The number of individuals undergoing enforcement proceedings in the Czech Republic decreased by more than 30,000 in 2024 compared to the previous year. According to the latest data from the Institute for the Prevention and Resolution of Over-Indebtedness (Institut prevence a řešení předlužení), approximately 615,000 people were affected by enforcement proceedings in 2024.
Not only was the number of debtors reduced last year, but the total number of enforcement proceedings also dropped. According to a report by Czech news channel ČT24, 615,000 people were involved in over three million enforcement proceedings—about 800,000 fewer than in 2023.
Nevertheless, the average number of enforcement proceedings per debtor was over five, as shown by data from the Institute. The average debt amount exceeded 900,000 CZK, although this figure is significantly influenced by the high debts of entrepreneurs.
The region of Ústí nad Labem was the hardest hit, with nearly 13% of individuals over the age of 15 affected by enforcement proceedings. In contrast, the Vysočina region had the lowest rate, with just under 4%.
The decline in enforcement proceedings can also be attributed to the increasing number of personal bankruptcies, with around 18,000 cases successfully concluded in 2024. As part of the 2023 bankruptcy law amendment, the duration for debt settlements was shortened from five to three years, with all debts consolidated and repaid according to an instalment plan.
According to Jan Mlynarčík, president of the Czech Chamber of Bailiffs (Exekutorská komora), the number of enforcement proceedings has not yet decreased due to the new regulations. He attributes the decline primarily to the cessation of so-called fruitless enforcement proceedings, where the debtor has made no payments for the last six or even twelve years. Another reason is the end of so-called trivial claims, where the owed amount is less than 1,500 CZK.
An influencing factor in the decreasing number of enforcement proceedings is also the increased awareness and education among the population regarding debt, which has led to a more cautious approach to money management.
