en
Debt Collection Singapore:
collect your outstanding invoices
Singapore is known for its excellent payment culture. It is quite unusual for companies to pay their bills late. But what if that is the case? Where can you turn to collect your claim?
Collection Company specializes in international debt collection and has an extensive network of lawyers, legal professionals, and bailiffs in Singapore. They have the knowledge and experience to collect your outstanding claim. The debt recovery is coordinated by our English-speaking debt collectors, with whom you, as a creditor, communicate. This way, you don’t have to deal with a language barrier or the significant time difference with Singapore.
- Nationwide coverage in Singapore
- 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 services in Singapore
When doing business in Singapore, your invoices are typically paid promptly. On average, bills are settled within 30 to 60 days. Late payments are quite rare. Have you sent an invoice and the payment term has passed without payment? This often indicates an issue. Your debtor may dispute the invoice or is unable to meet their payment obligations.
In such cases, it’s crucial to seek assistance from debt collection specialists familiar with the local business culture and the Singapore law practices. That’s why we collaborate with top debt collection experts in Singapore.
Would you like to consult with an international debt collection specialist regarding your claim in Singapore? Request a free and non-binding consultation.
Expert in international debt collection
- Global coverage
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Experienced debt collection specialists with knowledge of the law in Singapore
- 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 any unpaid invoices or other outstanding claims in Singapore? Fill in your details below and one of our debt collection specialists will contact you to discuss the matter.
How does the debt collection process in Singapore work?
Just like in most countries, in Singapore there are roughly two ways to collect your outstanding invoices: extrajudicial (also known as amicable) debt collection and judicial debt collection.
Extrajudicial debt recovery means we try to collect your debt outside of the courts. This is often the fastest and most cost-effective way. That’s why we usually start there.
If your debtor still refuses to pay after an amicable debt collection process, we can take them to court. In doing so, we work with the best lawyers and attorneys in Singapore.
- 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
It is usually wise to start a debt recovery process with an amicable phase. Perhaps your debtor has not received the invoice or has accidentally forgotten to pay it. By not immediately resorting to legal action, the relationship with your customer is not immediately strained. If your debtor disagrees with the invoice, our specialists can discuss this with them and clarify why the invoice is legitimate.
During the extrajudicial phase, we contact your debtor 16 times over three weeks. We send reminders and late payment notices, but also make phone calls with your debtor.
Throughout the process, our debt collectors gradually increase the pressure. If your debtor still refuses to pay, we will explain that a legal procedure will follow. This incurs escalating costs for your debtor. As a result, most debtors pay after this amicable collection phase.
If that does not happen, our lawyers and legal experts in Singapore are ready to initiate a legal procedure.
Judicial procedure
Singapore’s legal system is divided into State Courts (consisting of Magistrate Courts and District Courts) and High Courts (High Court and Court of Appeal). A judicial debt collection starts in the first instance at one of the State Courts. The specific court you need to go to depends on the amount of your claim.
Small claims
For small claims, there is a special court, the Small Claims Tribunal. If you have a claim of S$20,000 or less, we can file the case with this court. Both parties can prepare a Memorandum of Consent that increases the limit from S$20,000 to S$30,000. A Memorandum of Consent is a document where both parties agree to solve the dispute at the Small Claims Tribunal.
During the Small Claims Procedure, a court officer will attempt to mediate to reach a settlement. If an agreement is reached, the court officer can formalize it in a consent order, allowing execution of the claim.
If no agreement is reached, a hearing is scheduled. Both parties must attend these hearings. If your debtor fails to appear, the judge will automatically grant your claim.
The hearing takes place on the third floor of the State Court. Both parties have the opportunity to explain their case to the court magistrate and provide evidence. Witnesses may be summoned if necessary. The hearing can be conducted in private upon request.
At the end of the hearing, the magistrate will make a ruling. If your claim is granted, a payment order will be included in the judgment. The judgment will be published on the court’s website.
The magistrate may determine that additional hearings are necessary for a final decision.
For the Small Claims Tribunal, legal representation is not permitted.
A decision of the Small Claims Tribunal is generally binding and enforceable. Your debtor can only appeal for procedural errors. The case cannot be reexamined on its merits.
Claims above S$60.000
Claims above S$60,000 are handled by the District Court. To initiate the procedure, we need to summon your debtor. The summons, along with your view on the case, will be delivered to your debtor. If your debtor fails to respond to the summons on time, the judge may issue a default judgment, resulting in automatic approval of your claim. If your debtor wishes to bring the case to court, a written round will be scheduled for both parties to submit their evidence.
As the creditor we must also file a document called Summons for Directions, where we can specify the witnesses and experts we wish to hear from, among other things. The judge will then determine the next steps of the case.
Both parties can request each other to provide documents in the meantime or ask the judge to reject certain pieces of evidence.
Once both parties have indicated readiness for the substantive treatment of the case, a hearing date will be scheduled. During the hearing, both parties will take turns being heard and presenting their evidence. Experts and witnesses will also testify.
Based on this, the judge will make a decision. Both parties have the option to appeal the decision. Only when the judgment is final it can be enforced.
Claims above S$250.000
For claims exceeding S$250,000, the case will not be handled by the District Court but by the general division of the High Court. The procedure basically resembles a case at the District Court. If either party wishes to appeal the High Court’s decision, they can do so at the Court of Appeal.
Enforcement procedures
If you have a judgment from one of the courts, it does not mean you have your money immediately in your bank account. If your debtor still does not pay the amount owed after a court judgment, we have to enforce the judgment.
The enforcement process in Singapore consists of various phases. First, we can summon your debtor to appear before the court to declare under oath what his assets are.
Next, the court can authorize a court officer (the Sheriff) or a bailiff to seize assets of your defaulter. This may involve transferring real estate into your name. The Sheriffs and bailiffs can also seize other assets and transfer them to you or sell them publicly and pay you.
The court may also impose fines on your defaulter if he does not cooperate with the execution of the judgment.
Interim attachment in Singapore
To prevent your debtor from dissipating funds or assets during the process, we can request a prejudgment attachment from the court in the preliminary hearings. This requires us to demonstrate that the claim is likely to succeed, but there is a risk that there may be nothing left for you to recover once the judgment is awarded.
The judge typically decides whether to grant permission for the prejudgment attachment after both parties have been heard, but in cases of urgency, the judge may choose not to hear your debtor first.
Bankruptcy in Singapore
If you have more than S$15,000 owed by your debtor (business or individual) and they are unable to repay this amount, we can file a bankruptcy petition with the High Court of Singapore.
A bankruptcy petition is a tactic to put pressure on your debtor. Most debtors will do everything to avoid being declared bankrupt and therefore settle the debt. In that case, we can withdraw the bankruptcy petition.
A registrar of the High Court schedules a hearing once a bankruptcy petition has been filed. You are obligated to attend this hearing as a creditor. During the hearing, we must explain why you seek the bankruptcy of your debtor and your debtor has the opportunity to object.
The registrar then decides whether to declare bankruptcy or reject it. The registrar of the High Court can also determine whether your debtor is eligible for a Debt Repayment Scheme.
If your debtor is declared bankrupt, the High Court appoints a trustee. This can be either a private trustee or a public official. Within 7 days of the appointment, all creditors must submit their claims to the trustee.
The trustee takes over all financial tasks of your debtor and may sell assets to repay creditors. If there are multiple creditors, the trustee may convene a creditors’ meeting.
The trustee assesses how much the bankrupt individual needs for their daily living expenses and provides a monthly allowance. The remaining income and assets are used to repay creditors.
Advice on your case?
Fill in your details, and we will contact you immediately!
Legal areas debt collection Singapore
Collection Company provides debt collection services for various types of claims. This could involve unpaid invoices, claims from finance companies, damage claims, or rental arrears, for example.
We can assist you with claims in the following legal areas:
- Construction law
- Rental and leasing
- Purchase and sale
- Labor law
- Agency agreement
- Transport
- Damages and unlawful acts
We work not only clients directly but also for intermediaries, such as law firms, accounting corporations and public accountants.
How can we help you further?
- Reliable advice on contracts and terms
- Credit information about companies in Singapore
- Disputes including issues like Retention of Title and right of recourse
- Mediating in reaching private settlements and agreements
Submit your claim in Singapore
You can submit your claim directly via the collection registration form. Prefer to discuss your claim with a debt collector first? Leave your details or call us at +3170 – 762 0330.
Free advice on debt collection in Singapore?
Submit your personal information and plan your free consult.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about debt collection in Singapore
FAQ: What do we need for a debt recovery in Singapore?
To ensure a smooth processing of your claim, we require various documents. Please provide us with the contract or agreement, invoices, and any proof of delivery you may have. If you no longer possess these documents, that’s not a problem. Our debt collection specialist can assist you in finding out which evidence you do have to support your claim.
We kindly request the following documents:
- A copy of the (purchase) agreement, email messages (with confirmation), a fax confirmation, or your summary of the agreed terms
- Copies of sent invoices
- Copies of sent reminders
- A copy of your terms and conditions
- Optionally, a proof of delivery
FAQ: Do I need a lawyer for debt collection in Singapore?
In Singapore, it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer for judicial debt recovery. At the Small Claims Tribunal, it is not even permitted to bring a lawyer. For higher claims, this is allowed. Depending on the amount of the claim and the complexity of the case, we will discuss with you as a creditor whether a lawyer is necessary. We work together with the top law firms in Singapore.
FAQ: Is there a statute of limitations for claims in Singapore?
In Singapore, there is a limitation period for monetary claims. This limitation period depends on the original type of contract and the reason for non-payment. For most claims, the statute of limitations is 6 years. This means that the case must be brought to court within 6 years after the final payment deadline, otherwise the claim will expire.
FAQ: Why not hire a debt collection agency in Singapore?
When engaging a debt recovery agency based in Singapore, you will have to deal with a significant time difference. And which debt collection companies are trustworthy?
Collection Company works with the best debt collection specialists in Singapore. As a creditor, you will have an English-speaking debt collector. This ensures smooth communication and makes sure you don’t have to communicate with overseas parties yourself.
FAQ: Why choose Collection Company for your claims in Slovakia?
If you have a claim in Slovakia, you would normally have to contact local collection agencies, bailiffs, and possibly lawyers yourself.
At Collection Company, you have one dedicated English-speaking point of contact. They coordinate the collection process and work with Slovak lawyers, legal experts, and bailiffs from our own network. As a result this allows you to communicate in English, but still have access to local experts.
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
