International debt collection
- Worldwide coverage
- Preferred partner of EOS Global Collection
- Always 1 dedicated contact person
- Local expertise
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As an entrepreneur with customers abroad, doing business does not stop at the border. You provide products or services to international customers and expect, just as you do in the Netherlands, that payments will be made on time. When a foreign invoice remains unpaid, you immediately face additional barriers. Think of different legislation, a foreign language, cultural differences, and divergent payment habits.
A standard Dutch approach for a customer in Paris, Berlin, or New York is often not the best strategy. On this page, we explain exactly how international debt collection works and how incasso.nl (supported by Ultimoo) collects your outstanding claims worldwide.
What is international debt collection?
International debt collection is the process of recovering outstanding monetary claims where the creditor and the debtor are based in different countries. For example, consider a Dutch company with a customer abroad who fails to pay an invoice. Often, a standard Dutch collection approach is ineffective abroad. International debt collection therefore requires in-depth knowledge of local regulations, the language of the country, and specific international customs.
How does collection vary by country?
In global business, every country has its own payment morale and legal culture. While a German company might respond strictly to formal deadlines, the payment culture in Southern Europe is often more flexible, requiring a different, more diplomatic approach.
To successfully recover cross-border invoices, incasso.nl utilizes a network of local partners and legal professionals who know the local market inside out.
Check out our specific country pages for a detailed step-by-step plan per country:
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Debt collection in Belgium
Although there is no language barrier with part of Belgium, the country has strict legislation regarding formal notice (ingebrekestelling) and the use of the IOS procedure (collection of undisputed monetary debt). Read everything about debt collection in Belgium. -
Debt collection in Germany
Germans place great value on formal documentation. The Mahnverfahren (automated dunning procedure) is a highly effective legal pressure tool here. Read everything about debt collection in Germany. -
Debt collection in France
French payment terms can often stretch significantly in practice. The Injonction de payer is the French legal route to quickly obtain an enforceable title without a full trial. Read everything about debt collection in France. -
Debt collection in the United Kingdom
Since Brexit, the UK falls outside standard EU regulations. This requires a specific approach through the English legal system (County Court) and pre-action protocols. Read everything about debt collection in the United Kingdom. -
Debt collection in Spain
In Spain, a personal, telephone-based follow-up by a Spanish lawyer is often more effective than formal letters. The Proceso monitorio is the designated legal route here. Read everything about debt collection in Spain.
What is the European Order for Payment (EOP)?
When the out-of-court collection process abroad reaches a deadlock and your debtor is established within the European Union, you do not necessarily need to hire an expensive lawyer in your customer's country immediately. You can utilize a powerful legal instrument: the European Order for Payment (EOP).
This is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1896/2006 of the European Parliament. The EOP is designed to simplify and accelerate the recovery of uncontested cross-border claims within the EU.
How does the EOP procedure work?
- Application via standard forms: The procedure is conducted entirely in writing using standardized forms (Form A), which are submitted to the competent court (in many cases, this can be done via the Dutch court).
- Review by the court: The court checks strictly whether the claim meets the formal requirements. There is no substantive legal trial unless the customer files an objection.
- Issuance and enforcement: If the debtor does not file a reasoned opposition within 30 days, the European Order for Payment automatically becomes enforceable. This judgment is immediately valid in all EU member states (except Denmark) and can be executed directly by a local bailiff.
Would you like to know if your file is eligible for this European procedure? Please feel free to contact one of our specialists for a no-obligation consultation.
What should you look out for with a foreign claim?
When transferring or initiating a foreign claim, there are three risk factors that you, as an exporting SME, must immediately take into account:
- Statutes of limitations vary significantly
In the Netherlands, a regular commercial claim typically expires after 5 years. Abroad, this can be considerably shorter. In Germany (BGB), the limitation period for commercial claims is generally only 3 years, and this period always expires on the last day of the calendar year. If you wait too long, you will legally be empty-handed. - Wki beyond the border
As a Dutch party, incasso.nl operates strictly in accordance with the Quality of Debt Collection Services Act (Wki). When we initiate an international trajectory, we ensure that our local collection partners and legal professionals meet a similarly high ethical and GDPR-compliant standard, ensuring that your international brand name never suffers any reputational damage. - Exchange rate risks and currency
Do you do business outside the eurozone (e.g., with the UK or the US)? In that case, explicitly agree in advance in your contracts or general terms and conditions which currency payment must be made in and who bears the exchange rate risk in the event of a delayed payment.
Frequently asked questions about international debt collection
Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions from SME entrepreneurs regarding debt collection procedures abroad.
Does "No cure, no pay" also apply to international debt collection?
No. Because handling an international collection file is generally more intensive than a traditional domestic collection procedure, different rules apply. For instance, in an international collection procedure, you are often required to pay a fixed fee for case filing and a commission on the collected amount.
Would you like to know where you stand in your specific situation? Please feel free to contact one of our specialists for a no-obligation consultation.
What language is used during the international process?
We always approach your foreign customer in their own language (or in English if that is the contractual language). Data from the European Commission shows that the willingness to pay and communicate increases by as much as 40% when the debtor is approached in their native language by a local expert.
As a client, you will only communicate with a dedicated contact person at incasso.nl. This ensures that the process remains simple and organized for you at all times.
How long does an international debt collection process take on average?
Due to logistical and legal distances, an international process in the amicable phase takes an average of 45 to 90 days. This is slightly longer than a domestic process, as we must account for international mail and banking transit times, as well as local legal waiting periods.
Submit your international claim now
Do not let international borders and language barriers hinder your finances. With the incasso.nl online platform, you can activate a worldwide network of debt collection specialists with a single click.
Do you have a specific situation or would you like to consult with a specialist first? Please contact us at +31 348 486 425.
