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Debt Collection Brussels:
Belgian debt recovery
Do you have money owed to you by someone in Brussels? Whether it concerns unpaid invoices, compensation, or refunds from a store, Collection Company can collect your outstanding invoices and other claims for you.
As specialists in international debt collection, we know better than anyone what procedures we can initiate to recover your money. Moreover, we can enlist the help of local bailiffs, lawyers, and attorneys in Brussels. They are close to the action and know exactly what needs to be done to ensure you receive what you are entitled to.
- Nationwide coverage throughout Belgium
- 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 Belgium
No one likes to wait for their money, but unpaid invoices abroad are especially frustrating. Not only is your debtor far away, but the rules surrounding cross-border claims are also complicated. Which law applies? And how can you invoke them?
As specialists in debt collection in Belgium, we know exactly how to recover your claim in Brussels for you. We work with a smart and efficient debt collection strategy, and we can engage local specialists like lawyers and bailiffs if necessary.
The entire debt recovery process is managed by our international debt collection specialists. They coordinate the experts in Brussels and keep you up-to-date. This means you have one clear point of contact and don’t have to worry about anything else.
As a creditor, you can monitor the progress of the procedure 24/7 through our Online Cockpit.
Would you like to know more about our collection services in Brussels? Then request a free consultation.
Why Collection Company for debt collection in Brussels?
- Global coverage
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Experienced debt collection specialists with knowledge of Belgian 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 now
Do you have a debt collection case in Brussels? Submit your details and we will contact you shortly to discuss your case.
The Belgian debt collection procedures
If your debtor is located in Brussels, we need to rely on the Belgian legal system or use one of the European procedures for cross-border claims. The complete debt collection process generally consists of two phases: an out-of-court phase and, if that is unsuccessful, a judicial procedure. If your debtor does not pay voluntarily and we have obtained a ruling from the court (or an order for payment), we can then engage a bailiff to seize assets from your debtor.
- 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
Extrajudicial (or amicable) debt collection is the attempt to collect a claim without the involvement of a judge. Sending payment reminders or notices of default is part of the extrajudicial collection process.
Having an out-of-court debt recovery carried out by a debt collection agency is an efficient way to enforce payment. When your debtor receives a letter from us as a debt collection agency, they understand that you mean business. Moreover, it is clear that a lawsuit will follow if payment is not made. As a result, 9 out of 10 debtors choose to pay once they receive a notice from us.
In addition, our debt collection process is not just about sending letters. We also establish personal contact with your debtor. We do this through phone calls, emails, and WhatsApp messages. Throughout the process, we gradually increase the pressure.
If payment is still not received, we send a final notice announcing that we will take legal action if payment is not made by the specified date. We will also inform them directly about the costs associated with this for your debtor.
Legal proceedings in Brussels
Is your debtor not paying after an out-of-court procedure? Then we can enforce payment through the court. This is called judicial debt collection. If your debtor lives in Brussels, Belgian law will generally apply, and we must approach the court in Brussels.
The exact nature of the judicial procedure depends on the amount of the claim. Claims of 5,000 euros or less are handled in Belgium by the Justice of the Peace.
Claims of more than 5,000 euros are dealt with by the Court of First Instance or, if it concerns a business claim, by the Commercial Court.
For both procedures, we need to engage a bailiff to summon your debtor (officially calling them to appear in court). The summons includes details about the claim and when your debtor must appear in court.
If your debtor disputes the claim, they have the opportunity to present a defense. The judge will review the positions of both parties and the evidence provided, and will make a ruling based on that. This ruling will be documented in a judgment. With this judgment, we can have a bailiff seize assets.
Administrative procedure
Are you an entrepreneur, and is your debtor one too? And is the debt undisputed? Since 2016, it is possible to use the administrative procedure for the collection of undisputed debts (IOS procedure) in Belgium.
The condition for using this procedure is that the claim is “certain, established, and due”. Both parties must also be registered with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises or a comparable register abroad.
During this procedure, we involve a bailiff (through a lawyer) to serve a warning to your debtor. They will then have 30 days to pay the claim or dispute it.
If your debtor does not object, the bailiff will draw up a report of non-dispute. This report is then granted an enforceable title by a magistrate of the Management and Supervision Committee (BTC).
With this, we can have a bailiff seize assets from your debtor.
European Small Claims Procedure
It is not always necessary to file a lawsuit in Belgium. Within the European Union, there are special procedures for collecting cross-border claims. For small claims (5,000 euros or less), there is a European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP). You can use this if your debtor is located in a different EU country than where you are based.
If the claim is less than 5,000 euros and you live in another EU-country than Belgium while your debtor is based in Brussels, it is possible to collect your claim through this expedited procedure.
The advantage of the European Small Claims Procedure is that the process takes place via the court in the country you’re based, and the procedure is executed entirely online. The hearing is for example conducted via a video call.
Ultimately, the judge will make a ruling, which is enforceable in all EU countries, except Denmark.
European Payment Order (EPO)
If your debtor does not object to the claim (but still does not pay), this constitutes an undisputed claim. Within the EU, it is possible to apply for a European Payment Order (EPO) for undisputed cross-border claims.
You can request such a payment order by filling out and submitting a few standard forms to the designated court in your country. The court will then issue a payment order. This order compels your debtor to pay or to formally contest the claim. If they fail to do so, we can initiate an enforcement procedure based on the payment order against your debtor.
How does the debt collection procedure work in Brussels?
Step 1
The debt collection procedure begins with an amicable procedure. Your debtor will receive a demand letter from us, and we will contact them by phone. We will then gradually increase the pressure through phone calls, emails, and WhatsApp or text messages. We will continue this until your unpaid invoice is settled. In total, there can be up to 16 contact attempts.
Step 2
If this is not enough to persuade your debtor to pay, we will send a final demand letter. In this letter, we inform them that we will take legal action if the owed amount is not in our account by the date specified in the letter. We make it clear that this will incur significant costs for your debtor.
Step 3
If your debtor refuses to pay, it is up to you to decide whether to initiate a legal procedure. You can discuss the options and the likelihood of success with our collections specialist.
Interim measures in Brussels
Interim measures consist of a temporary attachment on assets of your debtor in the lead-up to or during a legal procedure. The purpose of this is to prevent your debtor from having the chance to siphon off assets before the judge has made a ruling, ensuring there is nothing left for you to recover when a judgment is issued.
In Belgium, it is also possible to impose provisional seizures. In Belgium, a lawyer can impose a seizure based on a notarial deed or undisputed invoice. Collection Company works together with the best lawyers in Brussels for this purpose.
Interim attachments serve as a security measure, but it is also a way to put pressure on your debtor. As long as there is a provisional attachment on the assets, your debtor cannot make use of them.
Seizing assets from your debtor in Brussels
When we have a judgment from the court or a payment order and your Belgian debtor fails to pay the owed amount, we can enforce the court order by seizing assets.
Bailiffs in Belgium are only allowed to operate within their own district. So, if we want to seize assets from a debtor in Brussels, you’ll have to hire a bailiff in Brussels. Collection Company works with the best bailiffs in Brussels.
Bailiffs can seize the assets of your debtor. This includes income (wage garnishment), bank accounts, movable and immovable property.
If we initiate wage garnishment, a portion of your debtor’s income will be withheld until the debt is paid off. The bailiff must always leave a portion of your debtor’s income untouched so that they have enough money to live on.
Bankruptcy application
Does your debtor tell you that they can’t pay you? If your debtor is unable to pay, we can file for their bankruptcy.
In Belgium, it is possible to request the bankruptcy of your debtor if they have financial problems of a lasting nature. This is the case, for example, if banks no longer want to grant loans to your debtor.
A bankruptcy request is a strong pressure tactic. After all, your debtor risks losing their business. Our experience shows that most debtors suddenly find enough money to quickly pay off the debt when bankruptcy is imminent.
If your debtor actually goes bankrupt, the court will appoint a trustee who will try to pay all creditors from the assets of the bankrupt company.
Additionally, in Belgium, it is only possible to request the bankruptcy of companies. Individuals cannot go bankrupt in Belgium.
Advice about your Belgian debt collection case?
Fill in your details, and we will contact you immediately for a free consultation!
Legal fields of debt collection
As an international debt collection specialist, Collection Company can recover claims in various legal areas. We can collect unpaid invoices in Brussels, but we also manage debt collections in areas such as compensation claims or rental and purchase disputes.
We are active in the following legal fields:
- Construction law
- Rental and leasing
- Buying and selling
- Labor law
- Agency agreements
- Transport
- Damages and wrongful acts
Our specialists work directly for clients, but intermediaries such as law firms and accounting offices can also use our services for their debt collection cases.
Other debt collection services
- Reliable advice on contracts and terms
- Credit information about companies in Brussels
- Disputes including issues like Retention of Title and right of recourse
- Mediating in reaching private settlements and agreements
Free consultation
You can submit your debt collection cases directly to us via our debt collection registration form. Would you like to consult with a collection specialist first? Leave your details or call us at 070 – 762 0330.
Start collecting your debt
Submit your personal information and plan your free consult.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about debt collection in Brussels
FAQ: What do we need to collect your debt in Brussels?
To recover your debts in Brussels, we would like to receive as much information and documentation related to your claim as possible. For example, contracts, invoices, bank statements, and other documents can support your claim.
We fully understand that you may not always have all these papers on hand. That’s not a problem. You can still submit your claim to us even if some documents are missing. Our international debt collection specialist can then contact you to determine what evidence you do have for your claim.
If you have them, we would appreciate receiving the following documents:
- A copy of the agreement
- Email correspondence confirming the agreement
- A fax confirmation
- Your summary of what was agreed upon
- Invoices
- Reminder notices
- A copy of your general terms and conditions
- Possibly proof of delivery
FAQ: Do you need a lawyer for debt collection in Brussels?
For a legal procedure at one of the courts in Belgium, it is always necessary to hire a lawyer, even for small claims. Additionally, a lawyer is required to file for bankruptcy or to impose provisional attachments. Collection Company has a broad network of the best lawyers in Brussels.
FAQ: When do claims expire in Belgium?
In Belgium, there are different statutes of limitations for monetary claims. For contractual obligations, there is a statute of limitations of 10 years. For non-contractual obligations, such as damages, the statute of limitations is 5 years. Additionally, in specific sectors, there are shorter statutes of limitations of 1 or 2 years.
Our international debt collection specialists can investigate when your claim may expire.
FAQ: What if my employer in Brussels doesn’t pay my salary?
Do you have any salary owed to you from your employer in Brussels? In Belgium, there is a special Labor Court that handles all labor disputes, including wage claims. Collection Company can also recover your overdue salary for you.
FAQ: Why not hire a debt collection agency in Brussels?
If someone in Brussels fails to pay an invoice or other bill, it is of course possible to engage a Belgian debt collection agency.
The problem is that most debt collection agencies only handle pre-legal collections. If you need to file a lawsuit, you need to hire a debt collection lawyer yourself.
Our debt collection agency can manage both amicable and legal processes for you. We work with Belgian debt collection specialists such as debt collection lawyers and bailiffs. As a client, you have one dedicated English-speaking point-of-contact.
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
