Contracts and commercial relationships · Czechia and Slovakia
Bilingual agreements
You work with an overseas partner and need an agreement both parties understand, which will also stand up in the domestic language before a Slovak or Czech court. We prepare it in two columns: Slovak or Czech alongside English, both versions from one lawyer. This is not a translation of a completed agreement. The same lawyer drafts both language versions simultaneously, so they do not diverge.
- Both versions drafted by the same lawyer
- Prevailing-language clause
- SK·EN and CZ·EN
What we'll do for you
A bilingual agreement is not simply a translation. Translated agreements can be literal where meaning matters, and loose where precision is needed; a dispute then reveals that the versions say different things. We draft the agreement in both languages simultaneously.
Select an item to see the details.
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Both language versions from one lawyer
The agreement is drafted by a lawyer working in Slovak, Czech and English. There is no lawyer → translator → proofreader chain in which meaning shifts.
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Two-column layout
Languages appear side by side, article by article, rather than in separate documents. Both parties see the same provision at once during negotiations and performance.
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Prevailing-language clause
We specify which version prevails in a conflict, which law governs the agreement and where disputes are heard — the three clauses most often overlooked in bilingual agreements.
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Terminology aligned with governing law
English terms carry meaning within their originating legal system. We ensure the English version reflects the Slovak or Czech law governing the agreement, rather than English law.
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Negotiations with the other party
We handle the overseas party's comments directly in English and incorporate them into both versions simultaneously.
Deliverablea bilingual document ready for signature, specifying the prevailing language
How it works
Does this process fit your matter? Describe it to the attorney →
- Brief and consultationday 0
We discuss what the agreement should cover, the parties and governing law. We confirm the fee and deadline.
- Draft in both languages
We prepare a two-column draft and send it for your comments — both versions together, rather than one followed by a translation.
- Negotiation and revisions
We incorporate both parties' comments and communicate with the overseas party in English.
- Final document for signature
You receive a document ready for signature, with prevailing-language and governing-law clauses.
No-obligation enquiry
Ready to start?
Send us an enquiry. We reply within 24 hours with a price confirmation and next steps. The first 30-minute consultation is free and commits you to nothing.
- 1Send your enquiry via this form
- 2Within 24 h you get a price confirmation and plan
- 3We start work only after your approval
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What clients ask
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Why is having an agreement translated insufficient?
Translation transfers words, not legal meaning. Legal concepts do not always have exact equivalents — English terms such as “warranty”, “indemnity” and “best efforts” mean different things in different legal systems. When both versions are drafted by the same lawyer familiar with the agreement's governing law, they mean the same thing legally as well as linguistically.
Which language version applies if they differ?
The one agreed by the parties in the prevailing-language clause — which is precisely why we include it in every bilingual agreement. Without it, conflicting versions trigger a dispute over what was actually agreed, costing more than the entire agreement.
Can you create a bilingual version of our existing agreement?
Yes. We first review the existing agreement — converting it into another language does not automatically correct defects in the original; it tends to duplicate them. If something is wrong, we tell you before typesetting, not afterwards.
Do you offer language combinations other than English?
Our main combinations are Slovak and Czech with English, which we cover ourselves. Other languages are arranged individually — we tell you in advance whether and how we can provide them.
How much does it cost?
The fee depends on the agreement's scope and complexity — bilingual typesetting is an addition to drafting the agreement, not twice the price. We confirm the specific amount in advance, within 24 hours of your enquiry, and the agreed fee stands.
Will a bilingual agreement be sufficient for court?
An agreement with a prevailing-language clause is prepared for disputes — the court has the controlling version within the document itself. Whether a particular proceeding also requires an officially certified translation of any part depends on the court and country of proceedings; we explain this when structuring the clauses.
Legal Q&A
Common questions on this topic
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Which law governs a franchise agreement between a Czech and a Slovak company?
If the parties do not choose the law, the franchise agreement is governed by the law of the franchisee's habitual residence: the party taking and operating the franchise, rather than the brand owner's country. This follows from the Rome I Regulation's specific franchise rule. We therefore recommend an express choice of law; otherwise, a Slovak franchisor may discover that its Czech network operates under Czech law.
Read the answer -
Our agreement is in Slovak and English. Which version applies if the texts differ?
It is advisable to designate the prevailing text expressly, but statutory rules and the dispute forum must always be considered. Under Section 8(5) of the State Language Act, the state-language version of an agreement applies in the event of ambiguity or inconsistency in proceedings before the authorities and legal entities specified in Section 3(1). Outside this specific rule, the agreement's meaning is assessed under the governing law and applicable interpretation rules; expert examination of the translation is not automatically required.
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I am buying a car from Czechia. What should I check, and what must the agreement contain?
First check the car in Czech registers using its VIN: technical data and inspection mileage, police theft alerts, insurance claim history, and whether the seller really owns it rather than a finance company. Then check the seller, particularly enforcement and insolvency. The agreement should contain representations about origin, condition and third-party rights, the exact transfer of ownership and risk, governing law and the court. Slovak registration requires recognition of the individually imported vehicle; if it is new under VAT law, VAT is paid in Slovakia.
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Further reading
Non-compete clauses: different rules in Slovakia and Czechia
The governing law and type of contract are decisive for a non-compete clause. Slovak § 672a regulates commercial agency and imposes a two-year ceiling; in other commercial relationships, the proportionality of the restriction must be assessed separately. Czech § 2975 has a general five-year ceiling and does not require compensation, although commercial agency is subject to special rules in Czechia too.
Read more →
Acceptance records in contracts for work: the formality that determines payment
Contractors generally do not get paid until handover, and the contract defines what handover means. How to agree acceptance records, deemed acceptance and acceptance with minor defects, and how Slovak and Czech case law treats withheld signatures.
Read more →
Lower cash payments from January 2026: the limit fell to EUR 5,000
A uniform EUR 15,000 threshold applied for three years. From 1 January 2026, the dual regime returned: EUR 5,000 generally, and EUR 15,000 only between individuals acting outside business. What this means for purchase prices, advances and instalments.
Read more →