A judgment obtained abroad does not take effect in Egypt automatically. The conditions Egyptian courts apply, the role of reciprocity and treaties, and how to prepare a successful enforcement application.
Winning a case abroad is only half the battle if the debtor's assets are in Egypt. A foreign judgment has no automatic effect in Egypt: the creditor must first obtain an enforcement order from an Egyptian court. This briefing explains how that works and how to prepare.
The legal framework
Enforcement of foreign judgments is governed by Articles 296 to 301 of the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law (Law No. 13 of 1968).
- Reciprocity (Article 296). A foreign judgment can be enforced in Egypt on the same conditions that the issuing country applies to Egyptian judgments.
- Procedure (Article 297). The creditor files an ordinary lawsuit before the competent Court of First Instance where enforcement is sought.
- Treaties prevail (Article 301). Where Egypt has a treaty with the issuing country, the treaty governs. Egypt is party to the 1952 Arab League Convention on the Enforcement of Judgments and to several bilateral judicial cooperation agreements.
The conditions
Under Article 298, the court will grant an enforcement order only if it is satisfied that:
- The foreign court had jurisdiction under its own rules, and the dispute did not fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Egyptian courts.
- The parties were properly summoned and represented in the foreign proceedings.
- The judgment is final under the law of the issuing country.
- The judgment does not conflict with an earlier Egyptian judgment between the same parties.
- The judgment is not contrary to Egyptian public order or morality.
The Egyptian court does not re-examine the merits of the dispute. Its review is limited to these conditions.
Reciprocity in practice
Reciprocity is often the deciding issue. The Egyptian Court of Cassation has confirmed that a treaty is not essential: reciprocity can also be shown through the foreign country's legislation or court practice towards Egyptian judgments. In practice, the creditor should be ready to prove the foreign position with expert evidence or a legal opinion from the issuing country.
Preparing the application
A well-prepared file avoids months of delay. It should normally include:
- an officially certified copy of the judgment;
- evidence that the judgment is final and enforceable in the issuing country;
- proof that the defendant was properly served with the proceedings;
- evidence of reciprocity, or the treaty relied on;
- legalised and certified Arabic translations of every document.
Points to consider early
- Choose the right route at the contract stage. For cross-border contracts with Egyptian counterparties, arbitration is often easier to enforce in Egypt than a foreign court judgment, because Egypt is party to the New York Convention.
- Locate assets first. Identify bank accounts, real estate and shareholdings in Egypt before filing, and consider precautionary attachment where available.
- Watch public policy issues, such as interest rates and currency rules, which Egyptian courts treat strictly.
How we can help
We act for foreign creditors seeking to enforce judgments in Egypt, from assessing enforceability and reciprocity to filing the action and enforcing against assets. Contact us to discuss your judgment.
This briefing reflects the position as at November 2026.
This briefing is for general information only and is not legal advice. For advice on your situation, contact us.