Debt Recovery in Romania for US Clients
US creditors usually pursue Romanian debtors locally, since US judgments need recognition first. A well-drafted arbitration clause makes enforcement easier under the New York Convention.
Typical matters for US clients
US creditors usually pursue Romanian debtors locally, since US judgments need recognition first. A well-drafted arbitration clause makes enforcement easier under the New York Convention.
- Formal notice and Romanian payment order
- Recognition of US judgments (Book VII CPC)
- New York Convention award enforcement
- Asset searches through public registers
Rules for a non-EU party from the United States
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
US certificates of good standing and resolutions are apostilled by the competent Secretary of State and translated into Romanian by an authorised translator. In the United States the apostille is issued by the Secretary of State of the state where the document was notarised or issued, or by the U.S. Department of State for federal documents. Documents are served under the 1965 Hague Service Convention.
- Corporate documents of the US LLC or corporation
- Power of attorney for remote signing
- Authorised Romanian translations
- Proof of claim: contract, invoices, delivery
People and staff
US citizens need a Romanian long-stay visa, residence permit and, as a rule, a work permit to work in Romania.
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 US clients
Scope, stages and documents are agreed in writing before work starts.
- Legal activity since 2008 — 18 years of experience
- Remote process for US 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 US matter
Cabinet de Avocatură Pantilimon Rikhárd-Árpád, Târgu Mureș. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00–16:00.