Service We Provide
Suing a foreign state, one of its political subdivisions, or a state-owned agency or instrumentality means following the strict, ordered methods of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1608. Using the wrong method, or skipping a step in the sequence, is one of the most common reasons these cases stall.
The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act sets out the only valid ways to serve a foreign state, its political subdivisions, and its agencies or instrumentalities. For the state itself, 28 U.S.C. § 1608(a) lists four methods that must be attempted in order, ending with transmittal through the U.S. Department of State's diplomatic channels.
Each method has its own requirements, including translation of the summons, complaint and notice of suit into the official language. We help counsel follow the sequence correctly, coordinate each step, and document it so the service holds up when the foreign state's response deadline and any default are tested.
Whatever the document, our team has the experience to execute your specific request and route it through the right channel the first time.
Decades of working relationships with Central Authorities and local agents mean your documents move through the correct process, wherever they're headed.
Since 1982, we've built a track record litigators rely on — documented, court-ready service performed to FRCP 4(f) standards.
Need help with Service on Foreign Governments (FSIA)?
Tell us about your case and deadline, and we'll confirm the right approach.
Request ServiceNo. For a foreign state or political subdivision, § 1608(a) sets out methods that must be tried in order — a special arrangement, then an applicable convention, then mail from the clerk of court, and only then diplomatic channels through the State Department.
Yes. Agencies and instrumentalities are served under § 1608(b), which allows different methods, such as delivery to an authorized agent. We confirm how the defendant is classified before starting.
Getting Started
Whether you need a single document served or want to set up a standing account for regular work, here's exactly how it works.
If you need Process Server Global for a single case or one-time assignment anywhere in the world, follow these steps:
If you would like to become a client and use us on a regular basis, these are the steps:
Reminder: If you'd like us to file your Proof of Service formally (for a small fee), please ask during Step 1.
Client Feedback
"When you're dealing with international service under the Hague Convention, delays and strict compliance issues are always a concern. They managed our service in France seamlessly—completed in less than four weeks, with a flawless proof of service that the judge accepted immediately. They are our go-to for foreign service."
Litigation Paralegal | France
"We were dealing with a defendant actively hiding behind gated security, tinted windows, and erratic schedules. Their investigators ran discreet surveillance, identified a consistent departure pattern, and completed drop service strictly within statutory compliance. The court denied the defendant’s motion to quash immediately"
Partner
"Managing high-volume discovery across multiple health networks and custodians is normally a logistical nightmare. They served our deposition subpoenas, tracked every custodian deadline, and delivered organized, certified records well before our discovery deadline. Impeccable communication throughout."
Personal Injury Case Manager
"I have instructed Global Process Server for process serving and tracing agents for years. John is my top drawer contact there and is responsive, helpful, prompt with updates, and never fails to deliver, no matter how urgent the instruction or fraught with problems it may be."
Litigation Paralegal | France, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada
