How Icelandic Companies Can Litigate in the Czech Republic: Key Steps Explained

When your Icelandic company faces a commercial dispute with a Czech business partner, debtor, or supplier, understanding how to navigate Czech courts can mean the difference between protecting your investment and suffering costly financial losses. This article provides specific answers to the critical procedural questions that Icelandic businesses must understand when pursuing claims or defending lawsuits in the Czech Republic. As a leading Czech law firm in Prague, European Union, ARROWS combines deep local knowledge with extensive experience representing international clients from Iceland and across the EEA region, ensuring your case is handled with precision and strategic insight.

Need advice on this topic? Contact the ARROWS law firm by email office@arws.cz or phone +420 245 007 740. Your question will be answered by "Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda", an expert on the subject.

Understanding Jurisdiction: When Can Czech Courts Decide Your Case?

The jurisdictional framework governing disputes between Icelandic and Czech companies operates through a sophisticated network of international agreements. Although Iceland is not an EU member state, it is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) through the EFTA agreement, which creates a parallel legal framework to the EU for cross-border disputes.

Czech courts have jurisdiction over cross-border commercial disputes involving Icelandic businesses under several specific circumstances. The 2007 Lugano Convention—which extends Brussels regulation principles to Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland—governs jurisdiction in civil and commercial matters between Iceland and EU member states including the Czech Republic. The general rule mirrors EU practice: a defendant domiciled in the Czech Republic should be sued in Czech courts, regardless of the plaintiff's nationality.

However, Icelandic companies can also find themselves as defendants in Czech proceedings under alternative jurisdictional grounds. Czech courts may assert jurisdiction when contracts specify Czech jurisdiction through choice-of-forum clauses, when the place of contract performance is in the Czech Republic, or when tort claims arise from harmful events occurring in Czech territory. For contractual disputes, the place of performance is particularly critical—for sale of goods, this typically means the place of delivery; for provision of services, the location where services were rendered.

The automatic recognition and enforcement framework between Iceland and the Czech Republic means that a Czech court decision against your Icelandic company will be enforceable in Iceland without requiring a separate recognition procedure. This makes it absolutely critical to defend vigorously from the outset rather than ignoring Czech proceedings. For immediate assistance with jurisdiction analysis specific to your situation, write to us at office@arws.cz. 

FAQ – Legal Tips about Cross-Border Jurisdiction

1. Can a Czech court have jurisdiction over my Icelandic company even if we never signed a written contract?

Yes, Czech courts can establish jurisdiction based on multiple grounds beyond contractual relationships, including where the harmful event occurred (for tort claims), where services were actually provided, or where goods were delivered under the Lugano Convention. Our international law firm operating from Prague, European Union can analyze your specific circumstances. Contact us at office@arws.cz. 

2. We have a choice of law clause specifying Icelandic law. Does that mean Czech courts cannot hear the case?

No, choice of law and choice of forum are entirely distinct legal concepts. Even if your contract specifies that Icelandic law governs the substantive rights and obligations, Czech courts may still have jurisdiction under the Lugano Convention unless you have an exclusive jurisdiction clause designating Icelandic courts. Need legal help? Contact us at office@arws.cz. 

3. What happens if we simply ignore Czech court proceedings?

This is a catastrophic mistake. If you fail to defend, the Czech court will likely rule entirely in the plaintiff's favor through a default judgment. Under the Lugano Convention, that judgment becomes automatically recognizable and enforceable throughout Iceland and the entire EEA without requiring separate recognition proceedings. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to office@arws.cz. 

Legal Representation Requirements: Why Icelandic Companies Cannot Navigate This Alone

One of the most critical—and frequently misunderstood—aspects of Czech litigation is the requirement for legal representation. Czech procedural law imposes strict requirements on legal representation, particularly for foreign entities, and attempting to navigate this system without local counsel is not merely inadvisable; it is a strategic disaster.

In Czech appellate courts (Regional Courts hearing appeals and the Supreme Court), legal representation by a licensed Czech attorney (advokát) is absolutely mandatory for all parties. At the first-instance level, representation is generally not mandatory for legal entities, but for foreign companies, this technical option is meaningless in practice.

All court proceedings are conducted exclusively in Czech, and any evidence submitted in English, Icelandic, or any other foreign language is legally worthless until accompanied by an officially certified translation (soudní překlad). An Icelandic company that files documents in English or Icelandic will see them completely ignored by the court, and critical procedural deadlines will pass while you believe your case is progressing. The procedural system is fundamentally different from common law jurisdictions and even from other Nordic legal systems. Documents submitted in a foreign language must be presented in the original together with an officially certified translation into Czech.

Furthermore, the Czech courts use a mandatory electronic communication system called the Data Box (datová schránka) for all official court communications. As of recent legislative changes, foreign entities registered for VAT in the Czech Republic or with a registered branch in the Czech Commercial Register are mandatorily assigned a Data Box. Service of court documents through the Data Box is deemed effective even if you never check it—the law presumes delivery after a specified period, meaning you can miss critical deadlines without even knowing proceedings have commenced.

The complexity extends far beyond language. Czech civil procedure contains numerous procedural traps, strict evidentiary rules, and deadline requirements that differ substantially from Icelandic practice. ARROWS handles cross-border litigation on a daily basis, which significantly reduces your time investment and minimizes the risk of procedural errors that could cost you the entire case. Do not hesitate to contact our firm – office@arws.cz. 

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Default judgment due to language barriers – Filing documents in English/Icelandic results in complete rejection; court proceeds without considering your position	Legal representation with Czech-licensed attorneys – We handle all filings in proper Czech legal language with certified translations.
Missing critical deadlines through Data Box – Service deemed effective even if unchecked; automatic loss of procedural rights	Data Box monitoring and management – ARROWS monitors all electronic communications and ensures timely responses to every court filing
Inadmissible evidence – Foreign documents without proper authentication (Apostille/superlegalization) and certified translation are rejected	Evidence preparation and authentication – We coordinate the entire authentication process and ensure all evidence meets Czech evidentiary standards.
Procedural errors leading to dismissal – Czech procedure has strict formal requirements; non-compliance results in rejection of claims or defenses	Comprehensive procedural compliance – Our daily practice in Czech courts ensures every filing meets mandatory formal requirements
Inability to appeal effectively – Mandatory attorney representation at appellate level; cannot continue case without Czech counsel	Full litigation representation – ARROWS represents you through all instances including mandatory appellate representation.

Filing a Lawsuit in the Czech Republic: Critical Procedural Requirements

If your Icelandic company needs to pursue a Czech debtor, enforce a contractual obligation, or recover damages, understanding the proper procedure for initiating a lawsuit is absolutely critical. The lawsuit (žaloba) must be filed in writing, in Czech, and must contain specific mandatory elements defined in the Czech Code of Civil Procedure.

These mandatory elements include precise identification of the parties (including registration numbers from commercial registers), a clear statement of both the factual and legal basis for the claim, the specific relief sought with exact monetary amounts where applicable, and designation of evidence supporting each factual allegation. Unlike some jurisdictions where general pleading is acceptable, Czech courts require detailed factual allegations supported by specific evidence designations at the initial filing stage.

Icelandic companies must also determine which Czech court has territorial jurisdiction. For contractual disputes, jurisdiction is typically determined by the defendant's domicile or the place of performance of the contract. The Lugano Convention provides specific rules for determining the "place of performance" for different types of contracts, particularly distinguishing between sale of goods (place of delivery) and provision of services (place where services were provided). Choosing the wrong court will result in the case being transferred to the proper court, causing substantial delays and additional costs.

Czech court proceedings require payment of court fees (soudní poplatek) calculated as a percentage of the claim value. For monetary claims between CZK 20,000 and CZK 40,000,000, the court fee is 5% of the claim amount. For claims under CZK 20,000, the fee is CZK 1,000. These fees must be paid in Czech currency (CZK) and may be remitted by bank transfer to the court's account. Once the lawsuit is filed and the court fee paid, the Czech court will serve the lawsuit on the defendant using international service mechanisms, which typically takes 30-60 days for cross-border service.

The seemingly straightforward process of filing a lawsuit contains numerous hidden complexities that laypeople often miss. Issues such as proper party identification, evidentiary burden allocation, calculation of interest and costs, and strategic choice of interim measures all require deep familiarity with Czech procedural law and daily courtroom practice. ARROWS handles this litigation agenda on a daily basis and can significantly reduce your time investment while minimizing risks. Remind that ARROWS is insured for damages up to CZK 500,000,000, making it safer for your company to have the matter handled professionally. For tailored guidance, email us at office@arws.cz. 

Evidence and Documentation: Authentication Requirements for Icelandic Documents

One of the most frequently encountered obstacles for Icelandic companies in Czech litigation involves the admissibility of evidence, particularly documents issued in Iceland. Czech courts apply strict authentication requirements to foreign public documents, and failure to comply renders your evidence completely inadmissible.

Any document issued in Iceland that constitutes a public document (such as commercial register extracts, certificates from Icelandic authorities, notarized documents, or official company records) must be properly authenticated before Czech courts will accept it as evidence. The authentication requirements depend on international agreements between Iceland and the Czech Republic.

For documents from Iceland, the authentication process typically requires an Apostille under the Hague Convention of 1961, to which both Iceland and the Czech Republic are parties. The Apostille is a form of authentication issued by a competent authority in Iceland that certifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on the document. After obtaining the Apostille in Iceland, the document must then be accompanied by an officially certified translation into Czech prepared by a court-certified translator (soudní překladatel).

For certain types of documents covered by bilateral legal assistance agreements, the authentication requirements may be simplified, but even then, a certified Czech translation remains mandatory. The law firm based in Prague, European Union, ARROWS regularly coordinates the authentication and translation of foreign documents for international clients, ensuring compliance with Czech evidentiary requirements and avoiding the costly mistake of presenting inadmissible evidence at trial.

Private commercial documents (such as contracts, invoices, correspondence, and internal business records) do not require Apostille authentication, but they must still be submitted with certified Czech translations if they are in a foreign language. The court has discretion to accept uncertified translations in certain circumstances, but relying on this discretion is a dangerous gamble that can result in your key evidence being rejected at a critical moment in the proceedings.

In practice, the authentication and translation process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the documents and the responsiveness of Icelandic authorities. Starting this process early—ideally before filing the lawsuit or immediately upon receiving notice of being sued—is essential to avoid delays that can harm your case. ARROWS can coordinate the entire process, working with our network of contacts in Iceland to expedite authentication and ensure all documentation meets Czech requirements. Contact us at office@arws.cz. 

FAQ – Legal Tips about Evidence Requirements

1. Can we submit our company's internal emails and contracts in English without translation?

No, this is a critical error. All evidence in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified translation into Czech, even for internal business documents like contracts and emails. The court will disregard untranslated evidence entirely. Our lawyers are ready to assist you – email us at office@arws.cz. 

2. How long does it take to obtain an Apostille for Icelandic public documents?

The timeline varies depending on the Icelandic authority and the type of document, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks. ARROWS can help coordinate this process to minimize delays. For immediate assistance, write to us at office@arws.cz. 

Enforcement of Icelandic Judgments in the Czech Republic

If your Icelandic company has already obtained a judgment from an Icelandic court against a Czech defendant, enforcement in the Czech Republic is significantly streamlined by the Lugano Convention. Under this international agreement, Icelandic judgments are automatically recognized in the Czech Republic without requiring a separate recognition procedure.

This automatic recognition represents a fundamental change from traditional systems where foreign judgments required lengthy exequatur proceedings. However, "automatic" does not mean "effortless"—certain procedural steps remain necessary.

To enforce an Icelandic judgment in the Czech Republic, you must apply directly to a Czech enforcement officer (exekutor) with a copy of the judgment, a certificate from the Icelandic court using the standard form prescribed by the Lugano Convention, and certified translations of these documents into Czech. As of January 2022, Czech law was amended to streamline this process further—the motion for enforcement now also contains a motion for recognition of the foreign judgment, and the court simultaneously decides on recognition when authorizing the executor to commence enforcement. 

The Czech enforcement officer cannot review the substance of the Icelandic judgment; enforcement can only be refused on very limited grounds such as irreconcilable conflicting judgments, violation of Czech public policy (ordre public), or if the defendant was not properly served in the original Icelandic proceedings in a manner that enabled defense.

The powers of Czech enforcement officers are extensive and designed for swift, effective collection. Once authorized by a court, a Czech exekutor can freeze and seize funds from all Czech bank accounts, place liens on and force the sale of real estate, seize movable property such as company vehicles and equipment, seize company shares or ownership interests, and garnish receivables from the debtor's business partners.

While the enforcement framework is favorable for Icelandic judgment creditors, navigating the procedural requirements—particularly the preparation of proper certificates, authentication of documents, and strategic selection of enforcement methods—requires specialized knowledge. ARROWS regularly assists foreign clients with enforcement of judgments from Iceland and other jurisdictions, ensuring that the enforcement process proceeds efficiently and that all Czech procedural requirements are met. Our experience can prevent costly delays and maximize your recovery. Do not hesitate to contact our firm – office@arws.cz. 

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Enforcement blocked due to improper documentation – Missing or incorrectly prepared certificates from Icelandic courts result in enforcement refusal	Preparation of enforcement documentation – We coordinate with Icelandic courts to obtain proper certificates and ensure all documentation meets Czech requirements
Delays in asset freezing – Time lost on procedural errors allows the debtor to move assets out of Czech jurisdiction	Expedited enforcement strategy – ARROWS files enforcement motions immediately with proper documentation, minimizing debtor opportunities to dissipate assets.
Selecting ineffective enforcement methods – Czech law offers multiple enforcement mechanisms; choosing the wrong one reduces recovery	Strategic enforcement planning – Our daily practice with Czech enforcement officers ensures selection of the most effective asset seizure methods for your specific case
Recognition challenges – Debtors may raise public policy or service objections to block recognition	Defense of recognition proceedings – Legal opinions and representation in recognition challenges.

Filing a Lawsuit as a Claimant: Strategic Considerations for Icelandic Companies

Beyond the mandatory procedural requirements, Icelandic companies pursuing claims in Czech courts must consider several strategic elements that can significantly impact the outcome and cost-effectiveness of litigation.

First, consider whether interim measures (předběžné opatření) are necessary to protect your interests during the pendency of the litigation. Czech courts can issue preliminary injunctions freezing the defendant's assets, prohibiting certain conduct, or requiring security for potential damages. These measures can be critical when there is risk that the defendant will dissipate assets or continue harmful conduct during the litigation. However, interim measures require a showing of urgency and potential irreparable harm, and the court may require the applicant to post security. ARROWS can assess whether interim measures are appropriate for your case and prepare the necessary applications.

Second, understand the realistic timeline for Czech litigation. First-instance proceedings in Czech courts typically take between 12-24 months for commercial disputes of moderate complexity, though simpler cases may resolve faster and complex cases can extend longer. If appeals are filed, add another 12-18 months for appellate proceedings. The leading Czech law firm in Prague, EU, ARROWS can often accelerate resolution through strategic case management, settlement negotiations, and efficient evidence presentation.

Third, carefully evaluate the cost-benefit analysis of litigation versus alternative dispute resolution. While Czech courts provide a reliable forum for resolving disputes, litigation is expensive—between court fees, attorney fees, expert witness costs, translation expenses, and enforcement costs, a moderately complex commercial case can easily exceed €20,000-50,000 in total legal costs. In appropriate cases, mediation, arbitration, or negotiated settlement may provide faster and more cost-effective resolution. ARROWS can help you evaluate these alternatives and, where appropriate, negotiate favorable settlements that avoid the cost and delay of full litigation.

Fourth, consider the enforceability of any judgment you obtain. Even if you win a favorable judgment, enforcing it against a judgment-proof debtor provides no practical benefit. Before committing to litigation, ARROWS can conduct asset searches and solvency investigations to assess whether the defendant has sufficient assets in the Czech Republic to make enforcement worthwhile. This due diligence can save you from pursuing expensive litigation against a debtor who cannot pay.

Finally, recognize that successful cross-border litigation requires more than just legal representation—it requires a law firm with deep connections in both the Czech and Icelandic business communities. ARROWS operates in 90 countries globally and maintains relationships with legal and business professionals throughout Iceland and the Nordic region. We can coordinate with Icelandic counsel when necessary, obtain Icelandic legal opinions on choice-of-law issues, and even facilitate business introductions when interests align between our Icelandic and Czech clients. For immediate assistance with your cross-border dispute, write to us at office@arws.cz. 

Defending Against a Lawsuit: What Icelandic Defendants Must Know

If your Icelandic company has been served with a lawsuit filed in Czech courts, immediate action is essential. Under Czech procedural rules, the defendant typically has 30 days from service to file a defense (vyjádření k žalobě). This deadline is strictly enforced, and failure to respond within this period can result in a default judgment.

For service to Iceland, Czech courts use international service mechanisms under the EU Service Regulation or bilateral agreements, which can add several weeks to the service timeline. However, once service is properly completed, the 30-day deadline begins to run, regardless of whether you actually received the documents due to internal company mail handling issues.

The defense must respond to each factual allegation in the complaint, designate evidence supporting your defenses, and raise any procedural objections (such as lack of jurisdiction, improper service, or lis pendens if proceedings on the same matter are pending elsewhere). Unlike some common law jurisdictions where general denials are acceptable, Czech procedure requires specific, detailed responses to each allegation.

Icelandic defendants should also consider whether counterclaims are appropriate. If your company has claims against the Czech plaintiff arising from the same transaction or relationship, filing a counterclaim in the Czech proceedings can be more efficient than initiating separate litigation. However, counterclaims must meet the same formal requirements as original complaints, including proper factual pleading and evidence designation.

One critical strategic consideration for Icelandic defendants is whether to challenge jurisdiction. If you believe Czech courts lack jurisdiction under the Lugano Convention, this objection must be raised at the earliest possible stage—typically in the initial defense—or it may be waived. Jurisdiction challenges require careful analysis of the relevant connecting factors, contractual provisions, and Lugano Convention rules. ARROWS can analyze whether a jurisdictional challenge is viable and, if so, prepare the necessary legal arguments and supporting documentation.

Another important consideration is whether the dispute should be stayed pending parallel proceedings elsewhere. If litigation on the same dispute is already pending in Icelandic courts or another jurisdiction, Czech courts may stay the Czech proceedings under the doctrine of lis pendens (parallel litigation) if the foreign proceedings were commenced first. However, the rules governing stays are complex and depend on which court was first seised, whether the proceedings truly involve the same cause of action, and other factors.

Throughout the defense process, recognize that Czech litigation operates under fundamentally different procedural assumptions than Icelandic or other Nordic legal systems. The judge plays a more active role in managing the case, evidence presentation follows civil law rather than common law traditions, and settlement negotiations occur through different mechanisms. Having experienced local counsel who understands these differences—and who handles Czech litigation daily—is essential to mounting an effective defense. ARROWS is insured for damages up to CZK 500,000,000, providing you additional security that your defense will be handled professionally and competently. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to office@arws.cz. 

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Default judgment due to missed deadline – Failure to file defense within 30 days results in automatic judgment for plaintiff	Immediate defense preparation – ARROWS prepares comprehensive defenses within statutory deadlines.
Waiver of jurisdictional defenses – Failure to raise jurisdiction challenges early results in permanent waiver	Jurisdictional analysis and challenges – We analyze Lugano Convention grounds and raise timely jurisdictional objections where appropriate
Inadequate factual responses – General denials are insufficient; Czech courts require specific responses to each allegation	Detailed defense drafting – Our lawyers prepare comprehensive factual responses meeting Czech procedural requirements.
Loss of counterclaim opportunities – Failing to assert counterclaims in initial defense may preclude later assertion	Strategic counterclaim analysis – We evaluate all potential counterclaims and assert them efficiently in the initial defense
Enforcement of adverse judgment in Iceland – Under Lugano Convention, Czech judgments are automatically enforceable in Iceland	Vigorous defense to prevent judgment – Comprehensive defense strategy to avoid enforceable judgment.

The Appeals Process: Protecting Your Rights Through Appellate Review

Czech civil procedure provides for a multi-tiered appellate system that offers meaningful opportunities to challenge erroneous first-instance decisions. Understanding the appellate framework is essential for both claimants and defendants, as many cases are won or lost at the appellate stage.

The first level of appeal is to the Regional Court (krajský soud) for appeals against decisions of District Courts, or to the High Court (vrchní soud) for appeals against decisions of Regional Courts sitting as first-instance courts. The appeal must be filed within 15 days of service of the written judgment. This deadline is strictly enforced and cannot be extended except in very limited circumstances.

The appeal (odvolání) must specify which decision is being challenged, the extent to which it is contested, and the specific legal or factual errors that form the basis for the appeal. Czech appellate courts conduct a full review of both law and facts, meaning they can reconsider factual findings and reevaluate evidence, not merely review legal errors. This provides a genuine opportunity to correct first-instance mistakes.

At the appellate level, legal representation by a licensed Czech attorney is absolutely mandatory for all parties, including Icelandic companies. A party cannot proceed with an appeal without Czech legal counsel, regardless of whether they had representation at the first instance. This mandatory representation requirement reflects the complexity of appellate practice and the importance of protecting parties' rights at this critical stage.

Beyond the first appeal, Czech law provides for an extraordinary appeal to the Supreme Court (Nejvyšší soud) called dovolání. However, this extraordinary appeal is available only in limited circumstances where the appellate decision involves a question of substantial legal significance or departs from Supreme Court precedent. The dovolání is subject to very strict admissibility requirements, and filing it requires mandatory representation by a licensed Czech attorney with specialized expertise in Supreme Court practice.

For Icelandic companies engaged in Czech litigation, the appeals process offers critical protection against first-instance errors, but it also extends the timeline and increases costs. ARROWS handles appellate representation regularly and has extensive experience before Czech Regional Courts, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. Our appellate practice combines deep knowledge of Czech procedural law with strategic advocacy skills honed through years of courtroom experience. Whether you need to appeal an unfavorable first-instance judgment or defend a favorable judgment against the opponent's appeal, ARROWS can provide the sophisticated appellate representation necessary to protect your interests. For immediate assistance, email us at office@arws.cz. 

Why ARROWS Is Your Strategic Partner for Czech Litigation

When your Icelandic company faces litigation in the Czech Republic—whether as claimant or defendant—you need more than just a local law firm that can file documents in Czech. You need a strategic partner that understands both the Czech legal system and the unique challenges facing international clients from Iceland and the broader Nordic and EEA region.

ARROWS combines several critical advantages that make us the ideal choice for Icelandic companies navigating Czech courts:

First, we are an international law firm operating from Prague, European Union, with deep expertise in cross-border commercial litigation and enforcement. ARROWS operates through the ARROWS International network in 90 countries globally, giving us the capability to coordinate complex multi-jurisdictional disputes and enforcement actions. When your case involves parallel proceedings, evidence located in Iceland, or enforcement beyond Czech borders, our international reach provides seamless coordination.

Second, ARROWS supports over 150 joint-stock companies, 250 limited liability companies, and 51 municipalities and regions. This extensive client base reflects our reputation for delivering high-quality legal services efficiently and cost-effectively. We understand the commercial pressures facing businesses and structure our services to deliver maximum value.

Third, our law firm is known for speed and high quality—we recognize that business disputes require urgent attention and that delays can multiply costs and harm business relationships. ARROWS prioritizes efficient case resolution through strategic litigation management, early assessment of settlement opportunities, and focused advocacy that gets results.

Fourth, ARROWS is insured for damages up to CZK 500,000,000, providing you with additional security and peace of mind that your case is handled by a financially stable, professionally insured law firm. This insurance coverage protects you in the unlikely event of professional errors and demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.

Fifth, we are regular partners of corporate legal departments for handling special matters, meaning we understand how to work collaboratively with in-house counsel at international companies. If your Icelandic company has its own legal department, ARROWS can serve as your trusted Czech litigation partner, providing specialized local expertise while coordinating seamlessly with your internal legal team.

Finally, ARROWS is able to connect clients with one another when business or investment interests align. Our extensive network of Czech and international business clients creates opportunities for strategic business introductions, partnerships, and investments. We welcome innovative business ideas and investment opportunities, and we view our role as extending beyond pure legal representation to serving as a trusted business advisor and connector.

If your Icelandic company faces litigation in the Czech Republic—or if you are considering whether to pursue a claim against a Czech defendant—the time to act is now. The procedural complexities, strict deadlines, and high stakes of Czech litigation demand immediate professional attention. Do not risk errors, damages, or fines by attempting to navigate this complex system alone. Leave the entire matter to ARROWS, where our daily expertise in Czech litigation, our international capabilities, and our comprehensive insurance coverage provide the security and results you need. Contact us today at office@arws.cz. 

FAQ – Most Common Legal Questions about Icelandic Companies Litigating in the Czech Republic

1. How much does it cost to pursue a lawsuit in the Czech Republic?

The total cost depends on the claim amount and complexity. Court fees are 5% of monetary claims between CZK 20,000-40,000,000, plus attorney fees, translation costs, expert witnesses, and enforcement expenses. A moderately complex commercial case typically costs €20,000-50,000 total. ARROWS can provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific case. For immediate assistance, write to us at office@arws.cz. 

2. Can we use arbitration instead of Czech courts for our dispute with a Czech company?

Yes, if your contract contains an arbitration clause or if both parties agree to arbitration. Arbitration can be faster and more confidential than court litigation, but it requires proper agreement and selection of appropriate arbitration rules. ARROWS can draft arbitration agreements and represent you in arbitration proceedings. Contact us at office@arws.cz. 

3. What happens if our Czech debtor files for insolvency during litigation?

Insolvency proceedings (insolvence) stay most litigation and redirect claims to the insolvency administrator. Your claim must be filed in the insolvency proceedings within strict deadlines. ARROWS regularly handles insolvency claims for international creditors and can protect your interests in Czech insolvency proceedings. Need legal help? Contact us at office@arws.cz. 

4. How long does it typically take to enforce a Czech judgment against a Czech company?

Enforcement through a Czech exekutor (bailiff) typically takes 3-12 months depending on the defendant's assets and cooperation. Bank account freezes can occur within days, while real estate sales take longer. ARROWS coordinates with enforcement officers to maximize recovery speed and efficiency. For tailored legal solutions, email office@arws.cz. 

5. Can we settle our dispute during Czech court proceedings?

Yes, settlement is encouraged at all stages of Czech litigation. The court will typically facilitate settlement discussions, and settlements approved by the court become enforceable judgments. ARROWS regularly negotiates favorable settlements for international clients, often achieving better results than litigation while saving significant time and cost. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to office@arws.cz. 

6. What if we need to obtain evidence located in Iceland for use in Czech court proceedings?

Evidence from Iceland can be obtained through international judicial cooperation mechanisms, including the Hague Evidence Convention and EU/EEA evidence regulations. The process requires formal requests, authentication, and certified translation. ARROWS coordinates international evidence gathering regularly and can manage the entire process efficiently. For immediate assistance, email us at office@arws.cz. 

Don't want to deal with this problem yourself? More than 2,000 clients trust us, and we have been named Law Firm of the Year 2024. Take a look HERE at our references.