Debt Collection in Russia

Debt recovery in Russia can be imposed on individuals and companies. You can rely on our law firm in Russia for assistance in debt collection procedures.

What debt collection services do your Russian lawyers offer?

Our Russian law firm offers assistance in debt collection matters, among which:

• our services are available for both individuals and companies seeking to recover debts;
• we can also help companies in commercial disputes related to the collection of debts;
• we can offer support in the amicable recovery of a debt in Russia;
• we can offer representation in the court of law, in case of judicial procedures related to debt recovery.

What debt recovery procedures can I use in Russia?

One of the following:

• amicable;
• court proceedings.

What are the debt collection steps in Russia?

 The following steps will be taken in order to recover a debt in Russia:

1. the first step is bringing to the debtors’ attention the fact that they have unpaid amounts of money;
2. if the debtors fail to reply, notifications through which they will be asked to pay will be sent via email or direct mail;
3. in case the debtors continue without replying, the claimant can file a petition with the Russian court;
4. once the case is accepted, the claimant must submit all the evidence showing the defendant failed to pay the debt;
5. the court will analyze the evidence and issue the court order which will enforce the payment of the debt.

Are there specific procedures I need to follow in debt collection in Russia? If yes, what are those?

The first and most employed is the amicable one. During it, you can:

• try to reach an agreement with the debtor with the help of one of our Russian lawyers;
• if this step is successful, a new payment agreement is signed so that the debtor can make the payment;
• if this step is not successful or the debtor simply refuses to respond, legal action can be initiated.

If you need help in recovering a debt, our attorneys in Russia are at your disposal.

How can I contact a debtor?

By:

• phone;
• e-mail;
• traditional post.

IMPORTANT: All communications must be documented and saved if the case goes to court. This is why it is recommended to ask for professional services.

We invite you to watch a short video about the debt collection procedures in Russia:

What documents can I use to prove a debt in Russia?

Any of the following:

• contracts;
• invoices;
• bank statements;
• other documents, depending on the type of debt and debtor.

NOTE: Our Russian lawyers can review the documents and help you sort them out.

What are the chances of recovering a debt through the amicable procedure in Russia?

This is one of the most successful means to collect a debt in Russia for all parties involved, as it is the cheapest and less time-consuming.

What does court debt collection involve in Russia?

There are three types of judicial debt recovery procedures available in Russia:

• order proceedings: it is used in monetary claims of maximum 750,000 rubles, and they are carried out by Russian arbitration courts;
• simplified procedure: it is used in claims against companies and entrepreneurs (sole traders) where the amount does not exceed 1.2 million rubles, respectively 600,000 rubles;
• regular case review: this is a regular trial, where the judge hears both parties and renders a solution.

Are there other means to recover a debt in Russia?

Yes. They are often used by companies. Most Russian companies dealing with corporate clients unable or unwilling to pay their debts can consider arbitration and mediation to extinguish their disputes.

Cases that can be tried through arbitration in Russia are handled by arbitral institutions (such as the International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry); the Supreme Arbitration Court was abolished in 2014.

How long does a debt collection case take in Russia?

From several months in the case of amicable order and simplified court procedures to more than one year, in the case of regular reviews.

If you have a debt to collect, you may contact our Russian lawyer, who will assist you during the procedures of debt collection and protect your assets. You may contact our attorneys in Russia also if you are a debtor and you have legal problems with the local debt collection agencies that may harass you.