Petrović Mojsić & Partners provides legal assistance with debt collection in Serbia for domestic and foreign companies, entrepreneurs and other creditors. Our Belgrade-based team assists with unpaid invoices, contractual debts, settlement negotiations, litigation and enforcement proceedings.
We assess the documents supporting your claim, the debtor’s position and the available procedural options before recommending the next step. The objective is to pursue recovery through a route proportionate to the amount at stake, the available evidence and the realistic prospects of collection.
For an overview of our other practice areas, visit our Legal Services page.
Assessment of Your Claim and Recovery Options
The appropriate approach depends on more than the amount of the unpaid debt. Before sending a demand or initiating proceedings, we review the basis and maturity of the claim, the available evidence, any contractual jurisdiction or arbitration clause, and relevant limitation periods.
Our initial assessment may include:
- Reviewing contracts, purchase orders, invoices, delivery notes and evidence of services performed.
- Examining correspondence, acknowledgments of debt, partial payments and potential objections.
- Assessing principal, interest and other amounts that may lawfully be claimed.
- Checking available public information on the debtor’s registration, account-blocking status and financial position.
- Identifying the appropriate procedure, anticipated costs and material recovery risks.
Where documents are missing or the debtor disputes performance, we identify the evidential gaps before recommending further action.
Demand Letters and Negotiated Settlements
A formal demand or negotiated agreement may be appropriate before proceedings, depending on the circumstances and any urgency. We prepare demand letters that identify the claim, request payment and explain the proposed next steps.
We also represent creditors in negotiations concerning payment deadlines, instalments, debt acknowledgments and additional security. When a settlement is proposed, we consider its legal form, enforceability and the consequences of a further default. A privately signed repayment agreement does not automatically have the same direct enforcement effect as a court settlement or another qualifying enforceable instrument.
Negotiations must be assessed alongside limitation periods and any need for urgent protective measures. A creditor’s demand alone does not interrupt the limitation period under Article 391 of the Law on Obligations. Acknowledgment by the debtor or appropriate action before a competent authority may have different effects. We check the applicable period and the legal effect of each step before relying on negotiations.
Read more about debt collection options before initiating legal proceedings.
Enforcement of Unpaid Claims
The documents available to the creditor determine whether enforcement may be sought directly or whether another procedural step is needed first. Under Articles 52–53 of the Enforcement and Security Law, a domestic or foreign invoice may qualify as an authentic document when accompanied by a delivery note or other written evidence that the debtor was informed of the obligation. The documents must identify the parties and the subject, type, amount and maturity of the obligation. If maturity cannot be established from the document, written evidence of an additional payment period is required. An invoice should therefore be reviewed together with the delivery, communication and due-date evidence, rather than treated as sufficient in every case.
We assist with:
- Reviewing judgments, settlements, invoices, security documents and other potential bases for enforcement.
- Preparing and filing enforcement applications with the competent authority.
- Identifying appropriate enforcement measures and available information on assets.
- Representation in proceedings and communication with public enforcement officers.
- Responding to procedural issues and monitoring payments, costs and the progress of collection.
Obtaining an enforcement order does not by itself ensure payment. The debtor’s assets, competing claims, statutory exemptions and procedural developments can materially affect recovery. Any debtor objection and its effect on further proceedings must be assessed promptly.
Litigation for Disputed Debts
Where litigation is necessary, we represent creditors in commercial and civil disputes before Serbian courts. Our work includes preparing claims, organising evidence, responding to the debtor’s arguments, participating in hearings and pursuing appropriate legal remedies.
We assess settlement opportunities throughout the dispute and consider the steps required to enforce any resulting judgment. For more information about our representation services, visit our Litigation and Dispute Resolution page.
Security Interests and Interim Measures
Protecting a claim may be important before a final decision is obtained. We assess whether the facts and available evidence support an application for interim or other protective measures and advise on the conditions and risks involved.
We also review contractual security arrangements, including pledges, mortgages, guarantees and other available instruments. The suitability of a particular instrument depends on the transaction, its legal requirements and the assets involved.
Our article on securing claims for successful debt collection explains why documentation and security should be considered before a payment dispute arises.
Debt Recovery for Foreign Creditors
We assist foreign companies and other non-resident creditors seeking recovery from debtors in Serbia. Depending on the matter, our work may include reviewing foreign-language documents, coordinating certified translations, preparing powers of attorney and communicating with foreign counsel.
Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Court Judgments
If a court outside Serbia has already ruled on the debt, we review the judgment, its finality and enforceability, how proceedings were served and where the debtor holds assets. We advise whether to seek recognition separately or raise recognition within enforcement proceedings. Our guide to foreign court judgments in Serbia explains the available routes. The Serbian Ministry of Justice provides further information on recognition.
Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
For an award creditor, our initial review covers the award, the arbitration agreement, the seat of arbitration and any proceedings to set aside or suspend the award. We assess the applicable treaty and Serbian arbitration rules, the documents and translations needed for filing, and potential objections to recognition. We can coordinate the Serbian proceedings with counsel who conducted the arbitration. Under Article 65 of the Serbian Arbitration Act, a creditor may seek recognition within enforcement proceedings. For filing, prepare the award and the arbitration agreement or other record of consent in original or certified copy, together with certified translations into the court’s official language. Identify any Serbian assets and tell us whether the award has been challenged or suspended.
Enforcement Against Assets in Serbia
A creditor deciding whether to proceed needs to know which assets may support recovery. We review available information on bank accounts, receivables, equipment and real estate, together with existing pledges, mortgages and competing claims. For secured creditors, we examine the security instrument, its registration and the steps available against the particular asset before recommending a course of action.
Claims Against Insolvent Debtors
If a debtor enters bankruptcy, the creditor’s position and the appropriate steps must be reassessed. We advise on filing claims, supporting documentation, security rights, the classification of claims and representation in bankruptcy-related proceedings.
For these matters, our debt recovery work is coordinated with our Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law practice.
Debtor Checks and a Proportionate Recovery Plan
Before committing to substantial costs, we review the debtor’s registered identity and status, available financial information, known assets and relevant security. The National Bank of Serbia’s enforced collection services provide account-blocking information. An absence of blocked accounts is not a guarantee of solvency; a blocked account is not the same as an opened bankruptcy proceeding.
We separate principal, contractual or statutory interest, prior payments and recoverable costs. The recovery plan identifies the proposed route, evidence gaps, urgent limitation issues and likely upfront expenses. Money advanced for court or enforcement fees is separate from what may eventually be recovered from the debtor.
Choosing the next step for a cross-border claim
A supplier with signed delivery records and an unpaid invoice needs a different assessment from a lender that already holds a judgment. For the supplier, we examine the contract, proof of performance and any objection to the invoice. For the judgment creditor, we check service, finality and enforceability in the country of origin, then identify the Serbian assets against which recovery would be economical. A mortgage calls for a separate check of the registered property, the ranking of the security and competing claims.
Documents for an Initial Review
To help us assess your matter, please provide:
- The creditor’s and debtor’s full legal names and registration details, where available.
- The contract, purchase order or other basis of the debt.
- Unpaid invoices, due dates and a statement showing payments or credits.
- Delivery notes or other evidence of the goods delivered or services performed.
- Relevant correspondence, demand letters and acknowledgments of debt.
- Any judgment, settlement, enforcement document or security instrument already obtained.
- Information on pending proceedings, known assets and any urgent deadline.
After reviewing the initial information and checking for conflicts, we can propose the scope of engagement and applicable fees. Court fees, enforcement expenses, translations and other third-party costs are assessed according to the steps required in the particular matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must a creditor sue before seeking enforcement?
Not in every case. The available route depends on the claim and the documents supporting it. We assess whether the statutory requirements for enforcement are satisfied or whether litigation or another step is required.
Can a foreign company instruct your firm remotely?
In many matters, representation can be arranged through a power of attorney. The required form, certification, translation and any steps requiring the client’s participation depend on the specific procedure and documents.
How long does debt collection take?
There is no single reliable timeframe for all claims. An agreed payment may resolve a matter quickly, while disputed claims, difficulties locating assets, objections or bankruptcy can extend the process. We assess the likely stages and practical risks after reviewing the case.
Discuss Your Debt Collection Matter
Request a preliminary review of a Serbian debt recovery matter or email [email protected].
Please indicate the amount claimed, the debtor’s details, the payment due date and any relevant deadline. We will review the inquiry and advise on the information needed to assess the proposed engagement.
Legal content reviewed: 4 November 2026. Framework: Enforcement and Security Law, Law on Obligations and applicable bankruptcy and recognition rules.