How Turkish Companies Can Initiate Legal Proceedings in the Czech Republic

Key Steps Explained

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

Published:3/13/2026Updated:6/30/2026

When a Turkish business faces a dispute with a Czech partner, knowing how to navigate the Czech legal system becomes critical. Turkish companies can bring litigation in Czech courts, but the process differs significantly from jurisdiction rules to enforcement mechanisms. This article provides practical answers to help Turkish business leaders understand the essential steps, timeframes, and risks involved in the Czech Republic's civil court system.

Key takeaways

Jurisdiction: Turkish companies can litigate in Czech courts. Jurisdiction is usually based on the Czech defendant's seat, place of performance, or a choice of court clause.

No Discovery: Evidence must be gathered before filing. There is no US-style discovery to force the other side to produce internal documents later.

Costs: Court fee is 5% of the claim amount. The winner typically recovers court fees and statutory attorney fees from the loser.

Pre-action Notice: You must send a "last call" letter 7 days before filing to secure cost recovery rights.

Timeline: Expect 12–18 months for a first-instance judgment in contested commercial cases.

Professional Representation: Essential due to the Czech language requirement, strict procedural deadlines, and formal evidence rules.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion

Litigating in the Czech Republic as a Turkish company is achievable and, in many cases, an effective route to resolving commercial disputes and protecting business interests. However, the Czech legal system operates according to principles and timelines that differ from Turkish practice. The requirement that all proceedings occur in Czech and the absence of discovery create genuine complexity.

Turkish companies that have successfully litigated in Czech courts share a common characteristic: they retained experienced Czech legal counsel before taking any action. This professional guidance—from jurisdiction analysis to enforcement—makes the difference between successful recovery and costly failure.

ARROWS Law Firm has represented numerous Turkish and international companies in commercial litigation throughout the Czech Republic. We combine in-depth knowledge of Czech civil procedure with practical experience managing cross-border disputes.

If your Turkish company faces a commercial dispute with a Czech partner, the first step is to consult with experienced Czech lawyers. ARROWS Law Firm is ready to analyze your situation, advise on jurisdiction and procedural strategy, and outline the realistic timeline and costs involved.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions

1. If we win our case in Czech court, can we automatically enforce the judgment in Turkey against the defendant's assets there?

No. A Czech judgment is enforceable in the Czech Republic. To enforce it in Turkey, you must petition a Turkish court for recognition and enforcement (tanıma ve tenfiz). Turkish courts generally recognize Czech judgments based on reciprocity.

2. Do we need to establish a Czech company or branch in order to litigate in Czech courts?

No. Turkish companies can litigate in Czech courts directly. You will need a Czech lawyer acting on a power of attorney. You will also need to provide an extract from the Turkish Commercial Register to prove your company exists and who can sign for it.

3. What is the difference between the payment order procedure and standard civil litigation?

The payment order is a fast-track written procedure for monetary claims. If the defendant doesn't object within 15 days, you get a judgment quickly. If they object, it turns into standard litigation, which involves hearings and takes longer (12+ months).

4. Must we send a pre-action warning letter before filing?

Yes. Section 142a of the Civil Procedure Code requires sending a pre-litigation call to payment at least 7 days before filing suit. If you skip this, you likely won't be awarded legal costs even if you win the case.

5. What happens if the Czech court issues a judgment in our favor but the defendant refuses to pay?

You must initiate enforcement proceedings (exekuce). A court-appointed bailiff (exekutor) will seize the defendant's bank accounts, property, or receivables to satisfy the debt. The costs of enforcement are generally borne by the debtor.

6. If we lose in first instance, can we appeal?

Yes. You can appeal to the Regional Court (if the first instance was the District Court) within 15 days of receiving the written judgment. Missing this deadline is final.

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.