en
Debt Collection Denmark: fast and efficient recovery
Do you have customers or other debtors in Denmark who fail to pay their bills? Collection Company specializes in international debt collection and can collect your debts in Denmark. With our proven international debt collection strategy, we know how to quickly and efficiently recover any type of debt.
We rely on a carefully built network of international debt collection lawyers, legal experts, and bailiffs in Denmark. They specialize in the laws and regulations regarding debt collection in Denmark and can assist us on-site with collecting your money.
- Nationwide coverage in Denmark
- 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 Danish debt collection
It is always annoying to have to deal with your outstanding invoices, but if your debtor is located abroad, it can be even more complicated. You probably don’t speak the language and suddenly find yourself facing different legislation. What steps can you take to collect your money? What kind of letters should you send? At which court can you file your case?
A debt collection agency can recover your debt for you. Our team provides debt collection services abroad, including Denmark. We work according to our advanced debt collection strategy, in which we engage local specialists such as lawyers, attorneys, and bailiffs. They are familiar with local laws and know exactly how to collect your claim as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, and how to recover the costs of the debt collection procedure from your Danish debtor.
As a customer, you communicate with one dedicated debt collection agent at our office. They coordinate our debt collectors in Denmark. You can track the progress of the procedure 24/7 in our Online Cockpit.
Are you dealing with a defaulter in Denmark? Consult one of our specialists to find out the best way to collect your claim. Leave your details and one of our international debt collection specialists will contact you.
Submit your debt collection case
Do you have a debt collection case in Denmark? Please leave your contact information and one of our specialists will get in touch with you as soon as possible to discuss your case.
Why choose Collection Company for your debt recovery in Denmark?
- Global coverage
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Experienced debt collection specialists with knowledge of Danish 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
How does debt collection work in Denmark?
Like in most countries, the debt collection process in Denmark consists of two distinct phases that are interconnected: the extrajudicial and judicial procedure.
Extrajudicial debt collection (also known as amicable debt collection) includes all efforts to collect your claim before initiating legal proceedings. This can involve sending payment reminders and notices, as well as building a case file. In 9 out of 10 cases, it is possible to collect the claim in the extrajudicial phase.
In the rare cases where your debtor still doesn’t pay after the amicable debt collection process, we can proceed to court in Denmark. At Collection Company, we have all the necessary means to initiate and conduct legal proceedings.
Below, we will explain in detail how the extrajudicial and judicial phases work in Denmark.
- 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
We always recommend starting the collection process with an extrajudicial trajectory. In most cases, this is the fastest and most efficient way to recover your money.
During this amicable phase, we first send your debtor a reminder on our behalf, making it clear to your debtor that a debt collection agency is involved. Often, just this is enough to prompt your debtor to pay.
In addition, we personally contact your debtor, for example, by phone, email, and WhatsApp. If necessary, we make 16 contacts with your debtor within a period of three weeks. Gradually, we increase the pressure on your debtor.
Ultimately, your debtor receives a final warning through a summons: if the outstanding amount is not received by the mentioned due date in the letter, we will file a lawsuit. We immediately indicate the potential costs for your debtor in such a case.
At that point, most debtors realize that it is in their best interest to pay immediately. However, if that is not the case, we continue with a judicial procedure.
Judicial proceedings
Has a conflict arisen with a Danish client who refuses to pay the invoice? Or is your debtor simply not responding to payment reminders and demands? In many cases, you have no other option but to take legal action. The exact procedure for legal proceedings in Denmark depends on the amount of the claim.
Small claims (under 100,000 DKK)
In Denmark, for small claims under 100,000 DKK, there is a simplified procedure available at the District Court (Byretten). During this simplified procedure (forenklet inkasso), a court decision is expedited (typically within 14 days). The court only provides a brief examination of the case during this fast-track procedure.
If the judge deems the case too complex for a fast-track procedure, a regular civil procedure will be pursued.
Claims of more than 100,000 DKK
In the case of complex claims or claims exceeding 100,000 DKK, a regular civil procedure follows at the court. Before we can bring your case to the court, we must serve your debtor with a summons by a bailiff at least 10 days in advance. Your debtor then has two weeks to submit a defense. If they fail to do so, the court will issue a default judgment.
If the court receives a defense, the first attempt will be to facilitate a settlement between both parties through mediation. If this is unsuccessful or deemed futile from the start, a hearing will be scheduled within 4 weeks. During the hearing, both parties can present their arguments. Subsequently, the judge will make a ruling.
No European procedures available in Denmark
Within the EU, there are various procedures that make it easier to collect cross-border claims between different European countries. These include the European Payment Order and the European Small Claims Procedure.
Denmark is the only country within the EU where these procedures are not applicable. Therefore, if your debtor resides or is based in Denmark, it is not possible to make use of these European regulations.
How does the debt collection process work in Denmark?
Step 1
The debt collection process begins with sending a payment reminder to your debtor. Next, we personally reach out to your debtor through phone calls, emails, and WhatsApp messages. Within a period of three weeks, we make a total of 16 contacts with your debtor.
Step 2
If the debtor still doesn’t pay during the amicable phase, we initiate legal proceedings at the District Court. Depending on the amount of the claim, it will be either an expedited or regular procedure.
Step 3
With a favorable ruling from the court, we can then proceed with seizing assets.
Enforcement procedures in Denmark
If the court has granted your claim, but the debtor still fails to pay the amount owed, we can proceed with the enforcement of the judgment. This is done by submitting your claim to the Bailiffs Court, a part of the District Court. The judge will then instruct a bailiff to enforce the judgment. This can be done, for example, through an attachment on income or bank accounts, or the seizure of movable assets and real estate. Seized assets are publicly auctioned, and the creditor will be paid from the proceeds.
Interim measures
It is not uncommon for a defaulter to attempt to hide or dissipate their funds or assets before a court ruling, leaving nothing for you to recover. To prevent this, we can seek an interim attachment on your debtor’s property.
Such a protective measure is intended to ensure that a court ruling can be effectively enforced. Before initiating legal proceedings, we must obtain permission from the court to put an attachment on your debtor’s assets. In doing so, we must demonstrate that there is a strong likelihood of your debtor attempting to evade payment and that there is a risk of asset dissipation.
An interim attachment serves as a powerful leverage tool. If the court grants permission for pre-emptive measures, your debtor’s bank account may be frozen or their goods may be seized. This attachment generally remains in effect until a court ruling is made. During this time, your debtor cannot access or use his belongings. In many cases, a debtor will choose to settle the outstanding debt to get rid of the attachment.
Petition for bankruptcy
It is not uncommon for a debtor to claim that they cannot pay the outstanding invoice. In that case, it is possible to file for their bankruptcy (Konkurs) in Denmark.
The only requirements for a bankruptcy petition by a creditor in Denmark are that there is an outstanding claim (that should have already been paid) and that your debtor is insolvent (meaning they are unable to meet their payment obligations).
If these two requirements are met, we can file an application for the debtor’s bankruptcy with the court. The court will declare the bankruptcy and appoint a trustee. The trustee will try to sell the debtor’s assets at the most favorable price possible and pay out all creditors as much as possible.
However, it often does not come to that. We usually see that most defaulters suddenly can pay the invoice when a bankruptcy application is filed. If your debtor pays the invoice, we can withdraw the bankruptcy application.
Advice about your case?
Submit your contact details and one of our debt collection specialists will contact you immediately!
Legal areas of debt collection in Denmark
A claim can arise in various ways. It can involve unpaid invoices, but also overdue salary, a damage claim, or a rental or purchase conflict. At Collection Company, we can collect virtually all types of claims for you.
We can take action if you are dealing with non-payment within the following legal areas:
- Construction law
- Rental and leasing
- Buying and selling
- Labor law
- Agency agreement
- Transport
- Damages and wrongful acts
We work directly for clients as well as for third parties such as lawyers and accountants.
Anything else we can help you with in Denmark?
- Reliable advice on contracts and terms
- Credit information on companies in Denmark
- Disputes regarding retention of title and right of reclamation
- Mediation in reaching private agreements and settlements
Submit your claim in Denmark?
Fill out our debt collection registration form to submit your claim directly. Would you prefer personal advice about your claim from a debt collection specialist first? Submit your contact details or call us at 070 – 762 0330.
Free advice on debt collection in Denmark?
Submit your contact details and one of our debt collection specialists will contact you immediately!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about debt collection in Denmark
FAQ: What do we need to collect your debt in Denmark?
The more evidence you have to support your claim, the stronger our case will be when it goes to court. That’s why we ask you to hand over as many documents as possible that support your claim. This can include signed contracts, invoices and reminders, proof of delivery, bank statements, and the terms and conditions applicable to the agreement.
If you no longer have certain documents, that’s not a problem. Our collection specialist will explore which documents are available to support your claim.
Documents that we would like to receive from you include:
- Copies of 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 payment reminders
- Your terms and conditions
- Proof of delivery
FAQ: Does retention of title apply in Denmark?
In Denmark, it is not customary to agree on a retention of title. In general, ownership transfers to the buyer at the time of delivery. It is possible to establish a retention of title, but this involves a lengthy and formal procedure. As a result, a retention of title is not commonly used.
FAQ: Are the collection costs reimbursed by the debtor?
In Denmark, creditors are entitled to a fixed fee of 40 euros for the debt collection costs, including extrajudicial collection procedures. In addition, in a judicial procedure the court determines whether and how much of the incurred legal costs (such as legal assistance and bailiff) the losing party must compensate.
FAQ: What is the statute of limitations for claims in Denmark?
In Denmark a statute of limitations applies to monetary claims. According to the Danish law, creditors must take legal action within 3 years after the claim arises. However, certain sectors have shorter limitation periods. For claims within the transport sector, for example, the limitation period is only 1 year.
FAQ: Why not hire a Danish debt collection agency?
If you have a claim in Denmark, it is also possible to hire a debt collection recovery agency based in Denmark. The disadvantage of this is that you often have to communicate in Danish. Moreover, many debt collection agencies can only handle the extrajudicial phase of the debt collection process for you. If it is necessary to go to court, you will have to find a Danish debt collection lawyer or legal expert yourself.
At Collection Company, we take care of the entire debt collection process. This means that we can start with an amicable trajectory but also take legal action if necessary. In addition, we work together with the best lawyers and legal experts in the field of debt collection in Denmark.
As a client, you have one dedicated contact. This debt collection specialist coordinates the partners in Denmark so, you don’t have to worry about that. As a creditor, you can monitor the progress of the process via our online portal.
Why 40.000 customers have gone before you
- 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
