Debt Collection in Poland – Recover Your Money from Polish Debtors
Is your Polish business partner or customer failing to pay outstanding invoices? Have you delivered goods or provided services to a Polish company, and now they refuse to pay?
You are not alone. Many foreign companies struggle with debt collection in Poland. The good news is that our English-speaking law firm in Krakow and Warsaw specializes in recovering payments on behalf of international clients.
With over 20 years of experience, we have successfully helped businesses from the EU, the UK, the USA, and beyond recover outstanding receivables from Polish debtors – through amicable negotiations, court proceedings, and enforcement actions.
Why Is Debt Collection in Poland Challenging?
Polish debtors often rely on the fact that foreign creditors:
- - Do not know the Polish legal system
- - Are reluctant to start court proceedings in a foreign country
- - Do not speak the language
- - Are unfamiliar with enforcement procedures
This is where we step in. As your local legal partner, we handle the entire debt recovery process on your behalf – from the first demand letter to final enforcement.
Our Debt Collection Services
We offer a comprehensive range of debt recovery services tailored to the needs of foreign companies:
| 1. Pre-litigation demand letters | We send a formal, legally binding demand letter to the Polish debtor, often resolving the case without court involvement. |
| 2. Negotiation and settlement | We negotiate payment plans, settlements, and amicable resolutions on your behalf. |
| 3. Court proceedings (civil litigation) | If negotiations fail, we file a claim with the competent Polish court (often the European Payment Order procedure or ordinary civil proceedings). |
| 4. European Payment Order (EPO) | For cross-border claims, we can use the fast-track European Payment Order procedure, which is recognized in all EU member states. |
| 5. Enforcement of judgments | Once we obtain a court judgment, we initiate enforcement proceedings through a bailiff (komornik) to seize the debtor's assets, bank accounts, or receivables. |
| 6. Bankruptcy proceedings | If the debtor is insolvent, we can initiate bankruptcy proceedings to recover your claim from the debtor's estate. |
| 7. Securing claims (interim measures) | We can apply for interim measures to freeze the debtor's assets before the main proceedings, preventing them from hiding their assets. |
How the Debt Collection Process Works
Step 1: Initial assessment (free of charge)
You provide us with the relevant documents (contracts, invoices, correspondence with the debtor). We assess the chances of successful recovery and give you an initial opinion – free of charge.
Step 2: Pre-litigation stage (2–4 weeks)
We send a formal demand letter to the Polish debtor, requesting payment within a specified deadline (usually 7–14 days). In many cases, this alone resolves the matter.
Step 3: Litigation (3–9 months)
If the debtor does not pay, we file a claim with the court. For undisputed cross-border claims, we use the European Payment Order procedure, which is faster (approx. 3–4 months).
Step 4: Enforcement (1–6 months)
After obtaining a court judgment, we initiate enforcement proceedings through a Polish bailiff, who can seize:
- - Bank accounts
- - Real estate
- - Vehicles and movable assets
- - Receivables from third parties
Why Choose Rakoczy & Wroński for Debt Collection in Poland?
- - English-speaking lawyers – you will communicate directly with your attorney, no translators needed
- - Local presence in Krakow and Warsaw – we know the local courts, bailiffs, and procedures
- - Proven track record – we have successfully recovered millions of PLN for international clients
- - Transparent fees – we offer both hourly rates and contingency-based arrangements (percentage of recovered amount)
- - Fast action – we do not wait. The sooner we act, the higher the chances of recovery
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I recover my debt from a Polish company without going to court?
Yes. We always start with amicable negotiations. A well-drafted demand letter often prompts the debtor to pay. However, if they refuse, court proceedings may be necessary.
How long does court debt collection take in Poland?
It depends on the complexity of the case. For undisputed claims via the European Payment Order, you can expect a decision in 3–4 months. For contested cases, it may take 6–12 months.
What if the Polish debtor claims they have no money?
We can still enforce the judgment. If the debtor has no assets, we can initiate bankruptcy proceedings. If the debtor is a company and is insolvent, we can file for its bankruptcy.
Do I need to come to Poland for the court proceedings?
No. As your legal representative, we appear in court on your behalf. You only need to provide us with a power of attorney.
How much does your debt collection service cost?
We offer flexible fee arrangements: hourly rates (from 350 PLN + VAT), fixed fees for specific actions (e.g., demand letter, European Payment Order), or a success fee (percentage of the recovered amount). We will discuss the best option with you during the initial consultation.
What documents do I need to provide?
Typically: the contract (or order confirmation), invoices, proof of delivery of goods or services, reminders sent to the debtor, and any correspondence with the debtor.
Do Not Wait – Recover Your Money Today
Every day you wait, the Polish debtor may be moving assets, selling property, or declaring bankruptcy. Act now.
Contact our English-speaking law firm in Krakow or Warsaw for a free initial assessment of your debt recovery case.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
📞 Krakow: +48 12 428 11 40
📞 Warsaw: +48 22 257 14 85
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Rakoczy & Wroński – Effective debt collection in Poland for foreign companies.