Enforcing a foreign arbitral award in New York courts: 2026 timelines

A foreign award is enforceable in New York under the New York Convention, through the Federal Arbitration Act. The timeline, however, depends on decisions taken long before the award was made.

Recognition happens in the petition to confirm

There is no separate recognition proceeding. The creditor petitions to confirm the award and the court examines the Convention grounds as part of it — which means the debtor’s objections and your evidence arrive at the same moment.

What the court will ask for

The original award or a certified copy, the arbitration agreement, and certified translations of both. Missing translations are the most common reason for the first six weeks to be lost.

Realistic timelines in 2026

Uncontested: three to five months from filing to the first execution order. Contested on public-policy grounds: nine to eighteen months, depending on the court. Attachment of the debtor’s New York accounts can be obtained much faster and usually decides the outcome.

If you are still drafting the clause, the choice of seat is what makes this timeline short or long.