How can a Jordanian company litigate in the Czech Republic

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda
Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda
16.3.2026 | ARROWS law firm

If your Jordanian business faces a dispute with a Czech partner or needs to enforce a claim in Czech courts, you need to understand both the Czech procedural framework and the specific rules that govern cross-border litigation. This article provides practical answers to your key questions about jurisdiction, filing procedures, costs, and enforcement, while highlighting the legal complexities that make professional guidance essential for success.

Picture illustrates an attorney discussing cross-border litigation in Czech courts.

Understanding Czech court jurisdiction and your rights as a Jordanian company

When a Jordanian company considers litigation in the Czech Republic, the first critical question is whether Czech courts actually have the authority to hear your dispute. Jurisdiction in Czech civil matters operates under a two-tier system: international jurisdiction (whether any Czech court can hear the case at all) and territorial jurisdiction (which specific Czech court has the authority to decide).

The fundamental rule is straightforward on its surface but complex in application: if your Czech business opponent is registered and operates in the Czech Republic, Czech courts almost certainly have jurisdiction over your dispute.

This principle flows from the general rule in EU law (Brussels I bis Regulation) and the Czech Act on Private International Law, stating that a defendant's domicile determines jurisdiction. However, "domicile" itself requires careful definition—it refers to the defendant's registered office, principal place of business, or the place where the defendant typically exercises management and control.

For subsidiaries and branches of foreign companies, you must verify exactly where the legal entity is registered. Suing the wrong entity can render your eventual judgment unenforceable.

The situation becomes more nuanced when contractual choice-of-court clauses are involved; many international commercial agreements include jurisdiction clauses specifying which country's courts will hear disputes.

These clauses are highly enforceable under EU law. If your contract with the Czech party specifies Czech jurisdiction, this strengthens your position by establishing clear venue. Conversely, if the contract specifies Jordanian courts exclusively, the Czech court may decline to hear your case.

The Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments between Jordan and the Czech Republic also addresses dispute settlement mechanisms. However, these primarily apply to investment protection disputes between a state and an investor, rather than standard B2B commercial disputes.

A critical procedural detail that many international litigants overlook involves the distinction between exclusive jurisdiction clauses and non-exclusive clauses. This distinction determines whether a Czech court must decline your case or may accept it.

ARROWS Law Firm regularly assists foreign companies with jurisdictional analysis and can clarify which Czech court properly holds authority over your specific dispute.

Territorial jurisdiction: Which Czech court can hear your case?

Once you establish that Czech courts have international jurisdiction, you must identify the correct Czech court geographically. The Czech Republic maintains a multi-tier court system: district courts ( okresní soudy ), regional courts ( krajské soudy ), high courts ( vrchní soudy ), and the Supreme Court ( Nejvyšší soud ).

For most commercial disputes, the default rule is that the defendant's permanent residence or registered office determines territorial jurisdiction.

If your Czech opponent has a registered office in Prague, you typically file in one of the Prague district courts. If they operate in Brno, you file there. Filing in the wrong court results in transfer to the correct court, consuming valuable time and delaying your case by several months.

However, the Czech Civil Procedure Code establishes alternative jurisdictional grounds that may prove advantageous in specific situations. You may sue in the court of the district where the disputed event occurred (relevant for tort claims) or where the defendant has assets located within the Czech Republic.

For contract disputes involving services, Czech law recognizes the "place of performance" doctrine, which can allow a Jordanian company to file in a Czech court convenient to the location where performance occurred.

The practical complexity lies in correctly identifying and documenting these jurisdictional grounds before filing. A mistake here is not easily corrected later in the proceedings.

ARROWS Law Firm, as a leading Czech law firm based in Prague, European Union, specializes in precisely this type of jurisdictional mapping for foreign clients and can save you months of delays by identifying the optimal Czech court from the start.

microFAQ – Legal tips on identifying the right Czech court for your Jordanian company

1. If our contract with the Czech company specifies Prague as the place of performance, must we file in Prague?
Not necessarily. The place of performance is one basis for jurisdiction, but if the defendant's registered office is in Brno, you may file there instead. However, filing where performance occurred strengthens your position regarding evidence collection. If you want strategic advice on venue, write to office@arws.cz.

2. Can we sue a Czech subsidiary if the parent company made the contract with us?
This is a critical question. In many cases, you must sue the legal entity that is party to the contract. Suing the parent company when the subsidiary is the actual party can result in dismissal due to lack of passive standing. Before filing, verify the correct legal entity with your legal advisor. Contact ARROWS Law Firm at office@arws.cz if you need entity verification and contract analysis.

3. What if the Czech company has multiple offices in different cities?
You generally have flexibility in choosing an office location as a basis for territorial jurisdiction only if the dispute relates to the activities of that specific branch. Otherwise, the registered seat applies. This strategic choice should align with your overall litigation strategy. Professional guidance on venue selection is highly advisable.

Filing your claim: The Czech procedural requirements and critical procedural traps

After establishing that Czech courts have jurisdiction and identifying the correct territorial court, the next phase is actually filing your claim. This phase is deceptively critical because the Czech legal system operates under a civil law procedural model fundamentally different from common law systems familiar to many Jordanian businesses.

The first procedural shock for foreign litigants is that there is no comprehensive pre-trial discovery process in Czech litigation.

In Anglo-American litigation, parties typically exchange documents and conduct depositions months before trial. Czech courts provide no equivalent mechanism. Instead, you must present your allegations and propose relevant evidence, contracts, correspondence, and documentation with your initial statement of claim ( žaloba ).

While evidence can be supplemented later during the proceedings until the "concentration of proceedings" (typically at the first hearing), the court expects the core evidence to be identified immediately. This burden of proof ( důkazní břemeno ) represents the single most important procedural principle affecting Jordanian companies litigating in Czech courts.

What this means in practice is extraordinarily important: your claim document must be exceptionally thorough and strategically structured.

It is not a narrative explanation of events; instead, it is a legally structured submission that anticipates the court's questions and systematically presents the evidence responding to each potential objection. You must explain which specific documents prove each factual allegation and demonstrate how those documents establish your legal entitlement to relief.

Additionally, all documents must be submitted in the Czech language or with official certified translations ( soudní překlad ). An English-language contract that you believe is your most important piece of evidence is legally ineffective as evidence until an official translator produces a Czech translation.

The formal requirements for filing are also specific and non-negotiable: you must pay the court fee at the time of filing, and the claim must include specific information such as registration numbers and a clear description of the legal facts.

Electronic filing has become the standard. Since the widespread implementation of the "Data Box" ( datová schránka ) system, legal entities communicate with courts primarily electronically. You may file claims electronically via the data box system or via email with a recognized electronic signature.

ARROWS Law Firm handles electronic and paper filings regularly for international clients and can ensure your claim meets every formal requirement.

The mandatory pre-litigation demand letter

Before even filing your formal claim in court, Czech law contains a procedural requirement that many foreign companies miss entirely: you must send a formal written pre-litigation demand letter ( předžalobní výzva ) to the defendant at least seven days before filing your claim.

This requirement is not merely a procedural formality—it has financial consequences; if you fail to send this demand letter, the court will generally not award you reimbursement of your legal costs, even if you win your case.

Since Czech law operates under the "loser pays" principle, meaning the unsuccessful party reimburses the successful party's reasonable legal fees, skipping this step can cost you tens of thousands of Czech crowns or euros even in victory. The demand letter must clearly state what you are demanding, the legal basis for your demand, and provide the defendant with a reasonable timeframe to respond.

1. What happens if we submit documents in English without Czech translations?
The court will likely require you to provide translations within a short deadline. If you fail to do so, the documents cannot be used as evidence. Czech law requires official certified translations for all foreign-language documents to be considered valid evidence. Do not waste time submitting untranslated documents—have them professionally translated before filing. Contact ARROWS Law Firm at office@arws.cz for translation referrals and claim preparation assistance.

2. Can we file our claim electronically from Jordan, or must we file in person?
Electronic filing is fully permitted and actually recommended. You can file via the data box system (if your company has one set up) or certified email without traveling to the Czech Republic. However, all documents must still be properly formatted and in Czech. ARROWS Law Firm can manage the entire electronic filing process on your behalf using our firm's data box. Write to office@arws.cz for assistance.

3. Is the seven-day pre-litigation demand letter really required, or can we skip it to save time?
It is genuinely required if you want to recover your legal costs. Skipping it can cost you substantial money even if you win, because the court will not order the defeated defendant to pay your attorney fees. The seven-day requirement is a small investment compared to the financial consequence of ignoring it.

Understanding Czech court costs and the "loser pays" system

The financial structure of Czech litigation operates under fundamentally different principles than many other legal systems, and Jordanian companies often misprice their litigation because they apply their home country's cost expectations to Czech procedure.

In Czech civil litigation, the court fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the claim amount—usually 5% of the amount in dispute for claims over CZK 20,000 up to CZK 40 million.

For example, a claim for EUR 100,000 would trigger a court fee of approximately EUR 5,000, due when the claim is filed. This fee is non-refundable if the case proceeds to a decision. Additionally, under the "loser pays" principle, if you win your case, the Czech court orders the defeated opponent to pay your reasonable legal fees.

Lawyer's fees are negotiable and may be agreed contractually; in the Czech market, attorney hourly rates for international commercial disputes typically range from CZK 2,500 to CZK 5,000+ per hour.

For many Jordanian companies, another significant cost is translation of all documents into Czech. Unlike simple translations, court submissions require certified translations ( soudní překlad ). The cost accumulates rapidly for disputes involving substantial contract documentation.

For international commercial disputes, expert opinions often become necessary to establish whether goods met quality specifications or whether services were properly performed.

The cumulative financial exposure in a mid-sized dispute can quickly reach EUR 20,000 to EUR 50,000 in combined court fees, translation, and legal representation—before considering the defendant's costs if you lose. This financial reality makes professional cost management from the outset absolutely essential.

ARROWS Law Firm, insured for damages up to CZK 400,000,000, brings daily experience in precisely this cost structure and can help you model realistic financial exposure before committing to litigation.

A critical question for Jordanian companies is whether legal representation is mandatory, and whether they can represent themselves or rely on in-house counsel from Jordan. In first-instance proceedings (district court), legal representation is generally not mandatory by law, though highly recommended.

However—and this is a crucial qualification—this theoretical right is practically worthless because all court proceedings must be conducted in Czech.

This language requirement is absolute and non-negotiable. The court will not conduct proceedings in English, Arabic, or any language other than Czech. All written submissions, documents, and evidence must be in Czech. If you or your representative does not speak Czech fluently, you must hire a certified interpreter for hearings.

The practical consequence is that representing yourself is not realistically feasible for a foreign company without Czech language fluency and Czech legal knowledge.

However, a subsequent procedural complication arises if your case advances. For extraordinary appeals to the Supreme Court ( dovolání ), legal representation by a Czech-licensed attorney ( advokát ) is mandatory by law. If you attempt to file such an appeal yourself, it will be rejected.

ARROWS Law Firm, as a leading Prague-based international law firm, routinely represents Jordanian and other foreign companies throughout entire disputes.

Evidence, witnesses, and the burden of proof

The Czech procedural approach to evidence differs from common law discovery. You must gather and present all evidence strategically at the outset or within the deadlines set by the judge. The court does not "discover" your case for you; rather, you bear the burden of proof to establish each factual element of your claim.

Critically, the Czech court generally accepts electronic copies, but may request originals if authenticity is disputed.

Regarding witness testimony, you identify witnesses you wish to question when filing your claim. The witness must then be formally summoned by the court. Czech judges actively question witnesses, and your role is to identify the witness and indicate what facts they can establish.

Specifics for B2B Disputes: Unlike consumer disputes, where strict presumptions of defect protect the buyer, B2B disputes between a Jordanian company and a Czech partner are governed by the Commercial provisions of the Civil Code. A critical trap for buyers is the duty to inspect.

If you fail to notify the Czech supplier of defects immediately after you should have discovered them, the court may dismiss your claim entirely upon the defendant's objection.

ARROWS Law Firm combines daily practical experience in Czech litigation with understanding of international business context, allowing us to anticipate likely defenses and structure claims accordingly.

Risk table: Key litigation risks and ARROWS solutions

Risks and sanctions

How ARROWS (office@arws.cz) helps

Incorrect defendant identification: Suing a Czech subsidiary when the parent company is the actual contract party, resulting in dismissal or unenforceable judgment even if you win.

Entity verification and contract analysis: ARROWS identifies the correct legal entity party to your contract and verifies current company registration data in the Commercial Register, ensuring your claim names the defendant with legal standing.

Missing jurisdictional grounds: Filing in a court without territorial jurisdiction, causing transfer and months of procedural delay.

Jurisdictional mapping: ARROWS analyzes your dispute to identify all available jurisdictional grounds under Czech law and Brussels I bis Regulation, selecting the optimal court to maximize efficiency.

Inadequate evidence presentation: Submitting English-language documents without certified Czech translations or failing to identify supporting evidence, resulting in insufficient proof.

Comprehensive claim preparation: ARROWS drafts a fully structured claim with professional certified translations, complete evidence identification, and legal arguments anticipating defendant objections.

Failure to send pre-litigation demand letter: Winning your case but losing the right to recover your attorney fees (potentially EUR 15,000–EUR 50,000+) because the mandatory seven-day demand letter was not sent.

Pre-litigation demand management: ARROWS prepares and sends the formal pre-litigation demand letter on your behalf, protecting your cost recovery rights and frequently prompting settlement before formal litigation becomes necessary.

Procedural errors in electronic filing or data box submission: Technical mistakes in the filing format or missing procedural requirements resulting in claim rejection or delay.

Electronic filing execution: ARROWS manages all electronic filing through certified systems and Data Boxes, ensuring compliance with Czech procedural requirements.

Executive summary for management

For Jordanian company executives evaluating litigation in Czech Republic, the following decision-critical points require attention:

  • Jurisdictional clarity is foundational: Czech courts have jurisdiction over Czech-domiciled defendants, but filing in the wrong territorial court causes delay. Strategic venue selection is key.
  • The "front-loaded" burden of proof: Unlike common law discovery, evidence must be organized and presented with the initial claim or shortly thereafter. Missing evidence at the start creates disadvantages.
  • Financial exposure: Court fees (5% of claim value), mandatory certified translations (approx. CZK 450–900 per page), and legal fees create cumulative costs.
  • Language and procedural requirements: All proceedings must be in Czech. Representing yourself without a Czech lawyer is practically impossible due to language barriers and formal requirements.
  • Pre-litigation formalities: Missing the mandatory pre-litigation demand letter (§ 142a OSŘ) will forfeit your right to reimbursement of legal costs.

Conclusion of the article

For a Jordanian company facing a dispute with a Czech business partner, Czech courts provide an accessible and effective forum for dispute resolution—provided you understand the procedural requirements and manage the process strategically. The Czech legal system is fundamentally sound and delivers enforceable judgments that carry legal weight throughout the European Union.

ARROWS Law Firm has extensive experience representing Jordanian and other foreign companies throughout Czech litigation, from initial jurisdictional assessment through claim preparation, trial representation, and enforcement.

Whether you need preliminary advice on whether your dispute warrants Czech litigation, strategic assessment of which Czech court should hear your case, or comprehensive representation, ARROWS Law Firm provides the specialized services you need. Do not let procedural complexity delay your dispute resolution. Contact ARROWS Law Firm at office@arws.cz to schedule a confidential consultation.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions about Jordanian companies litigating in the Czech Republic

1. Does the bilateral investment treaty between Jordan and Czech Republic affect how we can litigate commercial disputes?
The 1997 bilateral investment treaty between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Czech Republic addresses investment protection and dispute settlement mechanisms (ISDS), but it primarily applies to investment-related claims between a state and an investor. Standard commercial disputes between private companies are resolved through Czech civil courts. However, if your dispute involves state action or expropriation, the treaty may provide alternative dispute resolution options. For assessment, write to office@arws.cz.

2. If we obtain a judgment in Czech courts, can we enforce it against the Czech defendant's assets?
Yes. Czech judgments are enforceable against Czech assets through a bailiff system ( soudní exekutor ). The bailiff can seize bank accounts, attach receivables, sell movable property, or initiate real estate sales. Enforcement is generally effective if the defendant has identifiable assets. ARROWS Law Firm coordinates enforcement proceedings with licensed bailiffs. Contact office@arws.cz for enforcement guidance.

3. What happens if the Czech defendant simply ignores our lawsuit and does not file a defense?
Czech courts can issue a default judgment ( rozsudek pro zmeškání ) against a defendant who fails to appear at the first hearing or fails to submit a written defense after a specific qualified call from the court. This judgment is enforceable and carries the same weight as a judgment after full proceedings. This outcome is common against unresponsive defendants.

4. How long does a typical commercial dispute typically take?
Average duration for first-instance proceedings is approximately 1–2 years for most commercial disputes. Appeals add an additional 6–12 months. For undisputed monetary claims, the payment order ( platební rozkaz ) procedure can produce an enforceable judgment within a few months if the defendant does not file an objection ( odpor ) within 15 days of service. Contact ARROWS Law Firm at office@arws.cz to assess if you qualify for the faster payment order track.

5. Can we resolve our dispute through arbitration instead of court litigation?
Yes, if your contract contains a valid arbitration clause. Arbitration typically offers faster resolution and confidentiality. The Arbitration Court attached to the Czech Chamber of Commerce and the Agricultural Chamber of the Czech Republic is the permanent arbitral institution for such disputes. If your contract lacks an arbitration clause, you must litigate in court unless both parties agree otherwise post-dispute.

6. What if the Czech defendant has assets in another EU country—can we enforce a Czech judgment there?
Yes. Under EU law (Brussels I bis Regulation), a Czech judgment is automatically recognized and enforceable throughout the entire European Union without requiring a separate declaration of enforceability ( exequatur ). You simply provide a copy of the judgment and a standard EU certificate to the enforcement authority in the target country (e.g., Germany, Poland). For multi-country enforcement strategy, write to office@arws.cz.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and serves as a basic guide to the issue as of 2026. Although we strive for maximum accuracy, laws and their interpretation evolve over time. We are ARROWS Law Firm, a member of the Czech Bar Association (our supervisory authority), and for the maximum security of our clients, we are insured for professional liability with a limit of CZK 400,000,000. To verify the current wording of the regulations and their application to your specific situation, it is necessary to contact ARROWS Law Firm directly (office@arws.cz). We are not liable for any damages arising from the independent use of the information in this article without prior individual legal consultation.

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