How Canadian firms can pursue court actions in the Czech Republic

Q: We have a Canadian judgment against a Czech company. Can we enforce it directly?

No. You must first go through a recognition proceeding ( uznání cizího rozhodnutí ) under the Act on Private International Law. This adds time and cost. Suing directly in the Czech Republic is often preferred unless the Canadian judgment is already final and high-value.

Effective paths to litigation

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

ARROWS law firm

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

This guide helps Canadian companies navigate the Czech legal system during disputes like unpaid invoices or contract breaches. It explains the core differences between common law and civil law while providing practical steps for taking legal action. You will learn how to win a court judgment and, more importantly, how to ensure you actually receive the payment. It is an essential resource for securing your business interests in the Czech Republic.

Key takeaways

Jurisdiction: Do not assume you can sue in Canada. Unless you have a specific asset to target in Canada, suing where the defendant has assets (Czech Republic) is usually more effective.

Evidence First: You cannot rely on discovery. Gather all documents and translate key pieces before filing.

Speed vs. Cost: Use the Payment Order procedure for undisputed debts. It is faster and cheaper.

Enforcement: Czech bailiffs are powerful and effective, but you cannot get blood from a stone. Check the debtor's solvency first.

Representation: Czech civil procedure is formalistic. Mistakes in service, form, or deadlines are often fatal to the case. Professional local counsel is essential.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion of the article

Canadian companies can successfully navigate the Czech court system if they respect its procedural distinctiveness. The system is logical and, in recent years, increasingly efficient, especially for debt collection via payment orders. However, the absence of discovery and the strict formal requirements for pleadings and evidence mean that preparation is key.

ARROWS Law Firm regularly represents international clients in Czech litigation, bridging the gap between common law expectations and civil law reality. By verifying jurisdiction, managing the mandatory pre-litigation steps, and aggressively pursuing enforcement, we turn legal claims into paid invoices.

If you are a Canadian company considering litigation in the Czech Republic, contact ARROWS Law Firm. We provide the local expertise necessary to navigate the courts in Prague, Brno, or anywhere in the country. Contact consultation@arws.cz for a preliminary assessment of your case.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions about how Canadian firms can pursue court actions in the Czech Republic

1. If our Czech customer refuses to pay an invoice, how long will it take to get a judgment?

For an undisputed Payment Order, approximately 2-4 months. For a contested civil lawsuit, 12-18 months is a realistic estimate for the first instance.

2. We have a Canadian judgment against a Czech company. Can we enforce it directly?

No. You must first go through a recognition proceeding ( uznání cizího rozhodnutí ) under the Act on Private International Law. This adds time and cost. Suing directly in the Czech Republic is often preferred unless the Canadian judgment is already final and high-value.

3. Our contract does not specify a court. Where do we sue?

If the defendant is a Czech company, the competent court is the District Court where the company has its registered seat.

4. Can we recover attorney fees?

Yes, if you win. However, the recovery is capped by the statutory tariff, which may be lower than your actual hourly legal costs.

5. Can we sue if the debtor has disappeared?

You can sue, but service will be an issue. The court may appoint a guardian for a defendant whose whereabouts are unknown, but enforcement will be impossible if no assets can be found. Solvency checks are vital.

6. Do we need to be physically present in court?

Not necessarily. Your Czech attorney represents you. However, if your testimony is required, you may need to appear, or in some cases, video testimony can be arranged.

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.