How to Recover Debts in Romania: Legal Options for International Creditors

Updated 2026. This article has been reviewed to reflect the legal framework in force in 2026.

How to Recover Debts in Romania: A Guide for International Creditors

When a Romanian company or individual owes you money, recovering it across borders can seem daunting. This guide explains the legal mechanisms available and how to choose the most effective strategy.

Understanding Your Options

Romanian law provides several debt recovery paths, each with different timelines and costs:

1.

Amicable Recovery (Pre-Litigation)

Timeline: 2-4 weeks Cost: Minimal

Before any legal action, Romanian law requires a formal somație de plată (payment notice). This:

• Formally demands payment within 15-30 days
• Creates a legal record of the debtor's default
• Is required before most court procedures
• Often motivates payment to avoid litigation costs

2.

European Payment Order (for EU Creditors)

Timeline: 1-3 months Cost: Court fees only (~€50-200) Legal basis: EU Regulation 1896/2006

If both parties are in the EU, this is the fastest route:

• File Form A with the competent Romanian court
• No lawyer required (but recommended)
• The court issues an order within 30 days
• Debtor has 30 days to oppose — if no opposition, the order is enforceable across the EU

3.

Romanian Payment Order (Ordonanță de Plată)

Timeline: 1-3 months Cost: Court fees (~100-500 RON) Legal basis: Articles 1014-1025 New Civil Procedure Code

For debts arising from contracts with a determined or determinable amount:

• File with the court where the debtor has its registered office
• One hearing, simplified procedure
• The order becomes enforceable after 30 days if not challenged

4.

Full Litigation

Timeline: 6-24 months Legal basis: New Civil Procedure Code

For disputed debts or when simpler procedures don't apply:

• First instance: Tribunal or Court of First Instance
• Appeal: Court of Appeal
• 453 NCPC)

5.

Insolvency Proceedings

Timeline: Variable (6 months - 3 years) Cost: Filing fee + legal representation

If the debtor is insolvent:

• File a claim in the insolvency proceedings within the court-set deadline
• Priority ranking: secured creditors > tax authorities > unsecured creditors
• Potential for reorganization plan with partial recovery
• Liquidation as last resort

Cross-Border Enforcement

Within the EU

• Romanian court judgments are directly enforceable in any EU member state under EU Regulation 1215/2012 (Brussels I Recast)
• No exequatur needed — simply obtain a certificate from the Romanian court

Outside the EU

• Enforcement depends on bilateral treaties
• Romania has treaties with Switzerland, Turkey, Moldova, and others
• Without a treaty: the judgment must be recognized by the foreign court

Practical Tips for International Creditors

📖 Recommended reading: Debt Recovery Romania Commercial: Legal Guide EU Creditors 2026