Debt Recovery in Romania for Swiss Clients
Swiss creditors cannot use the European Payment Order, but Swiss judgments benefit from the Lugano Convention. Local Romanian proceedings remain an efficient option for undisputed debts.
Typical matters for Swiss clients
Swiss creditors cannot use the European Payment Order, but Swiss judgments benefit from the Lugano Convention. Local Romanian proceedings remain an efficient option for undisputed debts.
- Romanian payment order against the debtor
- Recognition of Swiss judgments under Lugano
- Enforcement through a Romanian bailiff
- Arbitral award recognition (New York Convention)
Rules for a non-EU party from Switzerland
Swiss judgments are recognised in Romania under the 2007 Lugano Convention, which mirrors the EU rules but still requires a declaration of enforceability. Arbitral awards follow the 1958 New York Convention.
Documents and cross-border formalities
Swiss commercial-register extracts and resolutions are apostilled and translated into Romanian by an authorised translator. In Switzerland the apostille is issued by the State Chancellery of the canton where the document was issued, or by the Federal Chancellery for federal documents. Documents are served under the 1965 Hague Service Convention, to which both states are parties.
- Corporate documents of the Swiss AG or GmbH
- Power of attorney for remote signing
- Authorised Romanian translations
- Proof of claim: contract, invoices, delivery
People and staff
Swiss citizens benefit from free movement under the EU–Switzerland Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons; social security coordination follows Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 as applied under that agreement.
What a debt-recovery file involves
Recovery starts with an honest assessment: is the claim documented, is the debtor solvent, and which procedure fits. Only then do we choose between a formal notice, a payment order, an EU instrument or ordinary proceedings.
- Claim assessment: contract, invoices, delivery and acceptance proof
- Formal demand letter and out-of-court negotiation
- Romanian payment order (ordonanța de plată) for undisputed claims
- European Payment Order and Small Claims Procedure for EU creditors
- Court proceedings and interim measures to secure assets
- Enforcement through a bailiff, including bank-account and asset attachment
Why cross-border claims fail
Most failed recoveries we review share the same root causes — all avoidable at contract stage.
- No written proof of delivery or acceptance of the goods or services
- Limitation period close to expiry when the file reaches a lawyer
- Debtor company already in insolvency, with the claim filed too late
- Contracts without a jurisdiction or applicable-law clause
How It Works
File review
Contract, invoices, delivery proof and correspondence.
Formal notice
A written demand to the debtor, often the prerequisite for court.
Proceedings
Payment order, ordinary claim, EU procedure or recognition.
Enforcement
Enforcement through a Romanian bailiff or insolvency claim.
How we work with Swiss clients
Scope, stages and documents are agreed in writing before work starts.
- Legal activity since 2008 — 18 years of experience
- Remote process for Swiss clients with power of attorney
Phone
+40 740 011 411Response Time
Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00
Schedule
Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 16:00
Frequently Asked Questions
Discuss your Swiss matter
Cabinet de Avocatură Pantilimon Rikhárd-Árpád, Târgu Mureș. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–16:00.