Order to pay a debt: how to respond to a claim
You have received a court claim or a summons demanding payment of a debt in Cyprus. Civil claims for money are governed by the Civil Procedure Law and the Civil Procedure Rules. You have a limited time to enter an appearance and file your defence, otherwise the court can enter a default judgment against you. Acting inside the deadline protects your right to contest the debt.
Key facts
What to do
- Read the claim carefully: identify the claimant, the exact amount demanded, the court and the return/hearing date.
- Enter an appearance with the court within the time stated on the writ - this preserves your right to defend before any default judgment is entered.
- File a written defence setting out why you dispute the debt (payment already made, wrong amount, no contract, time-barred, defective goods or services).
- Gather documentary evidence: contracts, invoices, receipts, bank transfers and correspondence.
- If part of the debt is admitted, consider proposing a settlement or instalment arrangement in writing.
- If the amount or the procedure is unclear, obtain advice from a Cypriot lawyer before the deadline expires.
What to watch out for
- Ignoring the claim usually leads to a default judgment, after which the creditor can move to enforcement.
- Missing the deadline to enter an appearance is the most common and most costly mistake.
- A judgment debt can be enforced against your income, bank accounts and property.
- Oral promises are hard to prove - keep everything in writing.
Legal basis
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I do nothing?
The court can enter judgment in default of appearance or defence, and the creditor can then start enforcement against your assets.
Can I admit part of the debt?
Yes. You can admit part and dispute the rest, and you may propose payment by instalments. Put any admission or offer in writing.
Is there a time limit on old debts?
Debts can become time-barred after the limitation period. If the debt is old, raise limitation as part of your defence and take legal advice on whether it applies.