What is an enforceable title (executoriale titel) under Dutch law?

Dutch term: Executoriale titel | Legal basis: Article 430 Rv

An enforceable title (executoriale titel) is a document that authorises enforcement through a Dutch bailiff. The main categories are: court judgments bearing the executorial formula (grossier), notarial deeds containing an obligation to pay, and arbitral awards that have been granted exequatur by the District Court.

EU judgments are directly enforceable in the Netherlands under Brussels I Recast without a separate exequatur procedure. The creditor needs only the judgment and an article 53 certificate from the court of origin. Non-EU judgments generally require a separate recognition procedure before a Dutch court (the Gazprombank route).

Why it matters for international businesses

Understanding which documents qualify as enforceable titles, and what steps are needed to convert a foreign judgment into one, is the starting point for any cross-border enforcement matter.