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Debt Collection Estonia:
collecting your money abroad
Is your customer in Estonia not paying an invoice? Or do you have other outstanding receivables in Estonia? Collection Company specializes in international debt collection and can collect your unpaid bills abroad for you. With our proven international debt collection strategy, we ensure a quick and efficient debt recovery.
- Nationwide coverage in Estonia
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Proven track record
- Tailor-made services for each case
- Expert advice and a transparent process
- 24/7 online access
Specialized in debt collection in Estonia
Has the due date of your invoice expired and is your Estonian debtor ignoring your payment reminders? Or is he simply refusing to pay the bill? Then it is advisable to start a debt collection procedure as soon as possible. The longer you wait to take action, the greater the chance that there will be no assets left to recover the debt.
Collection Company specializes in international debt collection. In Estonia we work with a carefully assembled network of attorneys, legal experts, and bailiffs. They know everything about local laws and regulations regarding debt collection. Together with them, we ensure that you get what you are entitled to.
As a client, you’ll be assigned to a dedicated English-speaking contact person. This debt collection specialist manages the process, maintains contact with the parties in Estonia, and ensures that they receive all relevant documents. Throughout the debt collection process, you can monitor the progress 27/4 in your own Online Cockpit.
Specialized in international debt collection
- Global coverage
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Experienced debt collection specialists with knowledge of Estonian legislation
- Broad network with local lawyers and bailiffs
- Seamless connection from extrajudicial to judicial action
- Effective local approach
- 24/7 tracking through your own Online Cockpit
Submit your claim
Do you have a customer in Estonia who refuses to pay an invoice? Submit your details and one of our international debt collection specialists will contact you to discuss your case.
Estonia debt collection: How does it work?
The recovery of a monetary claim consists of two overlapping phases: extrajudicial debt collection and a legal procedure. The extrajudicial (out-of-court) phase includes all efforts to collect the claim before taking legal action. This may include sending payment reminders and building a case file.
Judicial collection involves initiating a legal procedure against your debtor. This phase includes summoning your debtor to court, attending hearings, potentially placing an interim attachment, and ultimately executing the judgment through seizure.
- Upload your invoice online
- We'll start your case
- We'll start with the debt collection process
- Together we decide the best strategy for collecting your debts
- Monitor the status of your case 24/7
- Any questions? Your personal accountmanager will answer them all!
- Your invoice is payed
Extrajudicial debt collection
An extrajudicial debt collection is the most efficient way to get your money as quickly as possible. In most cases, your debtor pays when they realize that a debt collection agency is after them. That’s why we always start the collection procedure with an extrajudicial phase.
During a period of three weeks, we contact the debtor 16 times. These include reminders, as well as phone calls, emails, and SMS or WhatsApp messages. This way, we gradually increase the pressure on your debtor to pay the amount owed.
Throughout this period, we make it clear that we are not afraid to take legal action if payment is not made within the specified timeframe, and that this will result in high costs for your debtor. Most debtors then choose to pay the invoice.
Judicial collection
If, unfortunately, it is not possible to collect the claim through an out-of-court procedure, or if a legal conflict has arisen with your debtor, it is possible to initiate a civil procedure to make your debtor pay.
We will summon your debtor to court, after which the debtor has the opportunity to present a defense.
If your debtor does not respond, the court will issue a default judgment in your favor. If your debtor does present a defense, the court will study the case and ultimately make a ruling based on the evidence provided.
In Estonia, all civil cases are handled in the first instance by one of the country’s four district courts (Maakohtud).
European Payment Order
In many cases, it is not even necessary to go to court in Estonia. Estonia is, after all, part of the European Union, and within the EU, there are special procedures for collecting cross-border claims. For example, we can request a European Payment Order.
The European Payment Order procedure was created to make it easier to collect undisputed cross-border claims. There is an undisputed claim when your debtor does not object to the invoice but still does not pay. Cross-border means that the creditor and debtor are located in different countries within the EU.
To obtain a European Payment Order, we can submit your claim through a simple form to the court in your own country. The judge then issues a European Payment Order.
This order is enforceable in all EU countries except Denmark. With the payment order, it is possible to seize assets from your debtor without a judgment from the local court. The payment order only applies to cases that are not disputed.
European Small Claims Procedure
Aside from the European Payment Order, there is another EU procedure that allows for the collection of a claim abroad: the European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP). This is an expedited process designed for small claims (under 5000 euros). Even if your debtor disputes the claim, it is possible to utilize this procedure.
Similar to the European Payment Order, the European Small Claims Procedure is handled through the court in the country of the creditor. We submit your claim to the court, which then informs your debtor. Both parties can provide digital evidence. The court may decide to organize a video call hearing if necessary.
Ultimately, the court issues a judgment. This judgment is enforceable in all EU countries except Denmark.
Enforcement procedures in Estonia
Once we have obtained an enforceable title, such as a favorable judgment from the court or a European payment order, it is possible to enforce the judgment. This means that we can actually collect your money.
We do this by having a bailiff (kohtutäitur) in Estonia seize the assets of your debtor. The bailiff can seize income and bank accounts, as well as physical assets. These assets can then be sold publicly by the bailiff. You, as the creditor, will be paid from the proceeds of the execution sale.
Interim measures in Estonia
Before filing a lawsuit, it is sometimes possible to impose an interim attachment on your debtor’s assets in Estonia. This is the case, for example, when it appears that your debtor will try to hide their assets before the court makes a decision.
To impose an interim attachment, we need to request permission from the court in Estonia. The court will weigh your interests against those of your debtor. If the court deems it reasonable to impose an attachment, a bailiff will take goods into custody or a bank account will be frozen until the court rules a decision.
Filing for bankruptcy
In practice, we often see that delinquent payers claim they cannot afford to pay the bill. We can’t squeeze blood from a stone, but it often turns out that your debtor does have money when we apply enough pressure. We can do this, for example, by applying for the bankruptcy of your debtor.
It is possible to apply for bankruptcy of someone with a debt in Estonia if:
- the debtor is 30 days overdue in payment;
- you’ve send them a written reminder;
- and they still haven’t paid within 10 days after the reminder.
If it is not possible to enforce the judgment within three months after a court ruling, it is still possible to apply for the bankruptcy of your debtor.
When your debtor is declared bankrupt, a trustee is appointed by the court. They will assess the assets of your debtor and attempt to repay all creditors from these assets.
In most cases, it won’t come to that. Most debtors seem to find a way to pay their debt when a bankruptcy application is made. If that is the case, we can withdraw the bankruptcy application.
Advice about your case?
Submit your details and we will contact you immediately!
Legal areas of debt collection in Estonia
At Collection Company we can collect all types of claims, both for business clients and individuals. This includes unpaid customer invoices in Estonia, as well as overdue salaries from an Estonian employer or claims arising from rental or purchase disputes.
Collection Company provides international debt collection services in various legal areas, such as:
- Construction law
- Rental and leasing
- Buying and selling
- Labor law
- Agency agreement
- Transport
- Damages and wrongful acts
We assist clients directly, but also work with intermediaries such as lawyers and accountants.
We can also help you with
- Advice on drafting contracts and terms
- Credit information on Estonian companies
- Disputes with trustees, for example regarding retention of title and right of lien
- Mediation in reaching private settlements
Immediately file your claim in Estonia
Submit your claim directly through our debt collection registration form. Prefer to discuss your claim with a specialist first? Leave your details or call us at 070 – 762 0330.
Free advice on debt collection in Estonia?
Submit your personal information and plan your free consult.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Debt Collection Estonia
FAQ: What do we need for debt collection in Estonia?
If you file a claim with us, we would appreciate receiving (copies) of all documents related to your claim. This may include closed agreements, sent invoices, payment reminders, and shipping or delivery proofs. By building a solid case, we will be well-prepared if legal action becomes necessary.
We understand that it may not always be possible to provide all documents. That’s not a problem at all. Our debt collection specialist will discuss with you which documents you have available to support your claim.
We kindly request the following documents for your file:
- Documents pertaining to the agreements made, such as a purchase agreement, email correspondence, a fax confirmation, or simply a summary of what was agreed upon.
- (Copies of) your invoices.
- (Copies of) your reminders.
- Your general terms and conditions.
- Proof of delivery.
FAQ: Does retention of title apply in Estonia?
In Estonia it is possible to agree on a retention of title with your debtor. With this, the buyer only becomes the owner of the delivered goods once the agreed amount has been fully paid.
FAQ: Is a lawyer required during legal proceedings?
According to the law, a lawyer is not mandatory in cases that are heard in first instance (before the district court). In appeal, however, a lawyer is often required.
FAQ: Is there a statute of limitations for my claim?
Claims are not indefinitely collectible. Estonia has a statute of limitations for claims. The general statute of limitations in Estonia is 3 years. It is therefore important to take action before that time to collect your claim.
Has the court granted your claim? Then the judgment of the court in Estonia remains enforceable for 20 years.
FAQ: Why not hire a debt collection agency in Estonia?
Some creditors with claims abroad choose to contact a collection agency located in the respective country. If your debtor is located in Estonia and you choose this option, it means that you will have to communicate with the parties in Estonia yourself. For example, you will need to have documents translated in the Estonian language and send them over to Estonia. In addition, most collection agencies only handle extrajudicial collections.
On the other hand, Collection Company takes care of the entire collection process and relieves you of all concerns. You have one dedicated English-speaking contact person to consult with. This collection specialist then manages the local parties in Estonia (lawyers, attorneys, and bailiffs). We ensure that they receive all the necessary paperwork.
As a customer, you can monitor the progress of the procedure yourself in our online dashboard.
Why 40.000 customers tried our services
- The #1 collection company in the Netherlands and abroad
- Regional & local specialists
- Years of experience with international invoices
- Your own personal contact
- Extensive advice on the legal process
- Monitor the status of your case 24/7
Meet our specialized legal team
Joost Konings LLMLaw expert- May Leung LLMLaw expert
- Wesley Boeters LLMInterim lawyer
