Debt Recovery in Romania for Chinese Clients
Chinese suppliers selling to Romanian buyers usually recover locally in Romania. Arbitration clauses in the supply contract simplify enforcement under the New York Convention.
Typical matters for Chinese clients
Chinese suppliers selling to Romanian buyers usually recover locally in Romania. Arbitration clauses in the supply contract simplify enforcement under the New York Convention.
- Romanian payment order against buyers
- Recognition of CIETAC or other arbitral awards
- Evidence of delivery and invoices
- Insolvency claim filing
Rules for a non-EU party from China
A court decision from outside the EU must first be recognised and declared enforceable by a Romanian court under Book VII of the Romanian Code of Civil Procedure. Arbitral awards are recognised under the 1958 New York Convention, to which Romania is a party.
Documents and cross-border formalities
Since China joined the 1961 Apostille Convention in November 2023, Chinese public documents are apostilled instead of consular-legalised; they are then translated into Romanian by an authorised translator. Mainland China applies the Apostille Convention since 7 November 2023; apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or authorised local foreign-affairs offices. Documents are served under the 1965 Hague Service Convention.
- Corporate documents of the Chinese limited liability company
- Power of attorney for remote signing
- Authorised Romanian translations
- Proof of claim: contract, invoices, delivery
People and staff
Chinese nationals need a work permit from IGI and a long-stay visa for employment, followed by a residence permit.
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 Chinese clients
Scope, stages and documents are agreed in writing before work starts.
- Legal activity since 2008 — 18 years of experience
- Remote process for Chinese 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 Chinese matter
Cabinet de Avocatură Pantilimon Rikhárd-Árpád, Târgu Mureș. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–16:00.