How can a Nigerian company litigate in the Czech Republic

Q: If my Czech customer has not paid my invoice, which steps must I take before filing a formal lawsuit?

You must send a formal written demand (předžalobní výzva) to the debtor's registered address at least 7 days before filing. Failure to do so prevents you from recovering legal costs. Contact ARROWS Law Firm at consultation@arws.cz.

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

ARROWS law firm

Published:3/23/2026Updated:6/30/2026

Navigating Czech courts as a Nigerian business requires understanding a fundamentally different legal system, specific procedural requirements, and jurisdictional rules that don't always align with Nigerian practice. This article provides practical answers to the core questions Nigerian companies face when pursuing legal claims in the Czech Republic.

Key takeaways

Jurisdiction: Verify jurisdiction immediately. Default is the defendant's domicile (Czech Republic).

Evidence: No discovery. Prepare all evidence (documents, translations) before filing.

Costs: "Loser pays" applies. Send the mandatory pre-litigation notice to secure cost recovery. Budget for court fees (approx. 5%).

Formalities: Strict requirements for Power of Attorney (Apostille) and certified translations.

Enforcement: Separate process via private bailiffs. Asset checks are crucial.

Representation: Professional local counsel is essential due to procedural rigidity.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion of the article

Litigating in Czech courts as a Nigerian company is feasible but requires navigating a strict procedural environment. Czech courts are reliable but reward meticulous preparation.

ARROWS Law Firm, based in Prague, represents Nigerian and other foreign companies in Czech commercial disputes. The lawyers at ARROWS Law Firm combine in-depth knowledge of Czech law with international experience.

ARROWS Law Firm handles jurisdictional analysis, claim preparation, evidence strategy, and enforcement.

If your Nigerian company is considering Czech litigation, professional legal consultation will clarify your options. Do not hesitate to contact ARROWS Law Firm at consultation@arws.cz to discuss your specific situation.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions

1. If my Czech customer has not paid my invoice, which steps must I take before filing a formal lawsuit?

You must send a formal written demand (předžalobní výzva) to the debtor's registered address at least 7 days before filing. Failure to do so prevents you from recovering legal costs. Contact ARROWS Law Firm at consultation@arws.cz.

2. Can I file my court claim in English?

No. All documents must be in Czech or accompanied by a certified translation.

3. How much will it cost to litigate?

Court fees are approx. 5% of the claim. Attorney's fees depend on complexity. The loser generally pays the winner's costs.

4. How do I know if my claim is viable?

A preliminary legal assessment is necessary to review contracts and evidence. Contact ARROWS Law Firm at consultation@arws.cz.

5. Can I appeal?

Yes, within 15 days of the judgment.

6. How long does enforcement take?

Typically 6 months to 2 years via a private bailiff.

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

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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.