Debt collection in Serbia
A debt owed by a Serbian company or individual is collected through a formal demand and, if unpaid, through enforcement proceedings before a court and a public enforcement officer. If you hold an invoice, a bill of exchange or a judgment, enforcement can often start without a full lawsuit.
How debt collection works in Serbia
Most cases start with a formal demand letter from a lawyer. Many debtors pay at this stage or propose a payment plan.
If the debtor does not pay, we file a motion for enforcement. Depending on the type of claim, it goes to the court or directly to a public enforcement officer (javni izvršitelj), who carries out the enforcement.
Enforcement on an authentic document
Serbian law allows enforcement directly on certain documents, without first suing the debtor. These include an invoice, an extract from business books, a bill of exchange and some other documents listed in the law.
The debtor can file an objection to the writ of execution within 8 days of service. If the objection is well founded, the case moves to ordinary court proceedings.
- Invoices and statements of account
- Bills of exchange (menica) with a valid authorisation
- Extracts from certified business books
- Notarial deeds that state they are enforceable
Enforcement on a judgment or arbitral award
A final Serbian judgment, court settlement or enforceable notarial deed is an enforceable title. Enforcement is then usually fast and limited to collecting the amount.
A foreign judgment must first be recognised by a Serbian court. Foreign arbitral awards are recognised under the New York Convention, to which Serbia is a party.
What can be seized
The enforcement officer can seize funds in the debtor's bank accounts, part of a salary or pension, movable assets, real estate, shares and claims the debtor has against third parties.
Our office has long experience in mass enforcement for public utility companies, banks and insurers. We know the practice of courts and enforcement officers across Serbia.
How we handle it
- Review of documentsYou send us the contract, invoices and correspondence. We check whether the claim is time-barred and which route is fastest.
- Demand letterWe send a formal demand on behalf of the creditor with a short deadline for payment.
- Motion for enforcementIf there is no payment, we file a motion for enforcement on the authentic document or the enforceable title.
- EnforcementWe work with the enforcement officer on account seizures, salary garnishment or sale of assets, and answer any objection by the debtor.
- Payment and reportingCollected funds are transferred to you. You receive regular written reports on the status of each case.
What to send us
- Contract or order confirmation
- Invoices and delivery notes
- Statement of open items or account card
- Correspondence with the debtor about the debt
- Bill of exchange and authorisation, if any
- Judgment or arbitral award, if any
- Power of attorney for our office
- Company extract of the creditor (for foreign companies)
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign company collect a debt in Serbia?
Yes. A foreign creditor has the same procedural rights as a Serbian one. We act under a power of attorney, so you do not need to travel to Serbia.
How long does debt collection in Serbia take?
It depends on the documents and on the debtor's assets. Enforcement on an invoice against a debtor with funds in an account can be completed in a few months, while a contested claim that goes to court takes longer.
What is an authentic document in Serbian enforcement law?
It is a document on which enforcement can be requested without a prior lawsuit. Typical examples are an invoice, an extract from business books and a bill of exchange.
How long does a debtor have to object to a writ of execution?
The objection deadline is 8 days from the day the writ is served on the debtor. If no objection is filed, the writ becomes final and enforcement continues.
When does a claim become time-barred in Serbia?
The Law of Obligations sets a general limitation period and shorter periods for certain claims, such as claims between companies from commercial contracts. We check limitation at the start of every case, because a time-barred claim can be rejected on objection.
Can I enforce a foreign judgment in Serbia?
Yes, after it is recognised by a Serbian court. The court checks formal conditions such as jurisdiction, proper service and reciprocity, and does not review the case on the merits.
What happens if the debtor company has no money?
We check whether it has real estate, vehicles or claims against others. If the company is insolvent, we file your claim in bankruptcy proceedings within the deadline set by the court.
How are your fees set?
Fees follow the Serbian Attorney Tariff (Advokatska tarifa). You receive a written offer before we start work. In enforcement, costs awarded by the court are charged to the debtor.
Talk to a lawyer
Describe your case in a few sentences. We reply within 24 hours on working days and tell you whether and how we can help.
- srdjan@bogiceviclaw.com
- +381 65 678 4991
- Viber
- +381 63 104 9891