Debt recovery · Czechia and Slovakia
European order for payment
Has a customer in Germany, Austria or Poland left an invoice unpaid? A uniform European procedure is available for uncontested monetary claims in cross-border cases. The application uses a standard form, the court normally issues the order within 30 days and, if the debtor does not lodge opposition, it is enforceable in all EU Member States without further procedures. We prepare the application, monitor service and can continue seamlessly with ordinary proceedings if opposition is lodged.
- Enforceable throughout the EU
- Normally issued within 30 days
- A lawyer for Slovak and Czech creditors
What we'll do for you
The European procedure uses forms, which is precisely where mistakes arise. An incorrectly described claim, the wrong court or defective service can add months. We prepare the application to pass first time.
Select an item to see the details.
-
Assessment of the claim and choice of procedure
We check whether the matter falls within the European procedure: a cross-border civil or commercial case involving a monetary claim due when filed, and whether another route would be more advantageous.
-
Application on the standard form
The application uses the uniform form under Regulation (EC) No 1896/2006. We complete it, including the description of evidence and interest, so the court has no reason to seek further information or reject it.
-
Identifying the correct court
We determine the state and court where the application must be filed. Errors in jurisdiction are the most common reason creditors prolong the European procedure.
-
Monitoring deadlines and service
We monitor issue of the order, service on the debtor and the 30-day opposition period. Finality and enforceability depend on service.
-
Steps after opposition or finality
If the debtor lodges opposition, the proceedings continue as an ordinary court dispute, which we take forward without losing momentum. If no opposition is lodged, we prepare enforcement in the country where the debtor has assets.
Deliverablea European order for payment enforceable in all EU Member States
How it works
Does this process fit your matter? Describe it to the attorney →
- Assessment of the claimday 0
We review the documents and explain whether the European procedure is suitable, what costs to expect and what it can achieve.
- Application form
We prepare and file the application for a European order for payment, including attachments.
- Issue and servicenormally within 30 days
Where the conditions are met, the court normally issues the order within 30 days. We monitor service on the debtor and the opposition period.
- Finality or litigation
Without opposition, the order is enforceable in all Member States without further procedures. If opposition is lodged, proceedings continue as an ordinary dispute and we continue representing you.
No-obligation enquiry
Ready to start?
Send us an enquiry. We usually 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
- 2Usually within 24 h you get a price confirmation and plan
- 3We start work only after your approval
Not keen on calls or email? Message us on WhatsApp →
Prefer to book a time right away? Book a consultation →
Or email us about this matter.
What clients ask
Didn’t find your question? Ask us directly →
What claims is a European order for payment suitable for?
Monetary claims in civil and commercial matters that are due when the application is filed and have a cross-border element: at least one party is domiciled or habitually resident in a different Member State from the court. Typically, these are unpaid invoices from customers in other EU states. Tax, customs and administrative matters are excluded.
What if the debtor lodges opposition?
The debtor may lodge opposition within 30 days of service, without even giving reasons. The proceedings then automatically continue as an ordinary court dispute, usually before the court that issued the order. This is not a defeat: the debtor can no longer pretend not to know about the debt, and we take over the dispute seamlessly.
How long does the procedure take?
The court normally issues the order within 30 days of an application meeting the requirements. You must add service on the debtor abroad and the 30-day opposition period. Without opposition, you may therefore obtain an enforceable title within a matter of months, substantially faster than an ordinary claim abroad.
Does the order really apply throughout the EU?
Yes. A European order for payment against which no opposition has been lodged is automatically recognised and enforceable in all Member States without a declaration of enforceability. Denmark is the sole exception, as the Regulation does not apply there.
Is it more worthwhile than a national payment order?
It depends on where the debtor and their assets are. If the debtor is in Czechia or Slovakia, national proceedings are often quicker and cheaper. The European procedure is preferable when the debtor is in another Member State or you need to enforce the title in several countries. We make the comparison for you at the initial consultation.
What do I need to start?
Documents supporting the claim: the contract or order, invoices and correspondence with the debtor, plus the debtor's details, including their address. The application also describes the evidence; the documents themselves are generally attached only in any subsequent dispute following opposition.
Legal Q&A
Common questions on this topic
-
How does a European order for payment work, and what do we need for Form A?
A European order for payment is a uniform EU procedure for cross-border monetary claims. Applications use Form A under Regulation (EC) No. 1896/2006, and the court issues the order without a hearing, normally within 30 days. The defendant may object within 30 days of service without giving reasons. The case then continues as ordinary proceedings unless you stated you did not want this. Prepare precise party details, principal, interest and costs, claim basis codes and evidence descriptions.
Read the answer -
Which court do we apply to for a European order for payment, and how much is the court fee?
A European order for payment is issued by the court of the state having jurisdiction under the Brussels Ia Regulation: as a rule the state of the debtor’s seat, for supplies of goods or services also the state of the place of delivery, and where agreed in writing, the chosen court. Against a consumer, only the courts of the state of the consumer’s domicile have jurisdiction. In Slovakia the application is dealt with by a district court and the fee is the same as for an action, while in Czechia it is CZK 1 000 up to CZK 20 000 and 5 % above that amount. If the debtor lodges a statement of opposition, the total fees must not exceed those for ordinary proceedings.
Read the answer -
We have an enforceable European order for payment. How do we enforce it in the state where the debtor has assets?
A European order for payment declared enforceable is enforced in the other EU states except Denmark without any declaration of enforceability and without any possibility of opposing recognition. You produce to the enforcement authority a copy of the order together with the declaration of enforceability and, where necessary, a certified translation into a language accepted by the state of enforcement; Czechia accepts only Czech. The court of the state of enforcement refuses enforcement on the debtor’s application only exceptionally, for example where payment has been made or an earlier irreconcilable decision exists. The claim itself cannot be reviewed in the state of enforcement.
Read the answer
Further reading
Small claims proceedings against a Polish company: when they are worthwhile and how they run
With a claim of up to EUR 5,000 against a Polish company, an ordinary action in Poland need not be the only route. The European Small Claims Procedure is written, form-based, and its judgment is enforced in Poland without recognition. We explain when it is worth more than a European payment order and what to watch for on costs.
Read more →
A Slovak, Czech or European payment order: what to choose when the debtor is based across the Czech-Slovak border
A Slovak company with a Czech customer, or a Czech company with a Slovak customer, has three routes for an undisputed invoice: a national payment order in the debtor's state, a national order at home with enforcement across the border, or a European order for payment. We compare where proceedings can be brought, how the debtor can defend, how service works and what enforcement requires.
Read more →
A Polish customer is not paying: which European tools work and when a Polish court is needed
Against a Polish company, a Slovak or Czech creditor has more tools available than simply suing in Poland: the European order for payment, the small claims procedure, an account preservation order and enforcement of a Slovak judgment without recognition. Which of them to choose depends on whether the debtor disputes the claim, how large it is and whether the assets may disappear.
Read more →