Can a Russian court hear a dispute involving a foreign party?

Yes, if the dispute falls within the competence of Russian courts: for example, the defendant or its property is in Russia, the contract is performed here, or the parties agreed on a Russian court. Jurisdiction is checked under procedural law and applicable treaties before the claim is filed.

Can a Russian court apply foreign law?

Yes, where it governs the parties' relationship. The court establishes the content of foreign law according to its official interpretation, practice and doctrine in the country concerned (Article 1191 of the Russian Civil Code); the parties may assist by submitting supporting documents.

Practice area

Russian courts with a foreign element

Representation in Russian courts when the case involves foreign individuals or companies, foreign documents, assets abroad, foreign court decisions or parallel proceedings in another country.

Foreign law in a Russian court

Where foreign law governs the parties' relationship, a Russian court establishes the content of its rules in line with their official interpretation, application in practice and legal doctrine in the country concerned (Article 1191 of the Russian Civil Code). The parties may submit documents on the content of foreign law — work that is best planned in advance.

Foreign documents and service

Documents issued abroad are generally accepted by the court with an apostille or consular legalisation and a translation into Russian, unless a treaty provides otherwise. Serving a foreign party goes through international procedures and can take considerable time, which must be factored into the timetable.

When this applies

A party is a foreign individual or company

Evidence and documents were obtained abroad

Property or accounts are located abroad

Parallel proceedings are under way in a foreign court

Foreign law applies to the dispute

What the lawyer does

Assesses whether a Russian court has jurisdiction

Prepares claims, defences and procedural documents

Arranges apostille, legalisation and translation of evidence

Represents the client at court hearings

Aligns the position with the client's foreign lawyers

What to have ready

Passports or corporate documents of the parties

Contracts and correspondence

Foreign documents with an apostille or legalisation

Decisions and materials from foreign proceedings

Where it usually goes wrong

Defective service on a foreign party

Documents rejected without legalisation and translation

Delays caused by international procedures

Conflicting decisions in different countries

FAQ

Questions and answers

Can a Russian court hear a dispute involving a foreign party?: Yes, if the dispute falls within the competence of Russian courts: for example, the defendant or its property is in Russia, the contract is performed here, or the parties agreed on a Russian court. Jurisdiction is checked under procedural law and applicable treaties before the claim is filed.
Do foreign documents need to be translated and legalised?: As a rule, yes: documents issued abroad are submitted with an apostille or consular legalisation and a translation into Russian, unless a treaty provides an exemption. The requirements are best checked in advance to avoid losing time.
Can a Russian court apply foreign law?: Yes, where it governs the parties' relationship. The court establishes the content of foreign law according to its official interpretation, practice and doctrine in the country concerned (Article 1191 of the Russian Civil Code); the parties may assist by submitting supporting documents.

Consultation

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