Expert debt collection in Austria
Do you need to recover an unpaid invoice or overdue payment from a client in Austria?
Partnering with a debt collection agency in Austria is often the most effective solution. When collecting debts abroad, differences in legal systems and regulations can make the process complex. That’s why working with local experts is essential.
Our experienced Austrian debt recovery agency possesses the legal expertise, language proficiency, and local insight necessary to assist you in recovering your money promptly and legally.
Why use a debt collection agency in Austria?
Hiring a local Austrian debt collection agency ensures that your case follows national laws and business customs. It also increases your chances of a successful recovery.
With professional support, you can:
- Recover outstanding payments faster
- Avoid misunderstandings due to language or cultural differences
- Ensure compliance with Austrian debt recovery regulations
Oddcoll is a platform for international debt collection that connects you with local debt collection agencies and law firms in each country.
For debt collection in Austria, we collaborate with one of the top-performing agencies in the country.
Why we work with them:
- Member of the Austrian Community of Debt Collectors
- Excellent client reviews and proven results
- High success rate in recovering both domestic and international claims
Having worked with many Austrian collection firms, we found them to be the most reliable and effective partner for our clients.
Judicial debt collection in Austria
If voluntary recovery attempts fail, our Austrian partner can begin legal proceedings to collect the debt through the courts.
Which court handles the case in Austria?
Civil cases in Austria are managed by:
- District Courts (Bezirksgerichte) – for claims up to €15,000
- Regional Courts (Landesgerichte) – for claims above €15,000
Vienna has three specialised courts: the District Court for Commercial Matters (Bezirksgericht für Handelssachen), the Commercial Court (Handelsgericht), and the Labor and Social Court (Arbeits- und Sozialgericht).
The competent court is usually determined by:
- The amount in dispute
- The nature of the case (which can override the amount)
- The defendant’s place of residence or registered office
How to start a case in court
To begin legal proceedings, you must submit the case to the official court address. The claim can be filed in person at the court’s administrative office, by post to the court’s inbox, or orally at the District Court if the claimant has no legal representation.
All proceedings are conducted in German, although some courts accept Burgenland Croatian, Slovenian, or Hungarian for minority groups.
Court charges and fees
When a case is filed, court charges must be paid to cover administrative costs.
Key points:
- Fees depend on the amount in dispute
- Payment is due upon filing (in person or via bank transfer with reference “court charges”)
- Attorney fees are set by private agreement between the client and their legal representative.
The ‘Order for Payment’ process in Austria — explained
When pursuing debt collection in Austria, creditors can benefit from a special legal procedure known as the Order for Payment. This simplified process is designed to make obtaining a judgment faster, easier, and cheaper than through a regular court case. In fact, most payment claims in Austria are now handled online using this efficient, fast-track system.
The Order for Payment in Austria applies to claims of up to €75,000 (since 1 July 2009). Claims above this limit must be filed through the standard civil procedure.
Key details:
- The Order for Payment procedure is mandatory for all claims up to €75,000.
- Claims up to €15,000 are filed with a District Court (Bezirksgericht).
- Claims above €15,000 are filed with a Court of First Instance, unless the District Court has jurisdiction.
- Claims above €5,000 require legal representation by an attorney.
Simplified application process
Filing an Order for Payment is straightforward and involves minimal documentation.
- Creditors don’t need to prove the legal grounds of their claim at this stage.
- No supporting documents or evidence are required when applying.
- The court conducts only a summary review to ensure the form and content meet legal requirements.
If all conditions are satisfied, the court issues the Order for Payment without further verification. However, submitting false or incomplete information is a punishable offence under the Austrian Code of Civil Procedure.
Deadlines and objections
Once served, the debtor has one month to object to the Order for Payment.
- This deadline cannot be extended or shortened.
- If the debtor objects within the time limit, the payment order is cancelled and the case moves to ordinary court proceedings.
- If the debtor does not respond, the Order for Payment automatically becomes enforceable, allowing the creditor to proceed with enforcement immediately.
Need help with debt collection in Austria?
Do you have an unpaid invoice from an Austrian client? Our local debt recovery experts and legal advisors can help you file an Order for Payment or manage your full debt recovery process.
Here’s how to get started:
- Upload your invoice using the form on the right.
- Our team will review your case and contact you within 24 hours.
- You can also learn more about how our service works or check our transparent pricing.
Don’t wait any longer to recover what you’re owed — let our Austrian debt collection specialists help you secure payment quickly and legally.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about how the service works or to inquire about costs.