Debt Collection in Bulgaria — Order for Payment Procedure (2026)

What you will learn

• What the order for payment procedure is and when it applies
• The difference between Article 410 and Article 417 CPC proceedings
• The full step-by-step process for both types
• What to do if the debtor files an objection
• How to move to enforcement through a private bailiff (ChSI) or state bailiff (DSI)
• The exact costs: court fees, legal fees, and bailiff charges
• The 2025 reform allowing electronic filing
• Answers to the eight most common questions

What is the order for payment procedure

The order for payment procedure (zapovedeno proizvodstvo) is a simplified court procedure under which the creditor files an application with the district court at the debtor’s permanent address or registered office. The court issues an order for payment without holding a hearing and without hearing the debtor in advance. The legal framework is set out in Chapter 37 of the CPC (Articles 410 to 425).

The purpose of this procedure is to provide a fast and affordable mechanism for enforcing claims that are, in substance, uncontested. The proceedings are ex parte: the court examines only the creditor’s application and attached documents.

The order for payment procedure is suitable for:

• Unpaid invoices for goods delivered or services rendered
• Outstanding rent under a lease agreement
• Loans between individuals that have not been repaid
• Unfulfilled contractual obligations to pay a specific monetary sum
• Obligations under promissory notes, bills of exchange, or cheques
• Bank loans with accelerated maturity
• Obligations under notarial deeds with an enforcement clause

The court may refuse to issue an order for payment if the application is defective, the claim is not yet due, the claim is contrary to law or public morals, or the amount exceeds the limit under Article 410 CPC.

Article 410 vs Article 417 — when to use which

When to choose Article 410 CPC: If your claim is up to BGN 25,000 and you do not hold a qualifying document under Article 417 CPC, file under Article 410. The procedure is more accessible and does not require attaching evidence to the application.

When to choose Article 417 CPC: If you hold a qualifying document, this route is always preferable. You receive immediate enforcement, meaning you can freeze the debtor’s bank accounts and seize assets before they even learn about the proceedings.

Step by step — Article 410 CPC proceedings

1. Determine the competent court

   The application is filed with the district court at the debtor’s permanent address (for natural persons) or registered office (for legal entities).

2. Complete the standard-form application

   You use an approved template issued by the Ministry of Justice. The application must include the creditor’s and debtor’s details, the legal basis of the claim, the principal amount, any claimed interest, and costs.

3. Pay the court fee

   The court fee is 2 % of the claim value, with a minimum of BGN 25 (~EUR 12.78). Since 1 July 2025, the fee can also be paid online through the Unified E-Justice Portal (EPEP).

4. File the application

   The application can be submitted in person at the court registry, by post with return receipt, or electronically through EPEP (requires a qualified electronic signature).

5. The court examines the application

   The court examines the application in closed session and checks whether the conditions for issuing an order for payment are met. The court typically rules within a few business days.

6. The court issues an order for payment

   If the court grants the application, it issues an order for payment directing the debtor to pay the stated amount within two weeks of service.

7. Service of the order on the debtor

   The court sends the order for service on the debtor. The 2-week objection period begins from the moment of service.

8. Wait for the objection period

   After service, the debtor has a 2-week period to file an objection under Article 414 CPC. If the debtor does not file an objection, the order becomes final.

9. Obtain the writ of execution

   Once the order becomes final, the court issues a writ of execution. With the writ you can open enforcement proceedings before a private bailiff (ChSI) or a state bailiff (DSI).

Step by step — Article 417 CPC proceedings

1. Prepare the qualifying document

   Documents under Article 417 CPC include: a promissory note, bill of exchange, or cheque; a notarial deed, settlement agreement, or other contract with notarially certified signatures; an extract from the accounting books of a bank; a pledge or mortgage agreement.

2. File the application and attach the document

   File the standard-form application with the competent district court, attaching the qualifying document in original or certified copy. Pay the court fee of 2 % (minimum BGN 25 / ~EUR 12.78).

3. The court issues the order for immediate enforcement and writ of execution

   If the court grants the application, it issues both simultaneously. There is no need to wait for the debtor to be notified.

4. Open enforcement proceedings

   With the writ of execution in hand, you can immediately open enforcement proceedings before a private bailiff (ChSI) or state bailiff (DSI). The bailiff can freeze bank accounts, place encumbrances on real estate, and seize movable property.

5. Service of the order and the objection window

   The order is served on the debtor by the bailiff together with the invitation for voluntary payment. The debtor may file an objection, but this does not automatically stay the enforcement.

What to do if the debtor objects

When the debtor files an objection under Article 414 CPC, the court does not examine its merits. The court notifies the creditor that they have one month to bring a declaratory claim under Article 422 CPC.

Important: If you fail to bring the Article 422 CPC claim within the one-month deadline, the order for payment is annulled. This deadline is preclusive and cannot be extended.

The declaratory claim under Article 422 CPC is heard under the standard litigation rules. If the claim succeeds, the order for payment remains in force. If dismissed, the order is annulled.

In Article 417 CPC proceedings, even when the debtor files an objection, enforcement continues (unless the court orders a stay). The creditor must still bring a declaratory claim within one month.

Practice shows that the objection rate in Article 410 CPC proceedings is around 20–30 %, meaning that in most cases the procedure concludes successfully without full litigation.

Enforcement proceedings — private bailiff vs state bailiff

Private bailiff (ChSI)

• Operates within the jurisdiction of the regional court where registered but can perform actions in other jurisdictions under certain conditions
• Typically processes cases faster due to lower caseloads and better technical resources
• Fees are regulated by the Tariff on Fees and Costs under the Private Bailiffs Act, though total costs can be higher
• The creditor pays a proportional fee upfront, but may request that it be recovered from the debtor

State bailiff (DSI)

• Operates within the jurisdiction of the relevant district court
• Fees are lower (collected under Tariff No. 1 to the CPC)
• Typically carries a heavier caseload, which can slow proceedings
• Suitable for smaller claims where private bailiff fees would be disproportionate

Regardless of the choice, the bailiff has a wide range of enforcement tools: freezing bank accounts, garnishing wages, seizing movable property, placing encumbrances on real estate, and conducting public auctions.

Costs

Important: All costs incurred by the creditor (court fees, legal fees within Ordinance No. 1 minimums, bailiff fees) are recoverable from the debtor.

2025 reform — electronic filing

From 1 July 2025, the fully operational electronic filing system became available through the Unified E-Justice Portal (EPEP).

What changed in practice:

Electronic filing is done through EPEP (https://portal.justice.bg) using a qualified electronic signature (QES). The application is completed online via a standardised form that automatically checks for formal deficiencies. The court fee is paid online. Case assignment is automatic. Notifications are delivered electronically.

Advantages of electronic filing:

• Saves time on travelling to the court and queuing at the registry
• Reduces formal errors thanks to automated checks
• Speeds up processing because the application is assigned immediately
• Provides full traceability at every stage of the proceedings
• Electronic filing entitles you to a 15 % reduction in court fees under the Judiciary Act

The system accepts applications from natural persons (not only lawyers), provided the person holds a QES. Documents under Article 417 CPC are scanned and attached as electronic copies, but the court may request the original.

Frequently asked questions