How can a Ghanaian company litigate in the Czech Republic

Q: Is the "Pre-litigation Call" really mandatory?

It is not mandatory to start the case, but it is mandatory if you want the defendant to pay your legal costs when you win. Without it, you pay your own way.

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

ARROWS law firm

Published:4/7/2026Updated:6/30/2026

If your Ghanaian business has a dispute with a Czech partner, customer, or supplier, you may be considering litigation in Czech courts. However, the Czech legal system operates under fundamentally different rules than Ghana's common law framework. This article provides practical guidance on jurisdiction, filing requirements, costs, and enforcement mechanisms so your company understands the critical steps before initiating court proceedings.

Key takeaways

Jurisdiction: Czech courts have jurisdiction over Czech defendants. Choice-of-court clauses in contracts are valid but must be drafted precisely.

Costs: Prepare for a 5% court fee (paid upfront) and translation costs (approx. 20-30 EUR per page).

Formalities: A Pre-litigation Call is mandatory for cost recovery. Documentation requires Apostilles.

Evidence: There is no discovery. You must possess the evidence when you file.

Enforcement: Winning the case is step one. Enforcement is conducted by private bailiffs and takes additional time.

Representation: Professional Czech legal representation is practically essential due to the language barrier and formalistic procedure.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion

Litigating in the Czech Republic as a Ghanaian company requires shifting your mindset from common law flexibility to civil law formalism. The Czech legal framework combines EU regulations and strict domestic procedural rules.

ARROWS Law Firm represents international clients in Czech commercial litigation, ensuring that procedural traps do not undermine substantive rights. We are insured for damages up to CZK 400 million and are experienced in cross-border disputes.

Contact consultation@arws.cz to schedule a confidential consultation.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions

1. If I obtain a judgment in a Czech court, am I guaranteed to collect money?

No. You need a solvent defendant. We recommend a preliminary asset check before suing. If the defendant has assets, a private bailiff can seize them effectively.

2. Can I conduct my entire Czech court case in English?

No. The language of the court is Czech. All documents must be translated, and hearings are in Czech. Your attorney will handle the Czech interface while communicating with you in English.

3. Is the "Pre-litigation Call" really mandatory?

It is not mandatory to start the case, but it is mandatory if you want the defendant to pay your legal costs when you win. Without it, you pay your own way.

4. How much time should I budget?

Expect 12–18 months for a first-instance judgment. Enforcement can take another 6+ months.

5. Can I enforce a Ghanaian court judgment in the Czech Republic?

Yes, but it requires a separate "recognition" proceeding under the Act on Private International Law. It is often faster to arbitrate or sue directly in Czechia if the contract permits.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

About the author

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda

Associate, partner

LinkedIn|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

Managing Partner ARROWS International | Head of Legal Practice Group ETL Global

sucharda@arws.cz 245 007 740

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 (consultation@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.