Recovery & commercial
Cross-border debt recovery in Luxembourg
To recover a claim against a debtor established in another EU State, Luxembourg has efficient European instruments at its disposal: the European payment order (Reg. 1896/2006), the European enforcement order, the European Account Preservation Order (EAPO) and the recognition of judgments under Brussels I bis. The firm selects the fastest route.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
A cross-border claim is not recovered like a domestic one: the right tool depends on the amount, on whether the claim is disputed and on the location of the debtor and of their assets.
Cerno Law Firm selects the appropriate instrument and coordinates enforcement in the debtor's country, for fast recovery at the best cost.
The need
Your debtor is abroad and your in-house reminders are getting nowhere.
Starting proceedings in the wrong framework wastes time and money.
The risk
A claim that becomes time-barred, assets moved away, enforcement blocked for lack of a recognised title.
The longer you wait, the more complicated cross-border recovery becomes.
How we help
Formal notice, then a European payment order or a writ of summons, a European enforcement order and an EAPO to freeze the accounts.
Coordination of enforcement with local correspondents.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Recover an unpaid invoice within the EU.
- Freeze a debtor's accounts (EAPO) before they organise their own insolvency.
- Have a Luxembourg judgment recognised and enforced abroad.
- Recover an undisputed B2B claim through a European payment order.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Invoices, contract and general terms and conditions
- • Reminders already sent
- • Contact details and location of the debtor
Deliverables
- • Cross-border recovery strategy
- • Suitable European procedure
- • Enforcement monitoring
Indicative timing
An uncontested European payment order can be obtained within a few weeks; the EAPO makes it possible to act urgently on the accounts.
Fees proportionate to the stakes
Fixed fee per stage, announced in advance; external costs are separate.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the European payment order?
A simplified procedure (Regulation 1896/2006) that allows you to obtain quickly an enforceable title for an uncontested pecuniary claim in a cross-border EU dispute.
Can a debtor's accounts abroad be frozen?
Yes, through the European Account Preservation Order (EAPO), which makes it possible to freeze bank accounts in other Member States before or during proceedings.
Is a Luxembourg judgment enforceable across the EU?
Yes. The Brussels I bis Regulation ensures the recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial decisions between Member States, without exequatur.
Member of
Affiliations & réseaux professionnels
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Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages
- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
- due diligence reviews conducted
Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
Typical examples of engagements handled by the firm, presented in an anonymised and illustrative manner. Each matter is handled and validated by a lawyer registered with the Luxembourg Bar.
A holding company and a residence permit, in a single process
Incorporation of a SOPARFI for a non-resident investor, combined with obtaining their residence permit. A single point of contact across both fronts.
Permit obtained in 6 weeksA similar matter? Companies & governanceFounders protected before the funding round
Structuring a shareholders’ agreement and governance for a young company with several founders, ahead of a funding round.
Shareholders’ agreement signed before the roundA similar matter? Debt recoveryA debt recovered across borders
Cross-border recovery of unpaid debts for an SME, through an order for payment and coordination with a foreign colleague.
Receivable recovered in full (100%)A similar matter? Employment lawAn executive defended before the Labour Tribunal
Supporting an executive in a contested dismissal, from strategy to representation at the hearing.
Case argued at the hearingA similar matter? ContractsA secured international distribution
Negotiating and securing an international framework distribution agreement, from liabilities through to the competent jurisdiction.
Competent jurisdiction securedA similar matter?Typical, anonymised examples, for illustration only. They do not prejudge the outcome of a matter, which depends on each situation.
Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
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