Payment Orders in the UAE: Recovering a Debt Without a Full Lawsuit

A payment order is the fastest court route to recover a documented, fixed and due debt in the UAE.

What is a payment order?

A payment order (أمر الأداء) is a summary procedure under the UAE Civil Procedure Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 42 of 2022) and its implementing regulation. Instead of a full lawsuit, a judge examines the documents and issues an order without a hearing.

Conditions

The claim must be:
1. for a sum of money (or a specified movable);
2. proven in writing (for example an invoice signed or acknowledged by the debtor, a contract, or a cheque);
3. fixed in amount; and
4. due for payment.

Before filing

The creditor must first send the debtor a written demand to pay, giving at least five days to settle. Keep proof of delivery.

After the order

The debtor can challenge the order by appeal within the legal period. If no challenge is made, the order becomes enforceable and the creditor can open an execution file.

When not to use it

If the debt is disputed, unliquidated or not documented, the judge will refuse the order and you will need an ordinary claim.

Ask LexArab

LexArab can check your documents against the four conditions and draft the demand letter and application. General information only.