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How Chilean Companies Can Pursue Litigation in the Czech Republic and Europe

What to Expect in Litigation

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda
Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda
Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692
ARROWS law firm
Published:Updated:

If your Chilean company is facing a commercial dispute with a Czech partner, supplier, or debtor, you may be wondering whether pursuing litigation in a foreign jurisdiction makes business sense. The answer depends on understanding how Czech courts work and what to expect procedurally. This article explains the practical realities of cross-border litigation for Chilean companies operating in Europe, from initial filing through final enforcement.

Legal team specializing in Chilean companies pursuing litigation in the Czech Republic and Europe.

Key takeaways

Czech litigation timelines are typically 12-18 months for first instance, potentially longer with appeals.
Costs include court fees (5% of claim), legal fees, and translation costs. Reimbursement if you win is capped by statutory tariffs (often 60-80% of actual spend).
Pre-litigation formalities (warning letter 7 days prior) are mandatory to secure cost reimbursement rights.
EU judgment recognition under Brussels I bis is automatic, allowing enforcement against assets across all 27 EU member states.
Czech procedure is judge-led but adversarial. You must prove your facts with evidence gathered before filing. There is no broad discovery.
Local representation is essential due to language barriers, specific electronic filing systems (Data Box), and formal procedural requirements.

DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH THE JURISDICTION OF THE CZECH COURTS?

Contact us. We will be pleased to advise you on your matter.

ARROWS law firm
245 007 740consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion

Cross-border litigation for Chilean companies in the Czech Republic requires navigating EU regulations, Czech procedural law, and language barriers. While the Czech legal system is reliable and aligned with EU standards, the procedural complexity makes expert local representation vital.

The decision to litigate should be based on a clear cost-benefit analysis, considering the debtor's assets and the strength of your evidence. ARROWS Law Firm helps you assess these factors early.

If your Chilean company is facing a commercial dispute with a Czech partner, do not attempt to navigate Czech litigation alone. Contact the lawyers at ARROWS Law Firm at consultation@arws.cz for a strategic assessment. We will help you maximize your chances of a successful outcome and actual financial recovery.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions

1. If I win a judgment in a Czech court, will it be automatically enforceable in Chile?

No. Enforcement in Chile requires a separate exequatur proceeding before the Chilean Supreme Court to recognize the foreign judgment.

2. Can I represent my Chilean company in Czech litigation without hiring a Czech lawyer?

Technically yes in lower courts, but practically impossible due to the Czech language requirement and electronic communication (Data Box) standards.

3. What is the difference between pursuing litigation versus international arbitration?

Litigation is public and generally slower if appeals occur. Arbitration is private, single-instance (usually no appeal), and awards are enforceable worldwide (New York Convention), but upfront costs are often higher.

4. If the Czech defendant refuses to pay my judgment, what can I do?

File for execution ( exekuce ). A bailiff will seize assets.

5. How much will Czech litigation actually cost my Chilean company?

Budget for court fees (5%), translation costs, and legal fees. For a €100k dispute, upfront costs can range from €10k to €20k depending on complexity, with potential for partial reimbursement if successful.

6. What is the fastest dispute resolution option?

The Electronic Payment Order for undisputed monetary debts (approx. 2-3 months to enforceability if no objection is filed).

DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH

ARROWS law firm
245 007 740consultation@arws.cz

About the author

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda
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.cz245 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.