European Order for Payment: Recovering an Unpaid Invoice From an EU Client

Chasing a client in another country feels harder than chasing one down the road. Different language, different courts, and the suspicion that the client knows you won't bother. Inside the EU, there's a tool designed for exactly this situation: the European Order for Payment. It's a standardised, mostly paper-based procedure for uncontested money claims across borders, with no upper limit and, in most cases, no hearing.

Here's who can use it, how it works, and when you'd choose something else. It's general information, not legal advice.

What it is

The European Order for Payment procedure was created by Regulation (EC) No 1896/2006. It lets a creditor get an enforceable court order for a money debt against a debtor in another EU country, using standard forms that are the same in every participating country.

Key features:

• Cross-border only. At least one party must be domiciled or habitually resident in a member state other than the one where the court is.
• All EU countries except Denmark.
• Money claims for a specific amount that are due when you apply.
• No upper limit on the amount.
• Uncontested claims. If the debtor opposes, the case moves to ordinary court proceedings.
• Enforceable across the EU once declared enforceable, without separate recognition proceedings.

When it makes sense

It's a good fit when:

• your client is in a different EU country from you (or from the court you're applying to);
• the debt is clear: an invoice, a contract, proof the work was delivered;
• the client hasn't disputed the work, they just haven't paid.

It's a poor fit when the client has said the work was unsatisfactory. If they're likely to oppose, the case turns into regular proceedings in the court you applied to, which can be slower and more expensive.

Before you apply

Do the usual steps first. Many cross-border debts are paid once the client sees you're organised:

1. A clear reminder sequence. See chasing overseas clients without awkwardness.
2. A final notice with a date.
3. A reminder of your rights under the EU Late Payment Directive: statutory interest and at least €40 compensation for B2B debts. See EU late payment directive for freelancers.
4. A formal demand letter stating that you'll use the European Order for Payment procedure if unpaid.

How the procedure works

1. Choose the court. Jurisdiction follows the EU rules on jurisdiction in civil matters. Often that's the courts of the debtor's country, or the place where the services were provided, or a court agreed in your contract. If the debtor is a consumer, the claim must be brought in the consumer's country.

2. Fill in Form A. This is the application. It asks for the parties, the court, the amount, interest, the cause of action (for example, unpaid invoice for services) and a description of the evidence. You don't attach the evidence itself, you describe it. The forms are available in all EU languages on the European e-Justice Portal, which also offers a dynamic online version.

3. Submit it to the competent court, in the language that court accepts, and pay the court fee. Fees vary by country.

4. The court examines the application. If it's complete and appears well-founded, the court issues the European Order for Payment (Form E) and arranges for it to be served on the debtor.

5. The debtor has 30 days from service to lodge a statement of opposition (Form F). They don't need to give reasons.

6. If there's no opposition, the court declares the order enforceable (Form G). You can then enforce it in the debtor's country through the local enforcement authorities, with a copy of the order and, where required, a translation.

7. If the debtor opposes, the case moves to ordinary civil proceedings, unless you've said you want the procedure terminated in that case.

The alternative: European Small Claims Procedure

For cross-border claims of up to €5,000, the European Small Claims Procedure (Regulation (EC) No 861/2007, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2015/2421) is another option. It's also written and standardised, but unlike the payment order, it decides disputed claims too. If your client is likely to contest the invoice and the amount is under €5,000, it may be the better route.

Practical tips

• Keep evidence organised from day one: contract or written agreement, invoices, delivery emails, client sign-off, reminders sent.
• Use the client's correct legal name and address. Check the company register in their country.
• Include interest correctly. You can claim statutory interest under the national rules implementing the Late Payment Directive. Our EU late payment interest calculator helps with the maths.
• Check fees and languages on the European e-Justice Portal for the court you'll use.
• Consider a local lawyer for enforcement if the debt is large or the debtor has assets in only one country.

FAQ

What is the European Order for Payment?

A standardised EU procedure for recovering uncontested cross-border money claims, with no upper limit, based on Regulation (EC) No 1896/2006.

Can I use it against a client in my own country?

No. It's for cross-border cases. For domestic debts, use your national payment order or small claims procedure.

How long does the debtor have to respond?

30 days from service of the order to lodge a statement of opposition.

Does it work in Denmark?

No. Denmark doesn't participate in the European Order for Payment procedure.

Is there a maximum amount?

No. For claims up to €5,000, the European Small Claims Procedure is an alternative that also handles disputed claims.

Most cross-border invoices don't need a court

Steady, polite follow-up works across borders too. DueChat sends reminders in your name at 7, 14 and 30 days overdue, in clear English, with your Stripe link or bank details, and stops when you're paid. €19/month or €190/year after a 30-day trial. See pricing.