Source: https://wlt.lt/en/insights/foreign-arbitral-award-lithuania.html
Language: en

International disputes and arbitration

# Can a foreign arbitral award be recognised and enforced in Lithuania?

The value of an international dispute is not only whether a favourable award can be obtained, but whether it can actually be enforced where the counterparty’s assets are located.

Updated 4 November 2026

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Published by Wise Law. Updated: 4 November 2026.

Consultations in this area: [Edenas Leleiva](https://wlt.lt/en/team/edenas-leleiva.html)

## Separate an award from actual recovery

A favourable award and recovered funds are not the same. Identify the debtor, assets, whether the award is binding and any parallel proceedings at the seat. Where there are no assets in Lithuania, enforcement planning may need to focus on another jurisdiction.

## Prepare the required documents

Article IV of the New York Convention addresses the award, arbitration agreement, required authentication or certification and, where necessary, certified translations. Check the institution’s copies, signatures and relevant contract attachments in advance. Documentary deficiencies can delay recognition even though the underlying dispute has already been decided. [[1]](https://wlt.lt/en/insights/foreign-arbitral-award-lithuania.html#source-ny)

## Recognition is not a rehearing on the merits

Recognition generally does not reopen the tribunal’s entire factual and legal analysis. The applicable conditions must nevertheless be met. Refusal grounds can involve the agreement, notice, opportunity to present a case, the tribunal’s mandate and public policy. Mere disagreement with the tribunal’s conclusion is not a general ground for refusal. [[1]](https://wlt.lt/en/insights/foreign-arbitral-award-lithuania.html#source-ny)

## Coordinate Lithuanian proceedings with asset protection

Recognition and enforcement in Lithuania are governed by the Commercial Arbitration Act, the Code of Civil Procedure and applicable treaties. Consider protection of recovery prospects alongside recognition, but interim relief is not automatic merely because an award exists. It requires its own procedural basis and proportionality assessment. [[2]](https://wlt.lt/en/insights/foreign-arbitral-award-lithuania.html#source-arb) [[3]](https://wlt.lt/en/insights/foreign-arbitral-award-lithuania.html#source-cpc)

## Information for counsel

Provide the award, arbitration agreement, service records, details of any set-aside proceedings and available asset information. Distinguish principal, interest and awarded costs. These materials support a jurisdictional choice, documentary plan and coordinated enforcement strategy.

### Related practice

[International disputes and arbitration](https://wlt.lt/en/services/international-law-proceedings.html)

## Official sources

1. [New York Convention: treaty text (WIPO)](https://www.wipo.int/en/web/amc/arbitration/ny-convention/text)

2. [Law on Commercial Arbitration](https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/TAR.952D5CAC35AC/asr)

3. [Code of Civil Procedure of Lithuania](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.162435/asr)

This is general information about Lithuanian law, not an assessment of a specific case. The applicable law, procedural route and deadlines depend on the facts and the relevant date. For an individual assessment, contact the lawyers listed above.

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