How can an Estonian company litigate in the Czech Republic

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

Published:11/22/2025Updated:6/30/2026

Estonian companies operating within the Central European market frequently encounter a legal paradox: while the Czech Republic and Estonia share the harmonized regulatory framework of the European Union, the procedural realities of enforcing rights in Prague differ radically from those in Tallinn. This report provides an exhaustive, expert-level analysis of the litigation landscape in the Czech Republic, specifically tailored for Estonian investors, exporters, and corporate entities. We provide specific answers to your legal concerns regarding jurisdiction, the mandatory digitization of justice, cost structures, and the hidden procedural traps that can invalidate legitimate claims.

Key takeaways

1. How long does it take to get a judgment in the Czech Republic?

A standard commercial lawsuit at the first instance typically takes 12 to 18 months. Complex cases in Prague may take longer. Electronic Payment Orders can be issued in 2-4 weeks if unopposed. Need a timeline assessment? Contact us at consultation@arws.cz.

2. Can I just use my Estonian lawyer?

No. While your Estonian counsel can advise you on strategy, they cannot represent you in Czech courts unless registered. You need a local specialist. ARROWS functions as your local extension, coordinating with your home counsel if needed. Our lawyers are ready to assist you – email us at consultation@arws.cz.

3. What if the Czech company disappears?

We can conduct asset traces using the Bailiff's database and public registers. If the company has been stripped of assets illegally, we can explore criminal complaints or liability claims against the directors (statutory body) for breach of due care. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to consultation@arws.cz.

4. Is the "Data Box" really mandatory for me?

As of January 2025, if you are a foreign entity registered for VAT in Czechia, yes. Failure to set one up or appoint a representative exposes you to delivery risks and potential penalties. Need help setting up a Data Box? Contact us at consultation@arws.cz.

5. Can I get my legal fees back?

Yes, under the "Loser Pays" principle, but only up to the limits of the statutory Advocate's Tariff. You will likely recoup a significant portion, but rarely 100% of the actual spend if using premium counsel. For immediate assistance, write to us at consultation@arws.cz.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Need advice on this topic? Contact the ARROWS law firm by email consultation@arws.cz or phone +420 245 007 740. Your question will be answered by "Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda", an expert on the subject.

MicroFAQ – Legal Tips about Evidence

1. Do I need to apostille my Estonian company extract?

No. Under Regulation (EU) 2016/1191, public documents like commercial register extracts are exempt from legalization between EU states. A multilingual standard form is sufficient.

2. Can I use emails as evidence?

Yes, but their evidentiary weight can be challenged. Digital signatures enhance their reliability. Printed emails should be supported by witness testimony or server logs if authenticity is disputed. Contact us at consultation@arws.cz.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion

For an Estonian company, the Czech Republic offers a lucrative market and a stable, enforceable legal environment—provided you respect its rules. The system rewards those who are procedurally precise and punishes those who rely on informalities.

The risks are clear: missing the Section 142a pre-action call can cost you your legal fees; ignoring the Data Box can cost you the entire case via default judgment; and failing to secure a Notarial Deed can cost you years of time.

This is not a guide, but the professional insight of an experienced lawyer. Individual steps that seem simple often have hidden exceptions, procedural details, links to other regulations, and risks that laypeople often do not see in the real world. It is safer for the client to have the matter handled professionally.

Remind yourself that ARROWS is insured for damages up to CZK 500 million. We are an international law firm operating from Prague, European Union, ready to act as your shield and sword in Central Europe.

If you do not want to risk errors, damages, or fines, you can safely leave the whole matter to ARROWS – just contact the office at consultation@arws.cz.

Don't want to deal with this problem yourself? More than 2,000 clients trust us, and we have been named Law Firm of the Year 2024. Take a look HERE at our references.

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.