforce a foreign judgment?

These applications stand or fall on their paperwork. Under the Foreign Judgments Enforcement Law 5718-1958 a creditor files in the District Court with an authenticated copy of the judgment, an apostille or consular legalization, a certified Hebrew translation, and evidence that the judgment is final and still enforceable where it was given. A supporting affidavit describes the foreign proceedings, confirms that the debtor was properly served, and states the amount outstanding. A missing certificate of finality is the single most common reason these files stall.

Section 3 of the 1958 Law sets four substantive conditions: the foreign court held jurisdiction, the judgment is no longer open to appeal, it is enforceable in the country where it was given, and its content does not offend Israeli public policy. Each condition has to be visible on the face of the documents, which is why courts want a court clerk’s certificate or an equivalent official statement of finality rather than the creditor’s own assertion. Section 5 adds a five-year window running from the date of the judgment, extendable only for special reasons. Where the statutory route is unavailable, a creditor can still sue on the judgment as a debt under general law, and the same document set supports that claim.

Preparation matters more than drafting here. Obtain a court-certified or exemplified copy rather than a photocopy, have the apostille attached by the competent authority in the issuing country, and use a translator whose Hebrew version is notarized in Israel. The debtor has to be served, which takes longer when they are abroad, so many creditors apply for a temporary attachment over Israeli bank accounts or property at the same time as filing. Interest and costs awarded by the foreign court are enforceable alongside the principal, converted at the rate the court applies. Our guide on enforcing foreign judgments in Israel walks through the wider procedure.

⚖ In Practice
  • Governing law: Foreign Judgments Enforcement Law 5718-1958, Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Competent authority: District Court (Beit Mishpat Mehozi) for the district where the debtor lives or holds assets; enforcement afterwards runs through the Execution Office (Hotza’a LaPoal)
  • Required documents: authenticated copy of the judgment, apostille under the 1961 Hague Convention or consular legalization, notarized Hebrew translation, certificate of finality and enforceability, and an affidavit covering service and the sum outstanding
  • Deadline: five years from the date the foreign judgment was given, unless the court accepts special reasons for the delay
  • Court fee: 2.5% of the value of the claim, subject to the statutory minimum, payable in two instalments
  • Timeline: roughly 4–12 months where the debtor does not contest, and longer where reciprocity or public policy is argued

From the full guide: Enforcing Foreign Judgments in Israel: Complete Guide

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Get a Free Consultation with Adv. Eli ShimonyPrepared under the direction of Adv. Eli Shimony, Eli Shimony Law Office · Editorial policy

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