What is the European Payment Order?

The European Payment Order is a simplified legal procedure that helps you collect uncontested civil claims across most EU countries. It’s designed to make it easier and faster to resolve payment disputes with businesses in other European countries. Read on to learn how it works and if it might be right for your situation.

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How does the European Payment Order work?

You can start this procedure if you have a dispute with a foreign business and the other party does not deny owing you money. There is no maximum limit on the claim amount. The European Payment Order is valid in all EU countries except Denmark and is recognized and enforced throughout the participating countries.

One advantage is that you don’t need a separate enforcement declaration, which makes the process faster and simpler than traditional legal claims.

How can I start the European Payment Order?

You begin the procedure by filling out standard forms available on this website. Using these forms, you submit your request to the court to start the procedure.

Your request may be denied if the requirements are not met or if your claim is unfounded. Please note, there is no legal way to appeal a rejection of your claim.

If your request is accepted, the judge will issue a European Payment Order as quickly as possible, usually within 30 days of your submission.

To which court must I submit my request?

In the Netherlands, submit your request for a European Payment Order to:

’s-Gravenhage Court
Sector Civil Law — General Affairs
PO Box 20302
2500 EH The Hague

How is the order issued?

The European Payment Order informs the defendant (the entrepreneur) that they have the opportunity to pay the amount owed to you (the plaintiff).

The entrepreneur can dispute the order, but they must do so within 30 days.

If the entrepreneur contests the order, the European Payment Order procedure stops, and the case proceeds as a “standard” legal process. If you decide to stop the procedure, a judge will determine who is authorized to handle the lawsuit