Understanding Russian Court Fees

Every claim filed in a Russian court requires a state fee, paid before filing and proven by a receipt attached to the claim. The amount depends on the court system, on whether the claim has a money value, and on that value. The winner can usually recover the fee from the losing side.

Attorney Elena Petrova explains fees to foreign clients at the budgeting stage, because in large disputes the fee alone can be a significant cost.

How the Fee Is Calculated

The rules are in Chapter 25.3 of the Tax Code. For property claims, the fee follows a sliding scale: a fixed base plus a percentage of the amount above each threshold, with an upper cap. For non-property claims, such as recognition of a right or cancellation of a decision, a flat amount applies.

In September 2024, a major reform raised most fees several times over. Guides written before that date are outdated. Always check the current text of the Tax Code before filing.

Arbitrazh Courts Versus General Courts

Russia has two court systems. Arbitrazh courts hear commercial disputes between companies and entrepreneurs. General courts hear cases involving individuals, including family, labour and consumer matters.

The cap in arbitrazh courts is far higher, which reflects the size of commercial claims. Fees for appeals and cassations in both systems are fixed and do not depend on the claim value.

Who Is Exempt From Paying

Some claimants pay nothing. Employees suing employers over labour rights are exempt, as are claimants seeking alimony and consumers within a set claim value. Certain groups of disabled persons have partial exemptions.

A court may also defer payment or split it into instalments when the claimant shows that immediate payment is impossible. The request should be filed with the claim and supported by documents on income.

Getting Your Fee Back

The winning party recovers the fee from the loser in proportion to the satisfied claims. If you win half of the sum claimed, you recover about half of the fee.

The fee is also partly refunded from the budget when a case ends early. After a settlement, withdrawal or admission of the claim at first instance, 70 percent is returned. On appeal the refund is 50 percent, and in cassation 30 percent. Overpaid amounts are refunded in full on application.

Paying From Abroad

A foreign company or individual can pay through a Russian bank or ask a representative to pay on their behalf. The payment order must name the payer correctly, otherwise the court may treat the fee as unpaid.

The details differ for each court and depend on the tax office serving it. They are published on the court's page on sudrf.ru or arbitr.ru.

Common Mistakes With Fees

Filing with a fee calculated under outdated rates leads the court to leave the claim without movement. The claimant then gets a deadline to pay the difference.

Other errors include paying to the wrong treasury account and forgetting that each additional non-property demand carries its own fee.

Planning Costs With the Attorney

A fee estimate is part of our first review of any dispute, together with expert and translation costs. You receive the expected figures in dollars and roubles.

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