Step-by-step instructions: where to file, what to attach, how much to pay and how long to wait
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You won your case at the Riga Arbitration Court, and 10 days have already passed since the award took effect, but payment has not been received. Do you know what the next steps are?
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Did you know that an arbitration award is not enforced on its own — a writ of execution is first required, which is issued by the state courts?
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How much does a writ of execution cost, and how can you avoid a refusal due to one mistake in the application?
A creditor received an arbitration award for 12 000 euros, put it in a folder and began to wait. Six months passed. During this time, the debtor sold a car and withdrew money from the account. By the time the creditor went to obtain the writ of execution, recovery was no longer possible.
An award is the right to claim. A writ of execution is the key that sets this right in motion. Do not delay in obtaining it.
When you can apply for a writ of execution
If, within 10 days of the award being pronounced, the defendant has not paid or has paid only partially. In the case of partial payment, the application must state the remaining debt amount. Legal basis: Articles 534–536 of the Civil Procedure Law.
Which court to file with
The writ of execution is issued by the district (city) court at the debtor’s address. For a natural person — at the declared place of residence; for a company — at the legal address registered with the Enterprise Register (ur.gov.lv). If no such address exists — at the debtor’s actual place of residence or the place of enforcement of the award.
If the address is unknown — request a certificate from the Population Register regarding the declared place of residence. A sample application is available among the standard documents on our website.
Where to get the application form
On the court.lv website, open the “Support” section → “Standard Document Templates”, the “Applications to the Court” group, the template “Application for Obtaining a Writ of Execution”. Click “Receive by Email”.
The application must be filled out in Latvian: details of the claimant and the debtor, the number and date of the Riga Arbitration Court award, the amount of the debt, a request to issue the writ of execution and to recover the state fee from the debtor.
How much you need to pay
The state fee depends on the amount of the debt (the total sum of all awarded monetary funds) (Annex 3, Item 1.9 of the Civil Procedure Law, as amended from 01.04.2025):
up to 700 euros — 5 euros
from 701 to 1 800 euros — 15 euros
from 1 801 to 3 300 euros — 25 euros
from 3 301 to 5 200 euros — 45 euros
from 5 201 to 7 500 euros — 65 euros
from 7 501 to 10 200 euros — 90 euros
from 10 201 to 13 300 euros — 115 euros
from 13 301 to 16 800 euros — 150 euros
from 16 801 to 20 700 euros — 185 euros
from 20 701 to 25 000 euros — 225 euros
more than 25 000 euros — 300 euros
Payment details: recipient State Treasury, reg. No. 90000050138, account LV55TREL1060190911200, BIC TRELLV22.
Payment purpose: State fee for an application for the issuance of a writ of execution for the compulsory enforcement of an arbitration award, followed by the debtor’s name and personal identity number (for a company — name and reg. No.). Before making the payment, check the details on elieta.lv.
What must be attached
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The Riga Arbitration Court award — a certified copy or edoc. This can be requested from us. If the award is signed with eParaksts, attach the electronic file.
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The agreement containing the arbitration clause or a separate arbitration agreement — a certified copy or edoc.
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A payment order confirming payment of the state fee — a printout from internet banking. If filing through elieta.lv, this may be omitted.
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A power of attorney, if filed by a representative — a certified copy or edoc.
The copy of the award is certified by the Riga Arbitration Court. The company may certify the copy of the agreement itself: signature of the authorized person and the note “COPY CORRECT”. A document signed with eParaksts is equivalent to the original. Keep the originals until the case is concluded.
How to file
Online on the elieta.lv website (login with eParaksts or smart-ID); by email or to the court’s e-address, if the application is signed with eParaksts; in person at the registry office or by registered letter.
How long you need to wait
The court sends the application to the debtor — who has no less than 20 days to submit objections. After that, the court reviews the application within 20 days through written proceedings, without a court hearing. In total, it usually takes 1.5–2 months.
A decision on the issuance of a writ of execution cannot be appealed. The court recovers the state fee from the debtor in your favor. If the court has refused — an ancillary complaint may be filed within 10 days. In this case, contact the Riga Arbitration Court immediately.
The writ of execution is usually prepared electronically in the court system — write down its number, as it will be needed by the sworn bailiff. Keep the original: a duplicate costs 80 euros.
Three steps to take right now
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Check the date of the award: if 10 days have passed with no payment — do not wait.
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Verify the debtor’s current address in the Enterprise Register or with a certificate from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
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Order the template on court.lv, pay the fee and file it through elieta.lv.
What to do after receiving the writ of execution — in the next publication: how to submit it to a sworn bailiff.
The information is current as of the date of publication; fee amounts and payment details may change. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.