Cross-border claims · Europe
Debt collection in Europe: prepare a cross-border claim
A customer abroad adds questions to an unpaid invoice: which law applies, which authority is competent and where could enforcement take place? Prepare this information alongside the claim. The appropriate route depends on the country and the specific engagement.
What information does a cross-border case need?
Identify the parties with their place of business or residence, contractual documents and an address suitable for service. Include any choice-of-law or jurisdiction agreements and the contract language. An international VAT number does not replace a contract or clearly identify the invoice.
Show principal, currency, due date, default and payments separately. Keep foreign-language originals and label any translations you prepare. Whether a particular translation is required depends on the procedural route.
Separate out-of-court handling from court action
An out-of-court demand does not create a cross-border enforceable title. If payment remains outstanding, procedure, jurisdiction, service and enforcement need separate assessment. A title from one state does not answer every question about execution in another.
A European payment-order procedure may be available for eligible cross-border monetary claims. It is not a universal route for every foreign claim. National procedures also exist; the choice depends on the claim and any dispute, among other factors.
Austria, Germany and other EU states
| Connection | What should you establish? | Further guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | The claim, acceptance and any Austrian court procedure | Austrian payment-order claim |
| Germany | A German payment order or an existing enforcement title | Germany overview |
| Cross-border EU case | Eligibility, competent authority and country-specific requirements | European payment order |
This overview does not promise comprehensive representation in every country. Procedural information and services available under a specific engagement are separate matters.
Which services and costs need prior clarification?
The incaseof.law terms address international cases and possible support through local legal partnerships. Additional legal, court and translation costs are disclosed in advance within the scope described there and require your approval.
Before an additional step, record who will carry it out, the instruction and the associated costs. The availability of an EU form does not mean every service is included in the out-of-court model. Possible reimbursement must also be distinguished from money actually recovered.
Related topics
Sources and basis
- Engagement, services, remuneration and cooperation: incaseof.law terms
- European Commission: cross-border monetary claims
- European e-Justice Portal: payment order
- Official forms and country information
Content reviewed on 23 September 2026. Procedural information and our contractual terms are separate foundations. The individual case remains decisive.
Your next step
Prepare your documents and use the existing registration. For questions about the scope of services, visit our contact page.
Received a letter as a debtor? Please go directly to the payment portal.