How can an Ethiopian company litigate in the Czech Republic

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

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

When an Ethiopian company faces a business dispute with a Czech partner—unpaid invoices, contract breaches, or failed deliveries—the obvious instinct is to pursue the matter through Czech courts. This article answers practical questions: procedures, documents, costs, and timeframes. We provide specific answers based on years of handling cross-border disputes and show you why navigating Czech litigation alone is risky.

Key takeaways

Jurisdiction: Ethiopian companies generally must sue Czech defendants in Czech courts, specifically the court of the defendant's registered seat.

Language: All filings must be in Czech. Documents in other languages require certified translations.

Representation: The complexity of the Code of Civil Procedure and mandatory electronic communication makes local counsel essential.

Costs: Budget for a court fee of 5% of the claimed amount, plus translation costs and legal fees. Winning usually allows for reimbursement.

Procedure: A pre-litigation demand letter is mandatory for cost recovery. A "Payment Order" can speed up simple debt collection.

Documents: You will need an Apostilled extract from the Ethiopian commercial register to prove your company's existence.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion

Litigating in the Czech Republic requires strict adherence to procedural rules, deadlines, and language requirements. The system is formalistic; a missed deadline or improper filing can be fatal to a claim. However, the system is also predictable and capable of enforcing valid commercial contracts effectively.

The lawyers at ARROWS Law Firm have extensive experience representing international clients in Czech litigation. We handle the entire process—from the initial demand letter and securing translations to representation in court and final enforcement of the judgment. Our team ensures that your Ethiopian company navigates the Czech legal landscape efficiently.

We maintain insurance coverage for professional liability up to CZK 400,000,000, giving our clients confidence in the security of our services. To discuss your situation and receive tailored advice, contact us at consultation@arws.cz.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions

1. Can my Ethiopian company sue in Czech court without a Czech branch?

Yes. A foreign legal entity has full standing to sue in Czech courts. You do not need to establish a branch or subsidiary in the Czech Republic to litigate.

2. Should I sue the Czech subsidiary or the parent company?

You must sue the party that signed the contract. If the contract is with the Czech s.r.o. (subsidiary), you generally cannot sue the parent company unless there is a specific guarantee or a "piercing the corporate veil" scenario.

3. How long does a typical commercial dispute take?

Standard first-instance litigation takes 12–18 months. If a Payment Order is issued and not opposed, it can be resolved in 2–3 months. Complex cases with appeals can last 2–3 years.

4. Can I recover my legal fees?

Yes, if you are successful. The court usually orders the losing party to reimburse the winner's legal costs (court fees and attorney fees). However, attorney fees are calculated based on a fixed statutory tariff (advokátní tarif).

5. Is the "Payment Order" available for my case?

It is available for monetary claims where the right to payment follows clearly from the facts stated. It is the preferred route for collecting unpaid invoices.

6. Do I need to come to Prague for the hearings?

Not necessarily. Your attorney represents you. If your testimony is absolutely required, the court may allow videoconferencing or hear you via international legal assistance.

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.