Recovering a Debt in Cyprus: From Demand Letter to Enforcement
The usual stages of a money claim: letter before action, writ of summons, defence, summary judgment and enforcement.
Send a letter before action
Set out the amount, the basis of the claim and a deadline for payment. Keep the letter factual; it shows the court that you tried to resolve the matter and can influence costs.
Issue the writ and handle the defence
Your advocate files the writ of summons at the District Court and serves the defendant, who has a short period to enter an appearance. If there is no genuine defence, you can apply for summary judgment.
Enforce the judgment
If the debtor does not pay, enforcement tools include seizure of movable property, charging orders over land, garnishee orders over bank accounts and, in some cases, examination of the debtor about assets.
FAQ
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Limitation periods apply and differ by type of claim, so act promptly and seek advice if time may have passed. Written acknowledgement of the debt can affect the calculation.