Estonian Company Dealing with Czech Supplier

If your Estonian company is facing unpaid invoices from a Czech debtor, this article provides the specific legal answers you need. We will explain your options, from EU-wide procedures to critical Czech legal steps, to help you recover your funds. As a leading Czech law firm in Prague, EU, with extensive experience assisting international clients, our English-speaking lawyers are ready to help.

Need advice on this topic? Contact the ARROWS law firm by email office@arws.cz or phone +420 245 007 740. Your question will be answered by "Mgr. Vojtěch Sucharda", an expert on the subject.

The First Critical Question: Where Do You Stand Legally?

When a simple B2B transaction crosses a border, it can become a complex legal puzzle. As an Estonian creditor with a Czech debtor, two questions must be answered before you can act:

• Jurisdiction: Which country's court has the power to hear your case?
• Applicable Law: Which country's laws will that court use to decide the case?

Many business owners confuse these two, but they are separate issues. For B2B contracts within the EU, the answers are generally found in two key regulations: the Brussels I-bis Regulation for jurisdiction and the Rome I Regulation for applicable law.

The best contracts solve this in advance with a "choice of law" clause. However, many companies use standard templates that are silent on this, creating unwelcome uncertainty when a dispute arises. Our lawyers can provide a contract review to see if your current agreement is strong enough to be enforced. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to office@arws.cz.

Does Czech or Estonian law even apply?

If your contract is silent, EU default rules apply. This creates a potential paradox. Under the Rome I Regulation, the default law for a contract for the sale of goods is the law of the seller's habitual residence. As the Estonian seller, Estonian law would apply.

However, under the Brussels I-bis Regulation, you can sue a debtor in the "place of performance," which for goods is where they were delivered. Since you delivered to your client in the Czech Republic, the Czech court would have jurisdiction.

This creates a complex and expensive scenario: you would be in a Czech court arguing your case, but forcing the Czech judge to apply Estonian law. This is a situation that ARROWS, with its deep knowledge of both local and foreign legal differences, is perfectly positioned to handle.

Why the CISG is the Most Important Law You've Never Heard Of

This paradox is often solved by a higher-ranking law. Both the Czech Republic and Estonia have ratified the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).

The CISG is a uniform set of rules for international B2B sales. Because both countries are members, the CISG automatically becomes the default applicable law, superseding the national laws of either country unless you specifically excluded it in your contract. It provides clear rules on breach of contract and remedies.

FAQ – Legal tips about cross-border contracts

• What's the difference between "jurisdiction" and "applicable law"?
  "Jurisdiction" is which court hears your case (e.g., a Czech court). "Applicable law" is which rules that court uses (e.g., Estonian law or the CISG). Both are critical for your strategy. Need your contract reviewed? Write to office@arws.cz.
• What is the CISG?
  It is the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. Since both Estonia and the Czech Republic are members, it is the default law for your B2B supply contracts unless you specifically excluded it. For a legal consultation on your contract, contact us at office@arws.cz.

Your Strategic Options: Choosing the Right Path to Recovery

As an Estonian business, you are likely used to your country's advanced "e-File" system, one of the fastest and most efficient digital justice systems in the world. You will be pleased to know that the EU provides modern, form-based procedures that offer similar efficiency for cross-border claims.

Is the Debt Uncontested? The European Order for Payment (EOP)

If your Czech debtor is not disputing the invoice (they are just not paying), your best tool is the European Order for Payment (EOP). This is a simple, written procedure using a standard EU "Form A". You file the application, the court issues the EOP (often within 30 days), and the debtor then has 30 days to pay or file a statement of opposition.

Its biggest advantage is that if the debtor does not object, the EOP becomes automatically enforceable in the Czech Republic. You do not need to go through a second, slow court process (known as exequatur) to have it recognized. ARROWS lawyers regularly handle EOP applications for our international clients. For immediate assistance, write to us at office@arws.cz.

What if the Claim is Small (Under €5,000)?

If the debt is disputed but the value is €5,000 or less (excluding interest and costs), you can use the European Small Claims Procedure.

This is another simplified, largely written procedure designed to be faster and cheaper than traditional litigation. A judgment from this procedure is, like the EOP, automatically recognized and enforceable in all other EU member states (except Denmark).

What if You Must Litigate in the Czech Republic?

If your EOP is contested, or the claim is large and disputed, the case will move to the Czech domestic courts. Here, your most powerful tool is the platební rozkaz (Czech Payment Order).

The process is similar to the EOP:

1. ARROWS files the application with the competent Czech court, supported by your evidence (contracts, invoices).
2. The court reviews the documents without a hearing and issues the order.
3. The debtor has 15 days to either pay or file an objection (known as an odpor).
4. If no objection is filed, the platební rozkaz becomes a final, legally enforceable judgment.

For B2B claims, the Electronic Payment Order (elektronický platební rozkaz) is even better. It has a lower court fee (4% vs. 5% for a standard lawsuit) and, most importantly, a recent legal change removed the previous CZK 1 million monetary cap. This makes it an extremely powerful and cost-effective tool for large commercial claims.

EU vs. Czech Recovery Procedures

Risks and penalties	How ARROWS helps
Risk: You use the European Order for Payment (EOP) for a debt you know is disputed. Penalty: The debtor files an opposition. The case is transferred to a slow, expensive standard civil lawsuit, and you have wasted 2-3 months.	Legal Analysis: We review your evidence to determine if the claim is truly "uncontested" and select the right procedure from day one. Need a case review? Email office@arws.cz.
Risk: You try to use the EU Small Claims Procedure for a €7,000 invoice. Penalty: Your claim is rejected. The monetary limit is €5,000 excluding expenses. You must refile, wasting time and money.	Drafting Documentation: We ensure your claim is filed correctly, with the right court, under the right procedure. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to office@arws.cz.
Risk: You file a full-blown standard lawsuit (žaloba) for a simple undisputed invoice. Penalty: You pay a higher court fee (5% vs. 4%) and enter a process that is "overly lengthy", potentially taking years instead of months.	Legal Consultation: We immediately pursue the elektronický platební rozkaz to secure your judgment in the fastest, most cost-effective way. Our lawyers are ready to assist – email us at office@arws.cz.

The "Must-Do" Step: A Czech Legal Rule That Can Save You Thousands

Before you file any lawsuit in the Czech Republic, there is a critical procedural step that is a common trap for foreign creditors.

What is a 'předžalobní výzva' (Pre-Action Notice)?

This is a formal pre-action notice, or demand letter, required under Section 142a of the Czech Code of Civil Procedure. This notice must be sent to the debtor at least seven days before you file a claim with the court.

This is not just another email reminder. It is a formal legal document that must meet specific requirements. Its purpose is not just to ask for the money; it is to prove to the court that you gave the debtor a final, formal opportunity to settle before you incurred court costs.

How can you avoid a major financial penalty?

This is the financial consequence: If you fail to send this 7-day notice, file your lawsuit, and win the case... the court will not order the debtor to reimburse you for your legal costs. You could win your €100,000 claim but be forced to pay your own €8,000 in legal fees. This procedural error turns a legal victory into a financial loss.

This is a critical Czech legal trap for foreign creditors. ARROWS lawyers draft and send compliant předžalobní výzva notices every day. Do not risk your case on a technicality. Protect your financial interests by emailing office@arws.cz.

Common Mistakes by Foreign Creditors

Risks and penalties	How ARROWS helps
Risk: Forfeiting Legal Costs. Penalty: You file a successful lawsuit but didn't send the předžalobní výzva. You win the case but must pay 100% of your own legal fees, wiping out your margin.	Drafting Legally Required Documentation: We prepare and send the compliant pre-action notice, securing your right to reclaim legal costs. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to office@arws.cz.
Risk: Expired Claim (Promlčení). Penalty: You wait too long. The Czech statute of limitations for commercial invoices is generally 3 years. The claim becomes legally unenforceable.	Legal Analysis: The 3-year clock often starts not from the invoice due date, but from the day you could have first issued it. We can urgently assess if your claim is still valid. Email office@arws.cz.
Risk: Suing an Insolvent Company. Penalty: You spend thousands on legal fees and win a judgment against a company that is already in bankruptcy, making your judgment worthless.	Legal Consultation: We check the Czech Insolvenční rejistřík (Insolvency Register) before filing to confirm the debtor is solvent. Need due diligence? Contact us at office@arws.cz.
Risk: Untranslated Evidence. Penalty: You submit your Estonian-language contract or English emails to the Czech court. The court rejects them as inadmissible, and your case collapses.	Representation in Court: We manage the entire process of obtaining court-certified translations for all evidence, ensuring your case is built on a solid foundation. Our lawyers are ready to assist – email us at office@arws.cz.

What If the Debtor Is Insolvent or Ignores a Judgment?

Winning in court is only half the battle. If the debtor is in financial trouble or simply refuses to pay, you need to know the next steps.

How to Check Your Debtor's Status: The Insolvency Register

Before spending money on a lawsuit, it is vital to check if the debtor is solvent. In the Czech Republic, you can do this by checking the Insolvenční rejistřík (Insolvency Register). This is a public, online database run by the Ministry of Justice (justice.cz) where anyone can search a company's name or registration number.

If the company is listed, it means insolvency proceedings have begun. You must then file your claim within those proceedings. As a supplier, you are likely an "unsecured trade creditor," meaning you are paid after secured creditors (like banks). In a liquidation (konkurs), the chances of full recovery are often very low. This makes it urgent to act before your debtor becomes insolvent. Proactive monitoring is critical. Our firm can perform this due diligence for you. Do not hesitate to contact our firm – office@arws.cz.

You Won in Court. How Do You Actually Get Your Money?

A final judgment (like a platební rozkaz or an EOP) is an "enforcement title" (exekuční titul). It is the legal key that unlocks the final step: judicial enforcement, known in Czech as exekuce. In the Czech Republic, this process is highly effective. It is not handled by slow state officials but by court-appointed, "semi-private" bailiffs called soudní exekutor.

These are highly motivated, state-licensed professionals authorized by the court to act on your behalf to seize the debtor's assets.This system is known for being far more efficient than judicial enforcement in many other countries.

The Power of a Czech 'Exekutor'

A soudní exekutor has broad legal powers to recover your money. They can:

• Freeze and seize all funds from the debtor's Czech bank accounts.
• Place liens on and force the sale of real estate, including commercial properties and land.
• Seize and sell movable property, such as company vehicles, machinery, and office equipment.
• Garnish the debtor's receivables (ordering their customers to pay you instead).
• Seize company shares or even the debtor's entire enterprise.

ARROWS law firm manages the entire enforcement process, from filing the motion to coordinating with the soudní exekutor for swift action. Need legal help with enforcement? Contact us at office@arws.cz.

FAQ – Legal tips about Czech enforcement

• How do I enforce my European Order for Payment in the Czech Republic?
  Once the EOP is final (the debtor didn't object), it is automatically enforceable. You send a copy, with a certified translation, to the enforcement authorities (the soudní exekutor). We can manage this entire process. To enforce your judgment, write to office@arws.cz.
• Can a soudní exekutor really take money from my debtor's customers?
  Yes. This is called garnishing receivables. The bailiff can order your debtor's partners to pay them (the bailiff) instead of your debtor. It is a very powerful tool. To start the enforcement process, write to office@arws.cz.

How ARROWS Provides Total Support for Your Cross-Border Claim

We go beyond collecting a single invoice to provide comprehensive legal protection for your business in the Czech Republic.

Our services include:

• Contract Drafting or Review: We strengthen your future contracts to explicitly handle applicable law, jurisdiction, and the CISG, preventing these problems before they start.
• Drafting Legally Required Documentation: We prepare everything from the compliant předžalobní výzva to the full platební rozkaz application.
• Legal Consultations: We provide a clear strategy on the best path to recovery (EOP vs. Small Claims vs. domestic court).
• Representation in Court: We represent you in all Czech court proceedings, managing evidence, certified translations, and hearings.
• Insolvency Monitoring: We actively monitor the Insolvenční rejistřík to protect your interests and file claims in bankruptcy proceedings.

ARROWS lawyers support over 150 joint-stock companies and 250 limited liability companies, demonstrating our trusted position in the B2B market.

A Global Network for Your Local Problem

As an international law firm operating from Prague, European Union, we don't just understand Czech law; we understand the mindset of international clients.

Our ARROWS International network, built over 10 years and active in 90 countries, gives us a unique perspective on cross-border disputes. This combination of local expertise and foreign market understanding is why clients trust us to handle complex Czech-Estonian matters. We know the law, we speak your language, and we are known for speed and high-quality solutions.

Take the Next Step to Recover Your Funds

Do not let an unpaid invoice in the Czech Republic disrupt your business. Navigating cross-border debt collection requires a partner who understands both EU regulations and complex local Czech procedures, from the předžalobní výzva to the soudní exekutor.

The English-speaking lawyers at ARROWS, a leading Czech law firm based in Prague, European Union, deal with these matters daily. We offer the speed, quality, and international expertise you need. For a legal consultation on your specific case and to start the recovery process, contact our team directly at office@arws.cz today.

FAQ – Most common legal questions about Czech-Estonian debt collection

• What is the statute of limitations (promlčení) for an unpaid invoice in the Czech Republic?
  The general subjective limitation period is 3 years. However, this is a serious legal trap for creditors. The clock may start not from the invoice's due date, but from the moment you first could have issued the invoice (e.g., the day you completed the delivery). Waiting is dangerous. To find out if your claim is still valid, email us for an urgent review at office@arws.cz.
• What documents do I need to give my lawyer to start?
  A strong case requires strong evidence. You should provide the signed contract or purchase order, all unpaid invoices, proof of delivery (like a signed delivery note or transport document), and all key email correspondence where the debt is discussed or acknowledged. Our lawyers can review your documents to build the strongest possible case. Do not hesitate to contact our firm – office@arws.cz.
• How much are the court fees for a debt claim in the Czech Republic?
  Fees depend on the procedure. An Electronic Payment Order (elektronický platební rozkaz) has a lower fee, typically 4% of the claimed amount for larger claims. A standard lawsuit is 5%. The European procedures have their own fee structures. We can provide a full cost-benefit analysis for your specific claim. Get tailored legal solutions by writing to office@arws.cz.
• My supplier is ignoring me. Isn't a demand letter from my Estonian lawyer enough?
  A letter from an Estonian lawyer may be ignored. A formal předžalobní výzva from a Czech law firm, citing Czech law and the specific threat of a platební rozkaz and soudní exekutor, shows you are serious about litigating in their home jurisdiction. It is also a mandatory step to recover your legal costs. For an effective pre-litigation demand, contact us at office@arws.cz.
• My contract is in English. Is it valid in a Czech court?
  Yes, an English-language contract is valid. However, for use in Czech court proceedings, any non-Czech documents (the contract, your invoices, key emails) must be submitted with an official, court-certified translation into Czech. We manage this entire process for you as part of our litigation service. Our lawyers are ready to assist – email us at office@arws.cz.
• My claim is only €4,000. Is it worth pursuing?
  Absolutely. For a disputed claim of this size, the European Small Claims Procedure is ideal. It's a simplified, cost-effective, and fast EU-wide process designed specifically for claims up to €5,000. We can help you navigate this procedure efficiently. Need legal help? Contact us at office@arws.cz.

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