Debt recovery against a debtor in Lithuania
A debt owed by someone in Lithuania is usually recovered in steps: a formal reminder, then court proceedings and enforcement. Within the EU the court and the enforcement of a judgment follow common rules, so you can often sue where the debtor lives and enforce the judgment in Lithuania without a separate recognition procedure.
Describe your caseQuick answers
- Do I have to sue the debtor in Lithuania?
- Usually the courts where the debtor is domiciled have jurisdiction; for contractual claims the courts of the place of performance may also be competent. A lawyer checks which applies to your claim.
- What is the European Payment Order?
- A standard-form procedure for uncontested cross-border money claims in the EU. If the debtor does not oppose it within 30 days of service, it becomes enforceable in every member state except Denmark.
- Will a judgment from another EU country be enforced?
- Yes. Under Brussels I bis a judgment given in one member state is enforceable in the others without a separate declaration of enforceability; enforcement itself follows local procedure.
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Legal Context
Jurisdiction over a debtor domiciled in Lithuania is governed by the Brussels I bis Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012: as a rule the debtor is sued in the courts of the state where they are domiciled, while contractual claims can also be brought where the obligation was to be performed. A judgment given in one member state is enforceable in the others without a declaration of enforceability. For an uncontested money claim the European Payment Order (Regulation (EC) No 1896/2006) gives an enforceable title through a standard form; claims up to EUR 5,000 can use the European Small Claims Procedure (Regulation (EC) No 861/2007).
When to Contact a Lawyer
A lawyer helps choose the right court and procedure, prepares the claim and organises enforcement in Lithuania — especially when the debtor disputes the claim, has assets in several countries or is a company at risk of insolvency.
Documents to Prepare
- Contract, order or invoice the claim is based on
- Evidence of the amount and due date, and of reminders sent
- The debtor's exact name and address or registered office