Debt collection in France

How to recover a commercial debt from a French debtor

France is a mature and regulated market, with streamlined procedures for both extrajudicial and judicial debt collection. In cases of contracts between companies based in the EU, the recognition and enforcement of Italian titles in France (and vice versa) follow standard rules that expedite the process.

Actions for international debt collection in France

Anyone wishing to initiate debt collection proceedings against a French debtor can consider the following instruments, depending on the type of debt and the supporting documentation:

  • Foreign judgment: once enforceable in the member state of origin, the judicial title is automatically recognized and can be enforced directly in France, as in any other EU member state.
  • European payment order: this is a uniform EU procedure, suitable for uncontested and documented debts, with a simplified process.
  • Legal action in France: Depending on the amount, there are several options
    • Simplified recovery by a judicial officer (commissaire de justice) for claims < €5,000: can be initiated online for contractual claims or documented monetary obligations (e.g., fees, supplies, bills of exchange, promissory notes). Costs are borne by the creditor.
    • Injonction de payer (order to pay): can be used for debts proven on a documentary basis, cases where the debt is certain and difficult to dispute. For commercial debts (regardless of the amount), the application is submitted to the Tribunal de commerce.
    • Référé provision (emergency payment): This is an emergency procedure provided for by the Code of Civil Procedure, which allows the judge to quickly order the payment of a sum of money “on a provisional basis” (i.e., a deposit or advance payment), even before the main case has been decided.
    • Ordinary proceedings before the Commercial Court when the claim is disputed or when an investigation is necessary to obtain proof of the claim.

Why rely on an experienced lawyer in France

Ursusnetwork offers specialized legal assistance in commercial debt collection in France and helps you identify the most appropriate strategy based on the type of debt and the debtor’s circumstances, reducing the time and costs associated with debt collection . If you would like to learn more about the main features of the debt collection system in France, please refer to the Practical Information below.