How Macedonian Companies Can Bring Court Cases in the Czech Republic: Steps Toward Litigation

30.12.2025

When a North Macedonian company faces a commercial dispute with a Czech partner, understanding the procedural path is essential. This article provides specific answers on jurisdiction rules, court procedures, document requirements, and the critical hidden risks that foreign companies often overlook when initiating litigation in the Czech Republic.

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.

Understanding Your Legal Position: Macedonia as an EU Candidate Country

North Macedonia's status as an EU candidate—not yet a member—fundamentally changes the litigation landscape. While EU member states benefit from streamlined cross-border procedures under the Brussels Ia Regulation, Macedonian companies do not have access to these simplified mechanisms. This means that bringing a court case in the Czech Republic requires navigating a more complex legal framework governed by Czech national law rather than harmonized EU regulations.

The accession negotiations between North Macedonia and the EU formally opened in July 2022, but no negotiation chapters have been opened yet. Until membership is complete, Macedonian businesses must approach Czech litigation with a thorough understanding of the specific requirements and procedural traps that can derail even well-founded claims.

For Macedonian companies operating in the Czech Republic, this creates both challenges and opportunities. The challenge is that you cannot rely on the automatic recognition mechanisms available to EU businesses. The opportunity is that with proper legal guidance from a law firm based in Prague, European Union, such as ARROWS, you can still effectively pursue your commercial rights through Czech courts.

Which Czech Court Has Jurisdiction Over Your Dispute?

Determining jurisdiction is the first critical step. Since the Brussels Ia Regulation does not apply to North Macedonia, jurisdiction is governed by the Czech Act on Private International Law (Act No. 91/2012 Coll.).

The general rule is straightforward: you can sue a defendant at the courts where the defendant has its registered seat or place of business. For commercial disputes, this means if your Czech business partner has its registered office in Prague, the Prague courts will typically have jurisdiction. If the registered seat is in Brno, the Brno courts have jurisdiction.

However, the jurisdiction framework contains several important alternatives and exceptions: Choice-of-Court Agreements are recognized and enforceable under Czech law. If your commercial contract with the Czech partner includes a jurisdiction clause specifying that Czech courts (or courts in a particular Czech city) have exclusive jurisdiction, that agreement will generally be honored by the courts. Such clauses provide certainty and prevent jurisdictional disputes before they start.

Special jurisdiction rules also exist for specific types of claims. For example, in contract disputes, you may be able to sue at the place where the contractual obligation was to be performed. In tort claims, jurisdiction may lie where the harmful event occurred.

What many foreign companies fail to realize is that seemingly simple jurisdictional questions often involve hidden complexity. For instance, if your contract involves multiple delivery locations, performance in several Czech cities, or interconnected obligations, determining the proper court becomes significantly more complicated. The place of performance may differ depending on which specific obligation is at issue. Czech courts apply detailed conflict-of-laws rules to resolve these questions, and mistakes can result in your case being transferred to another court—or worse, dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.

An international law firm operating from Prague, European Union, like ARROWS, handles these jurisdictional analyses daily and can ensure your claim is filed in the correct court from the outset. For assistance with jurisdiction issues, contact us at office@arws.cz.

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Filing in the wrong court leads to case transfer delays of 3-6 months	Jurisdictional analysis and correct court identification
Defendant challenges jurisdiction, adding months to proceedings	Drafting airtight jurisdiction arguments and supporting documentation
Brussels Ia shortcuts unavailable to Macedonian companies	Alternative strategic approaches using Czech Private International Law
Choice-of-court clause improperly drafted or ambiguous	Contract review and drafting of enforceable jurisdiction clauses
Parallel proceedings risk in both Macedonia and Czech Republic	Coordination strategy and lis pendens management

Critical Document Requirements: Translation and Authentication

Czech courts conduct all proceedings exclusively in the Czech language. Every document you submit—whether it is your statement of claim, commercial contracts, invoices, emails, or corporate documents—must be accompanied by an officially certified translation into Czech. There are no exceptions, even if your Czech business partner is fluent in English or Macedonian.

This translation requirement has three major implications for Macedonian companies:

Translation costs can be substantial
A complex commercial contract running 30-40 pages may cost several thousand Czech crowns to translate and certify. Multiply this across all exhibits and supporting documents, and translation expenses can easily reach tens of thousands of crowns.
Translation takes time
Court-certified translators typically require 1-2 weeks for standard documents and longer for technical materials. If you need to move quickly—for example, to obtain a preliminary injunction to freeze assets or prevent the defendant from dissipating funds—translation delays can be critical.
The quality and accuracy of translation matters
Czech courts will rely on the Czech-language version. If the translation contains errors or ambiguities, you may inadvertently weaken your legal position. ARROWS works with a network of experienced legal translators who understand commercial and legal terminology. For urgent translation needs, write to us at office@arws.cz.

Document authentication is equally important. North Macedonia is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. This means that Macedonian public documents (such as company registration certificates, powers of attorney, and notarized documents) need only an apostille—a simplified authentication—rather than full consular legalization. The apostille is issued by Macedonian authorities and is recognized by Czech courts.

However, even with an apostille, the document must still be translated into Czech. The process therefore involves two steps: obtaining the apostille in North Macedonia, then having the apostilled document translated by a Czech court-certified translator.

What seems like a simple administrative task—authenticating and translating corporate documents—in reality involves understanding the interplay between international authentication conventions, Czech procedural rules, and practical timing constraints. These procedural requirements are where many foreign companies stumble.

Missing a required document, submitting an improperly authenticated document, or failing to provide a certified translation can result in the court rejecting your filing and requiring you to correct the deficiencies. This costs time and money. Need help with document preparation? Contact ARROWS at office@arws.cz.

FAQ – Legal Tips About Document Requirements

Can I submit documents in English if my Czech opponent speaks English?
No. Czech courts require Czech-language translations for all foreign-language documents regardless of the parties' language abilities. The court proceedings are conducted in Czech, and judges must have Czech-language versions of all materials. For assistance with translation requirements, email office@arws.cz.
How long does it take to obtain an apostille in North Macedonia and translate documents?
Obtaining an apostille in North Macedonia typically takes a few business days to a week, depending on the issuing authority. Czech court-certified translation then requires an additional 1-2 weeks for standard documents. Complex technical or financial documents may take longer. ARROWS can coordinate this process efficiently—contact us at office@arws.cz.
What happens if I submit documents without proper authentication or translation?
The court will notify you of the deficiency and set a deadline (usually 7-30 days) to correct it. If you fail to correct the deficiency within the deadline, the court may dismiss your claim or disregard the improperly submitted documents. This can be catastrophic if the missing document is essential to proving your case. Get it right the first time—write to office@arws.cz.

The Data Box System: The Single Biggest Procedural Risk

For foreign companies, the Czech "datová schránka" (Data Box) system represents the single most dangerous procedural trap. Understanding this system is absolutely critical to protecting your rights.

The Data Box is a secure electronic communication system that serves as the official channel for all communication between Czech legal entities and government authorities, including courts. Every legal entity registered in the Czech Commercial Register is automatically assigned a Data Box and is legally required to use it.

Here is why this matters to Macedonian companies: If your Macedonian company has a Czech subsidiary, branch, or any entity registered in the Czech Commercial Register, that entity has a Data Box. All official court communications—including service of lawsuits, court orders, judgments, and time-sensitive notices—will be delivered to that Data Box.

The critical trap is this: A document sent to your Data Box is legally deemed "served" in one of two ways:

The moment you log into your Data Box, even if you do not open or read the specific document
Automatically after 10 days, even if you never log in at all

Once a document is deemed served, legal deadlines begin running immediately. For example, if a Czech company sues your Czech subsidiary and the court serves the statement of claim via Data Box, you typically have 30 days from service to file your defense. If you miss that deadline because no one was monitoring the Data Box, the court may enter a default judgment against you.

The Data Box interface is available only in Czech. For foreign companies with Czech entities but no Czech-speaking staff, this creates a serious operational risk. If your Czech subsidiary's director is based in Skopje and does not regularly check the Data Box or cannot read Czech, you may miss critical court filings.

ARROWS has seen numerous cases where foreign-owned Czech entities suffered default judgments worth millions of crowns because no one was monitoring the Data Box. This is entirely preventable with proper procedures. As a leading Czech law firm in Prague, EU, ARROWS can monitor your Data Box, ensure timely responses to court filings, and provide immediate notifications in English when critical documents arrive. Do not let a missed Data Box notification cost you your case. Contact us at office@arws.cz.

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Default judgment entered against your Czech entity because Data Box not monitored	Data Box monitoring service with immediate English-language alerts
Document deemed served after 10 days even though you were unaware of it	Regular Data Box checks and notification protocols
Missing 15-day appeal deadline because document went unnoticed	Deadline tracking and calendar management
Interface only in Czech—foreign staff cannot understand notifications	Translation of Data Box communications and explanation of required actions
Critical court order (e.g., preliminary injunction, payment order) missed	24/7 monitoring for urgent court communications

Pre-Litigation Requirements: The Mandatory Demand Letter

Before filing a lawsuit in Czech courts, you are required to send a formal pre-action demand letter to your opponent at least 7 days before filing. This is not merely a courtesy—it is a mandatory legal requirement under Czech procedural law.

The purpose of this pre-action demand is to give the debtor or opposing party one final opportunity to resolve the dispute without court involvement. The demand letter must clearly state:

The specific amount or performance you are claiming
The legal basis for your claim (e.g., breach of contract, unpaid invoice)
A deadline for the opponent to pay or perform (typically 7-15 days)
A warning that if the opponent does not comply, you will initiate court proceedings

Here is the critical consequence: If you fail to send a proper pre-action demand letter at least 7 days before filing, the court will not award you reimbursement of your legal costs, even if you win the case. You will still have to pay your own attorney's fees, court fees, translation costs, and other expenses out of pocket.

What constitutes a "proper" pre-action demand? Czech courts have developed detailed case law on this question. The demand must be sufficiently specific about the claim, the legal grounds, and the consequences of non-payment. Generic or vague demands may not satisfy the requirement. The demand must also be demonstrably served on the opponent—preferably by registered mail with proof of delivery or via Data Box if the opponent is a Czech entity with a Data Box.

This seemingly simple requirement illustrates a broader principle: Czech civil procedure contains numerous detailed technical requirements that appear straightforward but have significant practical and financial consequences if mishandled. ARROWS prepares pre-action demand letters daily, ensuring they meet all formal requirements and maximize your chances of cost recovery. Need a demand letter drafted? Email office@arws.cz.

Payment Order Procedure: A Faster Route for Monetary Claims

For many commercial disputes involving unpaid invoices or breach of payment obligations, Czech law offers a simplified "payment order" (platební rozkaz) procedure that can produce results in weeks rather than months.

How the payment order procedure works:

You file a petition with the court requesting a payment order. Unlike a standard lawsuit, the payment order petition is streamlined—you simply need to identify the defendant, state the amount owed, provide the legal basis (e.g., unpaid invoices under a contract), and attach supporting documents. The court fee is a minimum of CZK 1,000 or 5% of the claim amount, whichever is greater.

The court reviews your petition and, if the claim is clear and well-documented, issues a payment order without holding a hearing and without hearing from the defendant. This order directs the defendant to pay the full amount (plus costs) within 15 days of service.

The defendant then has two options:

Pay the amount within 15 days, ending the case
File an objection (námitka) within 15 days

If the defendant files an objection, the payment order is automatically cancelled and the case proceeds as a normal lawsuit with hearings and full procedural rights for both sides. If the defendant does not file an objection within 15 days, the payment order becomes a final, enforceable judgment.

The payment order procedure is particularly effective for straightforward debt claims with clear documentation—for example, unpaid invoices for delivered goods, completed services, or overdue loan repayments. It is faster and cheaper than a full trial.

However, there are limitations. The payment order procedure is only available for monetary claims. You cannot use it to seek specific performance (e.g., requiring the defendant to deliver goods) or declaratory relief (e.g., declaring a contract void). Additionally, the claim must be clear from the documents you submit—if the legal or factual situation is complex or disputed, the court will not issue a payment order and will instead treat your petition as a regular lawsuit.

For Macedonian companies with Czech debtors, the payment order procedure offers a significant strategic advantage: speed. In many cases, defendants faced with a payment order either pay immediately to avoid further proceedings or file an objection but then settle during the subsequent lawsuit. ARROWS uses the payment order procedure extensively for clients with unpaid invoices and other debt claims. For advice on whether your claim qualifies, contact us at office@arws.cz.

An electronic payment order option is also available for claims not exceeding CZK 1 million, which further accelerates the process and reduces court fees. However, this requires a guaranteed electronic signature—a technical requirement that many foreign companies do not have set up. ARROWS can assist with electronic filing.

Starting a Full Lawsuit: Procedure and Timeline

If the payment order procedure is not suitable for your case—for example, because you are seeking non-monetary relief, the defendant has already indicated they will contest the claim, or the legal issues are complex—you will need to file a standard statement of claim (žaloba) to initiate a full lawsuit.

Filing the Statement of Claim

Your statement of claim must include:

Identification of parties: Full name and registered address of the plaintiff (your Macedonian company) and defendant (the Czech company), including company registration numbers
Identification of the court: You must file with the court that has jurisdiction
Statement of facts: A clear, chronological description of the events giving rise to the claim (e.g., the contract, performance by your company, breach by the defendant)
Legal grounds: The specific legal basis for your claim (e.g., breach of contract under Czech Civil Code Section 2913)
Relief sought: Exactly what you want the court to order (e.g., "order the defendant to pay CZK 500,000 plus interest" or "order the defendant to deliver 1,000 units of goods")
Evidence: A list of all evidence you will rely on, including witness testimony, documents, expert reports, and physical evidence
Supporting documents: All key documents must be attached, including the contract, invoices, correspondence, and corporate documents proving your authority to sue

All documents must be in Czech or accompanied by certified Czech translations. Remember to attach proof that you sent the mandatory pre-action demand at least 7 days before filing.

Court Fees

Court fees for a statement of claim depend on the value of your claim:

For claims up to CZK 20,000: CZK 1,000 flat fee
For claims over CZK 20,000: 5% of the claim amount
Maximum fee: CZK 4.1 million for claims exceeding CZK 250 million

For example, if you are claiming CZK 500,000 in unpaid invoices, the court fee is CZK 25,000 (5% of CZK 500,000). This fee must be paid when you file the statement of claim. If you win, the court will typically order the defendant to reimburse your court fees.

Service of the Statement of Claim

Once you file your statement of claim and pay the court fee, the court will review the filing to ensure it meets formal requirements. If everything is in order, the court serves the statement of claim on the defendant.

The defendant then has 30 days to file a statement of defense. The statement of defense sets out the defendant's version of the facts, legal arguments, and any counterclaims.

First Hearing and Evidence-Taking

After the exchange of pleadings, the court schedules a first hearing. In commercial cases, regional courts (krajské soudy) typically handle first-instance proceedings and are generally more experienced with complex business disputes than district courts.

Czech civil procedure is an "inquisitorial" system, meaning the judge actively manages the case and questions witnesses and parties. The judge is not a passive referee as in common law systems.

At the first hearing, the judge will:

Review the parties' positions
Attempt to facilitate settlement if possible
Determine what evidence needs to be taken
Schedule further hearings if necessary

Evidence-taking can include witness testimony, document review, expert opinions (e.g., accounting experts to review financial records, technical experts to assess product defects), and site inspections. The process of taking evidence is one of the most time-consuming aspects of Czech litigation. If witnesses are located abroad (e.g., your key witnesses are in North Macedonia), the court may need to use international legal assistance procedures to take their testimony, which can add months to the timeline.

Judgment

After all evidence has been taken and both parties have had the opportunity to present arguments, the court issues a judgment. The judgment must include written reasoning explaining the court's findings of fact and application of law.

Typical timeline for a first-instance commercial lawsuit: 12-24 months from filing to judgment, depending on complexity. Cases involving extensive document review, multiple witnesses, or technical expert opinions can take longer.

Appeals

Either party can appeal the first-instance judgment to a higher court within 15 days of receiving the written judgment. Appeals are heard by High Courts (vrchní soudy). The appellate process typically adds another 12-18 months.

This timeline underscores a key reality: Czech litigation is not fast. Even a straightforward case takes a year or more. Complex cases can span several years. This is why many experienced commercial parties opt for arbitration (discussed below) or invest heavily in drafting airtight contracts with clear jurisdiction and governing law clauses to minimize disputes.

ARROWS helps clients realistically assess the time and cost of litigation and explore alternative dispute resolution where appropriate. For a consultation, write to office@arws.cz.

Risks and Penalties	How ARROWS Helps (office@arws.cz)
Court rejects filing due to missing formal requirements, delaying case by weeks	Complete statement of claim preparation with all required elements
Evidence improperly listed or formatted, weakening your case	Evidence strategy and proper presentation under Czech procedural rules
Witnesses located abroad—international legal assistance adds 6-12 months	Coordination of cross-border evidence-taking and witness logistics
Missing 15-day appeal deadline results in final adverse judgment	Deadline tracking and immediate appeal preparation
Litigation stretches 2-3 years, tying up management time and resources	Realistic timeline assessment and alternative dispute resolution options
Inadequate cost-benefit analysis before filing	Strategic litigation planning and cost-benefit modeling

Costs of Litigation: Attorney Fees and Cost Recovery

Understanding the financial dimension of Czech litigation is essential for Macedonian companies evaluating whether to pursue a claim.

Attorney Fees

Czech attorneys typically charge either hourly rates or tariff-based fees for specific legal acts.

Hourly rates for commercial litigation:

Standard Czech-language services: CZK 2,500 - 4,000 per hour
Foreign-language services or cases involving foreign law: CZK 4,000 - 5,000 per hour or higher
Complex international cases: Fees can be increased up to three times the standard rate under Czech law if the case involves foreign law or foreign language

For a Macedonian company, this means attorney fees will likely be at the higher end of the range because your case involves a foreign party, cross-border elements, and requires communication in English or another foreign language.

Tariff-based fees are calculated according to the Czech Attorney's Tariff (Advokátní tarif). Under the tariff, the fee depends on the value of the dispute and the number of legal acts performed (e.g., drafting the statement of claim is one act; representing the client at a hearing is another act). For a claim worth CZK 500,000, the tariff fee for the statement of claim might be around CZK 20,000-30,000, plus additional fees for hearings and other procedural steps.

In total, attorney fees typically represent 60-90% of the overall cost of litigation. For a mid-sized commercial dispute (e.g., CZK 500,000-1,000,000 claim), you should budget CZK 100,000-300,000 or more in attorney fees depending on the complexity and duration of the case.

Cost Recovery

The good news is that Czech law follows the "loser pays" principle: if you win your case, the court will order the defendant to reimburse your costs, including court fees and a portion of your attorney fees.

However, cost recovery is limited by the statutory tariff. Even if you actually paid your attorney CZK 200,000 in fees, the court may only award you CZK 100,000 in recoverable costs based on the tariff calculation. The difference comes out of your pocket.

Additionally, the successful party is entitled to a lump-sum reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses of CZK 300 per legal act (e.g., per hearing, per filed motion) to cover postage, local transportation, and phone calls. These amounts are relatively modest and do not cover the full out-of-pocket expenses that typically arise in international litigation (e.g., translation costs, travel costs for foreign attorneys or witnesses).

Translation costs, which can be substantial in cases involving many documents, are generally recoverable from the losing party. This is an important consideration for Macedonian companies, where virtually every document will require Czech translation.

The bottom line: Litigation is expensive, and even if you win, you will likely not recover 100% of your actual costs. ARROWS provides transparent cost estimates at the outset and works with clients to manage litigation budgets effectively. For a cost assessment of your potential case, contact us at office@arws.cz.

Preliminary Injunctions: Protecting Your Interests Before Judgment

In urgent situations—for example, where the defendant is dissipating assets, destroying evidence, or continuing to breach a non-compete obligation—you may need a preliminary injunction (předběžné opatření) to protect your interests while the main lawsuit proceeds.

Czech courts can issue preliminary injunctions if two conditions are met:

It is necessary to provisionally regulate the parties' relationship, or
There is a risk that enforcement of the final judgment will be jeopardized (e.g., the defendant is transferring assets abroad or into shell companies to avoid paying a future judgment)

Preliminary injunctions can order a wide range of measures, including:

Freezing the defendant's bank accounts or specific assets
Prohibiting the defendant from selling or transferring property
Ordering the defendant to stop certain conduct (e.g., using your trademark, violating a non-compete clause)
Securing evidence before it is destroyed or lost

The court must decide on a preliminary injunction application "without undue delay" and in any event within 7 days of receiving the application. This makes preliminary injunctions one of the fastest forms of relief available in Czech courts.

Preliminary injunctions are typically granted ex parte—meaning the court issues the order without first hearing from the defendant. This is essential in urgent situations where notifying the defendant in advance would defeat the purpose (e.g., if you notify the defendant you are seeking to freeze their accounts, they will immediately transfer the funds elsewhere).

However, obtaining a preliminary injunction requires strong evidence. You must demonstrate to the court's satisfaction that:

Your underlying claim is likely to succeed
You will suffer irreparable harm if the injunction is not granted
The balance of harms favors granting the injunction

If the court grants the preliminary injunction before the main lawsuit is filed, it will also order you to file the statement of claim within a specified period (typically 30 days). If you fail to file the lawsuit within that period, the preliminary injunction automatically lapses.

For Macedonian companies facing asset dissipation, ongoing breaches, or evidence destruction, preliminary injunctions can be decisive. ARROWS has extensive experience securing urgent preliminary injunctions in commercial disputes. Because time is of the essence in these situations, immediate legal action is critical. If you believe you need a preliminary injunction, contact ARROWS immediately at office@arws.cz.

Arbitration as an Alternative to Court Litigation

Many international commercial parties prefer arbitration over court litigation for several reasons:

Speed: Arbitration proceedings typically conclude faster than court litigation
Confidentiality: Arbitration is private and confidential, unlike court proceedings which are generally public
Flexibility: Parties can agree on procedural rules, language, and the arbitrators' expertise
Enforceability: Arbitral awards are enforceable internationally under the New York Convention

Czech arbitration law is governed by the Arbitration Act (Act No. 216/1994 Coll.). The Act provides a modern legal framework for both ad hoc arbitration and institutional arbitration.

The Arbitration Court attached to the Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic and Agricultural Chamber of the Czech Republic in Prague is the leading arbitration institution in the Czech Republic. It handles hundreds of commercial disputes each year and has well-developed rules and procedures.

To use arbitration, both parties must agree to it—either in an arbitration clause in the original contract or in a separate arbitration agreement after the dispute arises. If your commercial contract with a Czech partner includes an arbitration clause, that clause is binding and you must pursue arbitration rather than court litigation (unless both parties agree otherwise).

Choice of arbitration is a strategic decision that should be made at the contract drafting stage, not after a dispute arises. ARROWS advises clients on whether to include arbitration clauses in commercial contracts and, if so, how to draft them effectively. For contract review and drafting, write to office@arws.cz.

Enforcement of Judgments

Once you obtain a final judgment from a Czech court, enforcement (exekuce) can be pursued through two methods:

Judicial enforcement: Conducted by court officials
Executor enforcement: Conducted by semi-private bailiffs (soudní exekutor)

In practice, the vast majority of enforcement is handled by executors because it is significantly faster and more effective than judicial enforcement. Executors have broad powers to identify and seize the debtor's assets, including bank accounts, real property, wages, and business receivables.

For Macedonian companies that have obtained a judgment in a Czech court, enforcement within the Czech Republic is straightforward. However, if you need to enforce the Czech judgment in North Macedonia, you will need to go through the recognition and enforcement process under Macedonian law.

ARROWS assists clients with both obtaining judgments and enforcing them, including coordination with executors and cross-border enforcement. For enforcement assistance, contact us at office@arws.cz.

The Importance of Governing Law Clauses in Commercial Contracts

One of the most effective ways to reduce litigation risk is to address jurisdiction and governing law issues before disputes arise—by including well-drafted clauses in your commercial contracts.

Choice-of-law clauses allow the parties to agree which country's law will govern the contract. For contracts between Macedonian and Czech companies, you might choose Czech law, Macedonian law, or even a neutral third-party law.

Why might a Macedonian company agree to Czech law as the governing law?

Predictability: If the contract will be performed primarily in the Czech Republic and involves Czech real estate, goods, or services, Czech law may be the most logical choice
Enforceability: Czech courts are familiar with applying Czech law and are more comfortable interpreting contracts under their own legal system
International arbitration: If you combine a Czech law governing law clause with an international arbitration clause (e.g., ICC arbitration in Vienna), you get the predictability of Czech substantive law with the neutrality and efficiency of international arbitration

Choice-of-court clauses similarly allow parties to agree in advance which courts will have jurisdiction over disputes. A well-drafted jurisdiction clause eliminates uncertainty and prevents the opposing party from filing suit in an inconvenient forum.

For Macedonian companies doing regular business with Czech partners, investing in properly drafted commercial contracts with clear governing law and jurisdiction clauses can save enormous time, cost, and stress if disputes arise. ARROWS drafts and reviews commercial contracts for international clients daily, ensuring that governing law, jurisdiction, and dispute resolution clauses are optimized for the client's interests. Need a contract reviewed or drafted? Contact us at office@arws.cz.

Why ARROWS Is Your Strategic Partner for Czech Litigation

Litigation in the Czech Republic from a foreign jurisdiction presents significant procedural, linguistic, and strategic challenges. The difference between success and failure often lies not in the merits of your claim, but in the execution of procedural requirements and the management of hidden risks like the Data Box system, document authentication, and strict deadlines.

ARROWS, a leading Czech law firm based in Prague, European Union, handles this agenda on a daily basis. The firm's deep experience with cross-border commercial litigation means that ARROWS can significantly reduce your risk and save you time. We have represented foreign clients from over 90 countries, including businesses from the Balkans and other EU accession regions.

ARROWS is insured for damages up to CZK 500 million, providing additional security that your legal matters are handled by a financially stable and professionally responsible firm. The firm supports over 150 joint-stock companies and 250 limited liability companies, demonstrating extensive practical experience with Czech corporate and commercial law.

Through the ARROWS International network, we coordinate cross-border legal matters seamlessly, ensuring that complex multi-jurisdictional disputes involving both Czech and foreign elements are managed efficiently. Whether you need evidence gathered in North Macedonia, witnesses prepared for testimony, or coordination with Macedonian counsel, ARROWS has the international capabilities to deliver.

Our services for Macedonian companies include:

Jurisdictional analysis and strategic litigation planning to ensure your claim is filed in the correct court with the optimal legal strategy
Complete document preparation, including statements of claim, pre-action demand letters, preliminary injunction applications, and all supporting materials—with certified translations coordinated efficiently
Data Box monitoring and management to ensure you never miss a critical court communication or deadline
Full court representation at all stages of proceedings, from first instance through appeals
Enforcement of judgments, including coordination with executors and cross-border enforcement
Contract drafting and review to minimize future disputes through well-crafted jurisdiction, governing law, and dispute resolution clauses
Arbitration services, including representation before Czech and international arbitration tribunals
Professional training for your management and in-house counsel (with certificates) on Czech litigation procedures, cross-border enforcement, and risk mitigation strategies
Legal opinions on complex questions of Czech law for use by your Macedonian counsel or internal decision-makers

ARROWS is also known for speed and high quality. We understand that business disputes require urgent attention and that delayed legal action can jeopardize your commercial interests. Our lawyers respond quickly, provide clear strategic advice, and execute litigation plans efficiently.

Additionally, ARROWS welcomes innovative business ideas and investment opportunities and actively helps clients connect with one another when business or investment interests align. This means that engaging ARROWS for litigation services can also open doors to broader commercial opportunities in the Czech market and across the ARROWS International network.

Do not attempt to navigate Czech litigation alone. The procedural risks, language barriers, and hidden traps are too significant. If you do not want to risk errors, damages, or fines, leave the matter to ARROWS—just contact the office at office@arws.cz. Our experienced English-speaking lawyers in Prague are ready to assist you immediately.

FAQ – Most Common Legal Questions About Macedonian Companies Litigating in Czech Courts

1. Can a Macedonian company represent itself in Czech court without hiring a Czech lawyer?
Technically yes—Czech law does not require mandatory legal representation in civil proceedings. However, this is strongly inadvisable. Czech civil procedure is complex, all proceedings are in Czech, and procedural mistakes (e.g., missing deadlines, improper document filing, failure to monitor the Data Box) can be fatal to your case. The cost of hiring experienced Czech counsel is far outweighed by the risk of losing your case due to procedural errors. ARROWS provides full representation for foreign companies in Czech courts—contact us at office@arws.cz.

2. How long does it take to get a judgment in a Czech court?
For first-instance proceedings, expect 12-24 months from filing to judgment in a straightforward commercial case. Complex cases with extensive evidence and multiple witnesses can take 2-3 years or longer. If either party appeals, add another 12-18 months for the appellate proceedings. The payment order procedure, if applicable, can produce results in 4-8 weeks. ARROWS provides realistic timeline assessments based on the specifics of your case. For a case evaluation, write to office@arws.cz.

3. What is the statute of limitations for commercial claims in the Czech Republic?
The general limitation period for commercial claims is three years from the date the right could first be exercised. However, the specific date when the limitation period begins running can be complex. For example, for claims based on invoices, the limitation period may begin running when the creditor first had the right to issue the invoice, not necessarily when the invoice became due. Missing the limitation period means your claim is time-barred and cannot be pursued. ARROWS analyzes limitation periods carefully before initiating litigation—contact us at office@arws.cz.

4. Can I enforce a Macedonian court judgment in the Czech Republic?
Yes, but the process is more complex than enforcing an EU judgment. Since North Macedonia is not an EU member, the Brussels Ia Regulation does not apply. Macedonian judgments can be recognized and enforced in the Czech Republic under Czech Private International Law (Act No. 91/2012 Coll.) if certain conditions are met, including that the judgment is final, does not violate Czech public policy, and the Czech courts did not have exclusive jurisdiction over the matter. Recognition is not automatic—you must apply to a Czech court for a declaration of enforceability. This adds time and cost. ARROWS assists with cross-border judgment recognition and enforcement—write to us at office@arws.cz.

5. Is arbitration better than court litigation for disputes with Czech companies?
It depends on the specific circumstances. Arbitration is generally faster, more confidential, and more flexible than court litigation. However, arbitration is only possible if both parties have agreed to it (either in the original contract or after the dispute arises). Arbitration can also be more expensive than court litigation for smaller claims. ARROWS evaluates the pros and cons of arbitration versus litigation based on your specific situation and helps you make a strategic decision. For advice, contact us at office@arws.cz.

6. What happens if my Czech opponent goes bankrupt during the litigation?
If the defendant enters bankruptcy (insolvency) proceedings, your lawsuit is automatically stayed. You must then file your claim in the bankruptcy proceedings as a creditor. Your claim will be treated alongside other creditors' claims, and you may receive only partial payment (or no payment) depending on the defendant's assets and the priority of claims. This is why preliminary injunctions to freeze assets can be critical if you suspect the defendant is facing financial distress. ARROWS monitors debtor financial health and takes protective measures when necessary—contact us at office@arws.cz.