Glossary · Austria
Austrian payment-order claim and conditional order
A Mahnklage is the claim initiating Austria’s payment-order procedure. A conditional payment order is the court document that may result when the conditions are met. Filing and the resulting order are different steps.
Distinguish the concepts
“Conditional” reflects the possibility of an objection. The order is issued without a prior oral hearing or full substantive examination of the asserted claim. Acceptance of the application therefore confirms neither the debt’s validity nor eventual recovery. An out-of-court demand does not have the same court effect.
Jurisdiction and scope
The official Austrian overview describes monetary claims up to EUR 75,000, subject to statutory exclusions. The order generally calls for payment within 14 days or an objection within four weeks of service. A timely objection removes the order to the extent challenged; subsequent disputed proceedings need consideration. Representation requirements are a separate question.
Illustrative business example
A business takes an invoice to court. It records the correct service address and monitors service and procedural status. If the defendant objects, the objection is assessed against contract, performance and correspondence. Without an objection, the order may become a basis for enforcement. A payout still requires money actually received and available for settlement.
Common questions
Does the order prove the invoice is correct?
Issuing it in the payment-order procedure is not a full substantive examination of the claim.
What does an objection change?
A timely objection removes the conditional order to the extent challenged. Evidence, representation and costs need reassessment for the next stage.
Can I use the German two-week period?
No. The Austrian order and German Mahnbescheid follow different rules. Use the actual court document and relevant procedure.
Related topics
Sources and basis
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.