Civil Litigation in Russia: FAQ

A civil case in Russia starts with a written statement of claim filed in a court of general jurisdiction or, for business disputes, in an arbitrazh court. A first-instance case usually takes several months, followed by appeal and enforcement stages. Below, attorney Elena Petrova answers fifteen questions that foreign clients ask most often.

Choosing the Right Court

Which court hears my case?

Disputes between individuals, consumer claims and most family matters go to district courts or justices of the peace. Disputes between companies and entrepreneurs go to arbitrazh courts.

Where must the claim be filed?

As a rule, at the defendant's place of residence or registered office. A contract may set another court, and some claims, such as those over land or buildings, are filed where the property is located.

Filing and Court Fees

What must the statement of claim contain?

The parties, the facts, the legal grounds, the amount claimed with a calculation, and a list of attached evidence. A copy must be sent to the defendant before filing.

How are court fees calculated?

Fees are set by the Tax Code and depend on the amount claimed. The losing party normally reimburses the winner's fee and reasonable legal costs.

Can I file electronically?

Yes. Claims can be filed through the courts' online services with an electronic signature, which is convenient for clients abroad.

Timelines at Each Stage

Stage	Statutory period	What happens
Limitation period	3 years in most claims	Counted from when you learned of the violation
First instance, general court	2 months	Hearings, evidence, decision
First instance, arbitrazh court	3 months	May be extended in complex cases
Appeal	1 month from the full decision	Review of facts and law

Do courts keep to these periods?

Often not. Adjournments, expert examinations and service on foreign parties extend a case.

Evidence and Proof

What counts as evidence?

Contracts, letters, messenger chats, witness statements, expert reports and audio or video recordings. Foreign documents need an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.

Who pays for an expert examination?

The party requesting it pays into the court's deposit in advance. The loser usually reimburses the cost.

Appeals and Further Review

Can a decision be challenged?

Yes. After the appeal comes cassation, and then review by the Supreme Court. New evidence is rarely accepted on appeal, so the whole case should be built at first instance.

Enforcing a Judgment

What happens after I win?

The court issues a writ of execution. It is sent to bailiffs or directly to the debtor's bank.

How long is a writ valid?

It can be presented for enforcement within three years after the judgment takes effect.

Working With a Lawyer

Do I need to travel to Russia?

No. A notarised power of attorney, apostilled where required, lets the attorney act in court on your behalf.

What does the attorney do first?

Reviews documents, assesses limitation and jurisdiction, and prepares the pre-trial demand where the law requires one.

Can the dispute be settled during the case?

Yes. The parties may sign a settlement agreement at any stage, and the court approves it. Part of the state fee is then returned, and the earlier the settlement, the larger the refund.

Can assets be frozen before judgment?

The claimant may ask for interim measures, such as an arrest of funds or a ban on selling property. The court decides quickly, but you must show a real risk that the judgment will otherwise be hard to enforce.

The main channel of communication with the attorney is email: attorneypetrova1@gmail.com.