Lawyers Assisting Foreign Companies in Enforcing Civil Judgments Against Vietnamese Companies

Lawyers Assisting Foreign Companies in Enforcing Civil Judgments Against Vietnamese Companies

Enforcing civil judgments in a foreign jurisdiction can be a complex and time-consuming process. For foreign companies with successful court rulings abroad, turning those victories into actual recoveries in Vietnam presents unique legal and procedural challenges. Fortunately, experienced Vietnamese lawyers play a crucial role in helping international businesses navigate the enforcement of foreign civil judgments against Vietnamese companies.

Can Foreign Judgments Be Enforced in Vietnam?

Under Vietnamese law, foreign civil judgments can be recognized and enforced in Vietnam, but only under specific legal conditions. The process is governed by:

• The 2015 Civil Procedure Code (as amended), particularly Part Seven (Articles 424–434)
• Relevant bilateral or multilateral treaties between Vietnam and the country where the judgment was issued
• Principles of international comity and reciprocity

To enforce a foreign judgment in Vietnam, a foreign company must first apply for recognition and enforcement through the Vietnamese court system.  

Lawyers Assisting Foreign Companies in Enforcing Civil Judgments Against Vietnamese Companies

Role of Vietnamese Lawyers in Enforcement

Enforcing a foreign judgment in Vietnam requires local legal expertise. Vietnamese lawyers offer strategic assistance in the following areas:

1. Initial Assessment of Enforceability

Lawyers examine whether the foreign judgment meets the legal criteria for recognition under Vietnamese law. This includes:

• Jurisdiction of the foreign court
• Finality of the judgment
• Non-violation of Vietnamese sovereignty, law, or public policy
• Treaty obligations or reciprocity principles

2. Document Preparation and Legal Translation

All necessary documents—including the original judgment, evidence of finality, and proof of service—must be translated into Vietnamese and certified. Lawyers ensure the documents comply with court requirements and formalities.

Lawyers Assisting Foreign Companies in Enforcing Civil Judgments Against Vietnamese Companies

3. Filing Recognition Petition

Legal professionals assist in filing the application for recognition and enforcement to the People’s Court of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, depending on the case. They manage deadlines, procedures, and coordinate with court clerks.

4. Representing the Foreign Party in Court

Lawyers represent the foreign company at court hearings, respond to challenges by the Vietnamese judgment debtor, and argue the legal basis for enforcement.

5. Executing the Judgment

Once the court recognizes the foreign judgment, lawyers initiate civil enforcement proceedings through the local Judgment Enforcement Agency. They help trace debtor assets, coordinate with enforcement officers, and ensure compliance.

Lawyers Assisting Foreign Companies in Enforcing Civil Judgments Against Vietnamese Companies

Common Challenges

Foreign businesses often face the following obstacles when trying to enforce judgments in Vietnam:

• Lack of reciprocal treaty between Vietnam and the foreign country
• Debtor asset concealment or dissipation before enforcement
• Procedural delays in local courts
• Disputes over the public policy exception

Vietnamese lawyers help anticipate and overcome these issues through practical strategies and local networks.

Why Hire a Local Law Firm?

Enforcing a judgment abroad requires more than legal theory—it demands on-the-ground insight and procedural precision. A Vietnamese law firm can:

• Navigate bureaucratic hurdles
• Ensure proper legal translations and notarizations
• Engage local courts and enforcement agencies effectively
• Reduce enforcement timelines and maximize recovery

Whether your business is located in the U.S., EU, or Asia, hiring a qualified Vietnamese legal team can be the decisive factor in recovering your civil judgment.