How to Pursue Debt Recovery in the Czech Republic as a Greek Business: Practical Legal Guidance

Recovering unpaid invoices across borders can be challenging, but ARROWS, a leading Czech law firm based in Prague, specializes in enforcing the claims of foreign creditors. We assist Greek SMEs and large corporations alike, navigating key procedural differences between Greek and Czech jurisdictions to protect financial interests. Our team provides a reliable European legal framework that ensures regulatory compliance while maximizing the prospects of successful recovery.

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.

What legal frameworks apply to Greek creditors in the Czech Republic?

As both Greece and the Czech Republic are EU member states, you have access to streamlined tools like the European Payment Order (EPO). However, in many cases, utilizing local Czech procedural instruments, such as the electronic payment order (elektronický platební rozkaz), is faster and more effective for entities based in the Czech Republic.

While EU regulations provide a foundation, the actual enforcement is governed by the Czech Civil Procedure Code. Choosing the wrong legal instrument at the start can delay your case by months and increase your costs significantly.

FAQ – Legal tips about Jurisdiction

• Can I sue the Czech debtor in a Greek court?
  In most B2B cases, unless your contract specifically states otherwise, you must sue in the country where the defendant is domiciled. However, EU rules (Brussels I bis) are complex. Unsure about jurisdiction? Send your contract for review to office@arws.cz.
• Is a Greek court judgment enforceable in the Czech Republic?
  Yes, judgments from Greek courts are recognized, but you must initiate a specific recognition and enforcement procedure in Prague to seize assets. For assistance with cross-border enforcement, contact us at office@arws.cz.

Why is the pre-litigation phase critical for cost recovery?

Many Greek clients assume that sending a standard invoice reminder is sufficient before filing a lawsuit. In the Czech Republic, this is a dangerous misconception. To be entitled to the reimbursement of legal costs from the debtor, you must send a formal "pre-suit notice" (předžalobní výzva) at least 7 days before filing the action.

This notice must meet specific statutory requirements. If it is drafted incorrectly, you might win the case but still be forced to pay your own legal fees, which effectively reduces your recovered amount. ARROWS handles this agenda daily, ensuring your pre-suit notices are legally valid and preserve your right to cost compensation.

What are the risks of DIY debt recovery?

Cross-border debt collection often looks simple on paper, but the reality involves strict deadlines and formal hurdles. For example, if a payment order is issued and the debtor files a timely opposition (odpor), the simplified process is cancelled, and a full court hearing is ordered.

At this stage, evidence must be presented in Czech, and procedural deadlines are unforgiving. We strongly advise against managing these proceedings without local counsel, as a single procedural error can lead to the dismissal of your claim.

Procedural Pitfalls in Czech Litigation

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Invalid Pre-suit Notice Risk: You win the debt recovery but lose the right to have the debtor pay your legal fees.	Drafting legal documentation We draft compliant pre-suit notices to ensure full cost recovery.
Language Barrier in Court Risk: Czech courts require all filings in Czech. Submissions in English or Greek are rejected.	Full Representation Our team speaks English and understands the nuances of local law. We handle all translations and filings.
Missed Statute of Limitations Risk: Generally 3 years in CZ. If you file late, the debtor pleads limitation, and you lose everything.	Legal Analysis We calculate deadlines immediately to prevent total loss of the claim.

How does the enforcement process work in the Czech Republic?

Once you have a judgment, the battle is not over. Unlike some jurisdictions where enforcement is slow, the Czech system utilizes private judicial bailiffs (soudní exekutor) who are state-authorized and generally very effective.

However, selecting the right bailiff is crucial. A proactive bailiff can freeze bank accounts, seize property, or garnish wages within days of receiving the enforcement title. As an international law firm operating from Prague, European Union, we cooperate with the most efficient bailiff offices to accelerate the liquidation of assets.

This phase is highly technical. Laypeople often struggle to locate the debtor's assets (real estate, bank accounts, shares in other companies). ARROWS has access to databases and investigative tools that foreign investors typically lack.

Financial & Strategic Risks

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Asset Dissipation Risk: The debtor transfers assets to relatives or new companies while you wait for a judgment.	Interim Measures We can petition for preliminary injunctions to freeze assets early.
Insolvency Proceedings Risk: If the debtor enters insolvency, individual enforcement stops. You must file a claim instantly.	Insolvency Monitoring We monitor registers and file claims on time. Missed deadlines mean zero recovery.
Hidden Ownership Risk: The debtor claims poverty while hiding wealth in complex corporate structures.	Corporate Intelligence We analyze the debtor’s structure to identify liable parties.

Why choose ARROWS for your Czech legal matters?

ARROWS is not just a local firm; we are a safe European harbour for international clients. We support over 150 joint-stock companies and act as a bridge for foreign investors entering the Czech market. We understand that you need practical solutions, not academic theory.

We are insured for damages up to CZK 500 million, providing you with an exceptional level of security. Entrusting your debt recovery to our experts saves you time and mitigates the severe risks associated with navigating a foreign legal system alone.

We also facilitate connections. If your business interests align with other clients in our portfolio, we are happy to introduce you. We welcome innovative business ideas and investment opportunities.

Do not let unpaid invoices disrupt your cash flow. The legal landscape in the Czech Republic is complex, and errors can be costly. Rely on the expertise of ARROWS, a leading Czech law firm.

FAQ – Most common legal questions about Debt Recovery

1. How long does the debt recovery process take in the Czech Republic?
If the debtor does not object to the payment order, it can be resolved in 2–4 months. If they defend the case in court, it may take 12+ months. For a timeline estimate based on your specific case, write to us at office@arws.cz.

2. Do I need to be physically present in Prague?
No. As an international law firm operating from Prague, European Union, we can handle the entire process remotely via Power of Attorney. Save travel costs and let us handle it. Contact office@arws.cz.

3. What are the costs involved?
Court fees are generally 5% of the claimed amount. Legal fees can often be claimed back from the debtor if you win and followed proper pre-litigation steps. Request a fee quote today at office@arws.cz.

4. Can you help if the debtor is already in insolvency?
Yes, but the window to file a claim is very short (usually 2 months from the bankruptcy declaration). Late claims are disregarded. Don't wait. Check your debtor's status by emailing office@arws.cz.

5. My invoice is 4 years old. Is it too late?
The general statute of limitations is 3 years. However, acknowledgment of debt or other factors might extend this. We can review your file to see if the claim is still viable. Contact office@arws.cz.

6. Can ARROWS help with drafting future contracts to prevent this?
Absolutely. Prevention is cheaper than litigation. We can draft robust contracts with clear jurisdiction clauses and penalties. Secure your future business deals by writing to office@arws.cz.