Debt recovery
European payment order: recovering a debt from a customer in another EU country
If the customer is in Germany, France or another EU country and does not pay, there is a European procedure that is simpler than a lawsuit abroad.
In 30 seconds
The European payment order (EC Regulation 1896/2006) is used for monetary, civil and commercial claims, uncontested, between EU countries. A standard form is used and the decision is usually made without a hearing. If the debtor objects within 30 days, the proceedings turn into an ordinary lawsuit.
When is it used?
When the claim is monetary, already due, arises from a civil or commercial relationship and the debtor is in another EU country (not Denmark, where the regulation does not apply). It works best if the debtor does not dispute the debt.
Next question: If your customer is outside the EU, how can you get paid? Read Debt recovery abroad: how to get paid by a foreign customer.
How do you apply?
- You fill in the standard form with the details of the parties, the claim and the evidence.
- You file it with the competent court.
- The judge issues the order without hearing the debtor, if the application is well founded.
- It is served on the debtor, who has 30 days to object.
What happens next?
If there is no objection, the order becomes enforceable and is valid in all EU States without further formalities. If there is an objection, as a rule the proceedings continue as an ordinary lawsuit.
What are the alternatives?
Italian order for payment (decreto ingiuntivo)
If the Italian court is competent, but it must then be recognised abroad.
Negotiation
A written notice of default in the customer’s language is often enough.
What is usually the best route?
- Foreign customer who does not dispute: the European order is usually the fastest and least expensive route.
- Customer who disputes the quality: the European procedure loses its point; it is worth considering a lawsuit right away.
- Customer in crisis: it is urgent to assess guarantees and insolvency proceedings in his country.
What to do right away: gather the contract, invoices, orders and reminders and check the limitation period. No route guarantees payment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer in the debtor’s country?
Not to apply for the European order. One may be needed for enforcement.
How long does it take?
It depends on the court and on service. We cannot give reliable timings.
Does it also apply to consumers?
Yes, for civil and commercial claims, with the legal safeguards for consumers.
And outside the EU?
Other procedures and treaties are used. We discuss it in the meeting.
Related guides
How Attorney Fiorentino can assist you
Three practical tips:
- Put orders and conditions in writing: the judge assesses the evidence attached.
- Check the language: service and the form must be in an understandable language.
- Do not wait: limitation periods run also for foreign claims.
Attorney Fiorentino prepares the form, follows service and enforcement in Italy and, with local colleagues, abroad. Also by video call.
Is a foreign customer not paying you?
A first meeting to understand the situation, then a written proposal of the fee, also by video call.
Informational content, not legal advice. Attorney Renato Giuseppe Fiorentino, lawyer registered with the Naples Bar Association · Studio Legale Fiorentino, Piazza Giovanni Bovio 22, 80133 Naples · PEC avv.renatofiorentino@pec.it · Tel. and WhatsApp 347 5264190 · Clients are seen by appointment in Naples (Piazza Bovio 22 and Via Monte di Dio 14), Rome (Via Giorgio Ribotta 21) and Bari (Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 61), and by video call from all over Italy.
Main page on the subject: Debt recovery in Naples for individuals and businesses →
Read also
- Invoices not paid by the public administration: how to get paid
- Professional debt recovery: the client does not pay the fee or the invoice
- Commercial tenant who does not pay: eviction for arrears and recovery of rent
Translated from the Italian original; updated on October 18, 2026.
(Read also): Legal guides from Studio Legale Fiorentino · International contracts with foreign companies: the clauses to check before signing · Assets abroad in a succession: what to check
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