How Vietnamese Firms Can Navigate Czech Courts

Q: If we win a judgment, how do we get paid?

You must file for enforcement with a private bailiff (exekutor). The bailiff can freeze bank accounts and seize assets. The costs of enforcement are generally recovered from the debtor.

A Practical Guide to Litigation

Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda

|Attorney|Czech Bar Association Reg. No. 14692

ARROWS law firm

Published:2/26/2026Updated:7/17/2026

Vietnamese companies expanding into the European market increasingly discover that disputes with Czech partners may require litigation in Czech courts. This guide explains the key procedural requirements and strategic considerations Vietnamese firms must take to successfully litigate in the Czech Republic. You will learn what makes Czech civil procedure fundamentally different from Vietnamese law and how to avoid costly mistakes that can derail your case.

Key takeaways

Czech civil procedure is strict: It relies on the "concentration of proceedings." You must present evidence early, usually by the first hearing.

Financial exposure involves "loser pays": Losing litigation means paying your own costs plus the opponent's legal costs. Upfront court fees are approx. 5% of the claim.

Formalities matter: Claims require precise formatting, correct party identification, and certified translations of foreign documents.

Enforcement is key: Czech judgments are enforceable via private bailiffs. Cross-border enforcement in Vietnam is supported by a 1984 Treaty but requires specific recognition proceedings.

Professional help is essential: The combination of language barriers and mandatory electronic communication makes professional representation by a firm like ARROWS Law Firm necessary.

ARROWS law firm

245 007 740 consultation@arws.cz

Conclusion of the article

Vietnamese companies expanding into the Czech Republic will occasionally find themselves embroiled in disputes. When this occurs, understanding the fundamental differences between Czech and Vietnamese civil procedure is critical. Czech courts are document-driven and adversarial; they expect parties to be active and legally precise.

The pathway to successful litigation begins with careful evidence organization, correct jurisdiction assessment, and professional legal strategy.

If your Vietnamese company faces a dispute with a Czech partner, do not attempt to navigate Czech courts alone. Contact ARROWS Law Firm to discuss your dispute and receive professional guidance by writing to consultation@arws.cz to schedule a consultation.

FAQ – Frequently asked legal questions about navigating Czech courts for Vietnamese firms

1. Can a Vietnamese company sue in Czech courts without registering a subsidiary?

Yes. A Vietnamese entity has legal capacity to sue in Czech courts. You may need to provide an extract from the Vietnamese business register to prove your existence and valid representation.

2. How long does a typical commercial dispute take?

An undisputed payment order can be resolved in 2-4 months. A contested lawsuit at a district court typically takes 12-18 months. If appealed, add another 6-12 months.

3. If we win a judgment, how do we get paid?

You must file for enforcement with a private bailiff (exekutor). The bailiff can freeze bank accounts and seize assets. The costs of enforcement are generally recovered from the debtor.

4. Who pays for the interpreter at hearings?

In civil disputes, the party requesting the evidence (testimony requiring interpretation) usually must pay an advance for the interpreter's costs. These costs can later be claimed as part of the total litigation costs reimbursement if you win the case.

5. Is arbitration better than court?

Often yes, for international commerce. It is confidential and awards are enforceable worldwide under the New York Convention. However, it requires a valid arbitration clause in your contract.

6. Are Czech court judgments automatically enforced in other EU countries?

Yes. Under the Brussels I bis Regulation, a Czech judgment is automatically enforceable in any other EU member state without special recognition proceedings.

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.