
International Debt Recovery
Strategic legal approaches for foreign businesses seeking effective debt collection solutions across international borders.
When a Non-Resident Company Can Recover a Debt in Belarus
When a non-resident company enters into a contract with a Belarusian company or an individual entrepreneur, the contract usually specifies the procedure for resolving disputes under the contract.
A debt can be recovered in Belarus in each of the following cases:
- The place of conclusion of the contract is the Republic of Belarus.
- The contract specifies that disputes are to be resolved under Belarusian law or in a Belarusian court.
- The place where the contract was breached or not performed must be Belarus.

Statute of Limitations
A statement of claim must be filed with the Economic Court within the statute of limitations — this is the period during which a party may protect its rights through the courts. The general statute of limitations is three years. Certain claims are subject to longer or shorter limitation periods:
- For claims related to the transportation of cargo, the statute of limitations is 1 year.
- For claims related to a freight forwarding contract, the statute of limitations is 10 months.
- For claims related to an international sale of goods contract, the statute of limitations is 4 years.
Cross-Border Debt Recovery
The collection of debts from foreign legal entities requires a strategic approach across multiple jurisdictions and legal frameworks. Our practice relies on instruments like the New York Convention and bilateral treaties to secure enforceable judgments internationally. Key to success are proper debt documentation, asset verification in relevant jurisdictions, and knowledge of local enforcement procedures. A thorough pre-collection assessment and collaboration with local legal representatives greatly improve recovery prospects by ensuring compliance with domestic procedural requirements.

Documents Required for Debt Collection by Foreign Creditors
Foreign companies pursuing debt collection must compile thorough documentation to initiate legal proceedings. This includes an apostilled commercial registry extract confirming the creditor’s legal status and a notarized power of attorney with clearly defined powers. The claim must be supported by evidence of the debt—contracts, invoices, and correspondence—all with certified translations into the court’s official language. Additionally, proof of state duty payment per local fee schedules is required. Careful preparation of this documentation greatly improves the chances of successful cross-border debt recovery.
The Role of Local Legal Expertise in Cross-Border Debt Recovery
Engaging local legal professionals is essential in cross-border debt collection. They offer crucial expertise in jurisdiction-specific procedures, court practices, and enforcement mechanisms that foreign creditors often lack. Their familiarity with local regulations helps avoid delays and procedural errors, while established relationships with courts and enforcement officers ensure smoother case handling. Language skills and cultural understanding further aid negotiations and proceedings. This localized approach improves recovery chances and reduces the time and costs typically incurred when foreign creditors navigate unfamiliar legal systems alone.
Our Services on Debt Collection
How to Recover a Debt
FAQ
Recovering debts from international entities requires a strategic approach utilizing bilateral treaties, local enforcement mechanisms, and proper documentation. Foreign creditors must establish jurisdiction, verify the debtor’s assets, and navigate procedural requirements across borders. Our specialists guide international clients through optimal recovery paths while minimizing costs and procedural complications.
International commercial conflicts including contract breaches, non-payment for goods or services, intellectual property disputes, and investment disagreements can be effectively resolved through Belarusian legal channels. When proper jurisdiction exists, foreign creditors can pursue resolution through litigation, arbitration, or structured settlement negotiations facilitated by specialized legal representation.
Foreign companies can access Belarusian courts when the debtor is Belarusian, the contract specifies Belarusian jurisdiction, the disputed assets are located in Belarus, or when international agreements establish jurisdictional grounds. Non-residents must prepare properly apostilled documentation with certified translations and engage local representation to navigate procedural requirements effectively.
Contact us
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LawyerLegal assistance is provided by advocate Anton Grinewich, Specialized Legal Bar No. 2 in Minsk.
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E-mail
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AddressOffice: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus Postal address: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus
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Working hoursMonday-Friday 9:00-19:00