OurDutch lawyers are specialized in debt collection proceedings in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and throughout the country. Our team of lawyers is able to assist clients in the process of collecting the due debts and our assistance focuses on trying to solve the due payment out of court, whenever possible.
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What is debt collection in the Netherlands?
Debt collection refers to the process of pursuing due payments owed by individuals or businesses. In the Netherlands, this is a process that can take place with the help of an agency or alawyer who can assist the client go through the judicial collection phase if the case requires this stage.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | Dutch Civil Code |
Other specific regulations that apply (YES/NO) | Yes, EU directives may be invoked. |
Types of debts that can be chased in the Netherlands | Debts arising from: – commercial contracts, – unpaid credit, – mortgages, – business debt, – bank loans, etc. |
| Availability of out-of-court procedures (YES/NO) | Yes, extra-judicial procedures can be used in debt collection cases in the Netherlands. |
| Court proceedings available (YES/NO) | Yes, court proceedings are also in place. |
| Types of debt collection procedures in court | – small claims procedures for amounts below EUR 5,000, – court litigation |
| Court in charge of debt collection procedures | – interlocutary courts for summarized procedures, – district courts for litigaiton cases |
| Existence of minimum claim for court proceedings (YES/NO) | No |
| Duration of amicable debt recovery process in the Netherlands (approx.) | Through an amicable procedure, the debt can be settled in a few days, if the debtor cooperates. |
| Duration of debt recovery through court application (approx.) | Court proceedings in debt recovery cases in the Netherlands are completed in about 2 to 3 weeks. |
| Recognition of foreign court order related to debt collection (YES/NO) | Yes, based on mutual agreements with other countries |
| Possibility to use the services of debt collection agencies/lawyers (YES/NO) | Yes, claimants can use debt recovery agencies, lawyers and bailiffs. |
| Availability of debtor protection measures (YES/NO) | Yes, a defendant can file an opposition against a debt claim. |
| Debt collection services available (YES/NO) | We offer debt collection services in the Netherlands. |
| Available debt collection services | We are a law firm who can offer support in extra-judicial and court proceedings in relation to all types of debt collection. |
| When to start the debt collection procedure | Once the debtor fails to meet the payment deadline outlined in the agreement/contract. |
Mediation | Our lawyers recommend mediation for amicable resolution in debt collection disputes. |
Amicable collection | Through negotiation and communication, without resorting to legal action or other debt collection tactics. |
| Appealing (YES/NO) | YES |
| Summons for payment | Debt collection begins with a writ of summons served by a Dutch bailiff, detailing the creditor’s claim and reasons. |
| Bankruptcy collection | If the debtor is unable to pay his/her debts by the time he/she is required to do. |
| Forced execution | The creditor enforces debt repayment when debtors fail to comply voluntarily. |
| Relevant documents for debt collection | – unpaid invoices, – payment reminders, – demand letters, – agreements between the parties, – debt collection letter, etc. |
| Asset seizure | Only through a court order |
| Types of assets subject to seizure | – movable properties, – real estate, – shares, etc. |
| Areas of debt collection | – mortgage debts, – commercial debts, – rent debts, – consumer debts, etc. |
| Validity period for court judgments | 20 years from the date the order was issued. |
| Enforcing foreign judgments in the Netherlands | Must submit relevant documents to the Dutch court (certified copy of the foreign judgment, declaration of its enforceability). |
| Debt collection principles | – fair treatment of debtors, – adhere to legal regulations, – transparency in debt communication, – pursue reasonable repayment solution |
| Additional services provided by our law firm in Netherlands | – VAT registration in Netherlands, – company formation, – accounting, – trademark registration, etc. |
What are the main procedures associated with debt collection in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, the process of collecting debts is divided into two phases:
- the extra-judicial phase;
- the legal phase.
What are the steps involved in collecting debts in the Netherlands in 2026?
Below, our team of lawyerswho specialize in debt collection in the Netherlands lists the main steps for debt collection, extrajudicial and judicial collection included:
- the first demand letter – our team will attempt the first contact with the debtor, via letters and/or phone calls;
- the payment arrangement – if the debtor is responsive, we can arrange a payment schedule, suitable for both parties;
- the second demand – if the debtor refuses the payment schedule or if he/she does not comply, in most cases, this will mark the end of the extrajudicial phase;
- the legal proceedings notification – the debtor needs to be informed of the fact that the creditor, through his/her representatives, will commence the judicial proceedings;
- enforcement – upon obtaining an enforcement instrument for the due debt, the creditor can start the seizure of assets.
What are the main responsibilities of a debt collection agency in the Netherlands?
Any party that needs to recover debts can directly address the debtor or can delegate the task to a debt collection agency, which can represent its client. The debt collection agency can only contact the debtor to remind about the debt and the conditions of the payment. The agency is not entitled to enforce other measures, as they can only be enforced by local legal bodies.
What is the deadline in which the debtor can make the payment in 2026?
If a debt collection agency has sent a demand letter to a debtor, then the latter usually must make the payment in a period of 14 days since the document was received.
Do I need to pay interest for overdue invoices/debts in 2026?
Yes, the Dutch law stipulates that overdue payments are charged with interest. As of 1st of January 2026, the statutory interest is 4% of the amount, while in commercial matters, the rate is 10.15%.
Here is also an infographic on Dutch debt recovery:
Who should I address if the out-of-court procedure fails?
Our lawyers, who will take the case to a bailiff. The bailiff has legal authority to impose court orders. Initially, during the first legal steps, the approach is to make the debtor agree with the terms of the payment but if this fails, then a court order can be issued through which the applicable law will be enforced.
What are the responsibilities of a bailiff?
The bailiff, the public official who is responsible for the actual enforcement, is a participant in the process. His role includes the following:
- to serve the enforceable document to the debtor;
- to demand that the debtor complies with the obligation to perform;
- to receive the payment when the debtor makes the payment;
- to seize the assets.
What types of assets can be seized as a way to collect debts?
The seizure of assets or the attachment can take place for:
- movable property – this can include furniture, some collection items, ships, vehicles, and others;
- real estate – the creditor can attach the propertyowned by the debtor and this is recorded in the Land Registry;
- shares – bearer rights, registered shares, and the rights to other registered securities can be taken by the creditor;
- others – the debtor’s rights against a third party, also known as an attachment by garnishment.
Does Netherlands apply a statutory limitation period?
Yes. The limitation period refers to the timeframe during which a debt collection case can be addressed to a court which will enforce a decision as per the applicable legislation. In the Netherlands, the limitation periods are regulated by the Dutch Civil Code, which stipulates the following:
- 2 years – consumer sales;
- 5 years – it represents the general limitation for the majority of debt collection cases;
- 20 years – the maximum period of time stipulated by law, in principle – however, for the majority of cases, the Dutch Civil Code specifically stipulates 2/5 years (our lawyers in Netherlands can present when this can be the case).
What is the maximum threshold for small claims in Dutch debt collection cases?
Small claims in debt collection cases happening in the Netherlands are considered to be any sum of money below EUR 25,000. These case are held in local courts; our Dutch lawyers can present the steps associated with the procedure (it contains a simplified procedural system).
Here is also a video on debt recovery in the Netherlands:
What is the mechanism for foreign small claims?
For foreign claims up to €5,000, the European Small Claims Process can be employed in debt recovery in the Netherlands. It is a pretty straightforward process that is applicable to small claims in practically all EU member states.
What are the main requirements for enforcing foreign judgments in the Netherlands?
The party that wishes to enforce a foreign judgment in the Netherlands, that is a judgment issued in another member state or an EU court decision, must present the following documents to the local Dutch courtand/or authorities:
- a copy of the issued judgment (a certified copy is usually required).
- a certificate that states the enforceable nature of the judgment and contains relevant details, for example, information on the recoverable costs for the proceedings.
Contact our debt recovery specialists for more information about debt collection in the Netherlands and an evaluation of your case.