Judgments | Colombia | Cross-Border Enforcement Center

With which jurisdictions does this country have reciprocal arrangements for enforcement of judgments?

Montevideo Convention 1979:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Bolivian Accord 1911:

Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela

Bilateral:

Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Spain

If there is no reciprocal arrangement, is it still possible to enforce a foreign judgment by means of a writ on the judgment, declaration of enforceability or similar mechanism?

Yes. In the absence of an international treaty, recognition of foreign judgments will be governed by reciprocity, in accordance with Articles 605 through 609 of the General Code of Procedure.

What is the approximate time required to register and enforce a foreign judgment if unopposed?

In Colombia registration of foreign judgments is not applicable. Before enforcing a judgment, however, it is necessary to exhaust an exequatur process before the Supreme Court to obtain its recognition. Once the foreign judgment has been recognized, the interested party may enforce it through collection proceedings before Colombian courts.

The recognition of a foreign judgment should approximately take from 10 months to 1 year, and its enforcement approximately 1 to 2 years.

What is the approximate time required to register and enforce a foreign judgment if opposed?

Please see the previous section.

What is the approximate cost of registering and enforcing a foreign judgment (including court fees and other disbursements) if unopposed?

Access to justice is a fundamental civil right in Colombia and free of charge. Thus, there are no costs for filing recognition or enforcement proceedings in Colombia of foreign judgments. This excludes attorney's fees, which will depend on the respective arrangement.

What is the approximate cost of registering and enforcing a foreign judgment (including court fees and other disbursements) if opposed?

Please see the previous section.

Are there any unusual difficulties in enforcing a foreign judgment?

The excessive workload of Colombian courts, the lack of bilateral arrangements, and the difficulty in determining the existence of reciprocity with other countries.

Cross-Border Enforcement Center

Colombia

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