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Debt Collection Greece:
fast and efficient debt recovery
It’s highly inconvenient if your customer in Greece doesn’t pay an invoice you have sent. Collecting your money yourself is complicated and time-consuming. Fortunately, you can give your claim to Collection Company. We initiate a debt collection procedure in Greece and make sure you get what you’re owed.
With our international debt collection strategy and the assistance of our local specialists, we can collect your money quickly and efficiently, without you having to worry much about it. Submit your claim within minutes and we’ll start working on it today.
- Nationwide coverage in Greece
- 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 Greece
As a foreign creditor, you are in a difficult position. If you have a Greek business partner who doesn’t pay their invoices, you suddenly need to figure out how to collect your debt. But where do you find that information? You probably don’t speak Greek, and suddenly you’ll have to deal with different legislation you’re not familiar with. Meanwhile, every day your invoice remains unpaid, the chance increases that there will be nothing left to collect from your debtor.
As a specialist in international debt collection, Collection Company can recover your outstanding debts. We have developed an advanced debt collection strategy, working together with local lawyers, legal experts, and bailiffs. They are well-versed in the legislation regarding debt collection in the respective country and are also aware of local trade traditions. This way, they know exactly what needs to be done to collect your money as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Moreover, as a customer, you have one English-speaking contact. This debt recovery specialist manages the process and maintains contact with the parties in Greece. We take care of coordinating the local specialists, as well as translating and sending documents. This way, you hardly have to spend any time on the collection procedure yourself.
You can track the progress of the debt collection process 24/7 in your own Online Cockpit.
Expert in international debt collection
- Global coverage
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Experienced debt collection specialists with knowledge of Greek 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
File your claim now
Has the due date of your invoice expired? Leave your contact details, and one of our international debt collection specialists will get in touch with you to discuss your case.
How does debt collection in Greece work?
The collection process in Greece can be divided into two different phases that are interconnected; the extrajudicial debt collection trajectory and a judicial debt collection procedure.
Extrajudicial or amicable debt collection is attempting to collect an outstanding bill without going to court. In this phase of the debt collection process, as a debt collection agency, we send payment reminders to your debtor and get in touch with them by e-mail, sms and phone calls. In the vast majority of cases, this is sufficient to get your outstanding invoice paid.
If an amicable debt collection procedure does not result in the desired payment, we can initiate a legal procedure. We initiate legal action against your debtor and can enforce a judgment from the court.
- 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 in Greece
As a general rule, an extrajudicial debt recovery is a fast way to collect your money with low debt collection costs. In most cases, a letter or a call from a professional debt collection agency is sufficient to make your debtor pay. This eliminates the need to initiate costly legal proceedings.
During the extrajudicial phase, we send your debtor a written reminder (on our behalf). We do this in the debtor’s language. Additionally, we contact your debtor by phone, email, and text message. This allows us to find out the reason for the non-payment and persuade your debtor to pay. Throughout the process, we gradually increase the pressure. There are a total of 16 points of contact over a period of three weeks.
Ultimately, we send a final reminder stating clearly that we will take legal action by starting a civil procedure if the payment is not received by the date specified in this final letter. We explain immediately that this will incur high costs for the debtor.
Judicial debt collection
If a conflict has arisen with your debtor regarding the services rendered or the invoice, or if we are simply dealing with a persistent defaulter, we can start a legal process in Greece to enforce payment. In Greece, depending on the amount of the claim, there are a number of legal procedures available.
Small claims
For small monetary claims there is a special fast-track procedure in Greece. If you have a claim of less than € 5000, it will be processed through this Small Claims Procedure. Just like in other judicial procedures, we start the legal phase by summoning your debtor. During the case the parties can represent themselves so they don’t have to hire a lawyer. They can submit evidence and request a hearing, but this is not mandatory. Ultimately, the judge will make a ruling. There is no possibility of appeal against this judgment.
Under € 20.000
Cases involving claims up to €20,000 are handled by the Magistrates’ Court (Ειρηνοδικείο). For this process, we also need to summon your debtor. Subsequently, the case is more extensively dealt with due to the higher stake than in the Small Claims Procedure. Additionally, there is the option to appeal a ruling by the Magistrates’ Court.
Up to € 250.000
If you have a claim of more than € 20,000 but less than € 250,000, your case will be handled by the single judge’s chamber of the Court of First Instance. This means that one judge will rule on your case. Due to the greater importance, the case is handled in more detail than at the Magistrates’ Court. For example, there is more opportunity to call witnesses or hear from experts.
More than € 250.000
Cases with an interest of more than € 250,000 are handled by the Court of First Instance, but this time by the multi-member chamber. This means that three judges have to rule on the case. The handling of the case is further comparable to that in the single-member chamber.
European Payment Order
Since Greece is an EU-member, it is often unnecessary to summon your Greek debtor to the Greek court. There are various European procedures for collecting cross-border claims. For instance, you can request a European Payment Order.
The European Payment Order is a procedure designed to collect uncontested cross-border claims within the EU. If your debtor is in another EU country and does not respond to your invoices and reminders, we can follow this procedure. We can request the order at the court in your own country by completing a few standard forms. The court will then issue the order. If your debtor does not object to the order, we can request a bailiff to enforce it without involving a Greek judge to seize assets.
The European Order for Payment is enforceable in all EU countries except Denmark.
European Small Claims Procedure
In addition to the European Payment Order, there is another EU procedure for collecting outstanding claims abroad: the European Small Claims Procedure (ESCP). This procedure is intended for all claims under € 5000. Even if your debtor disputes the invoice, you can still use this procedure.
This procedure can also be initiated at the court in your country. The process is almost entirely digital. All forms and evidence can be submitted online. If the judge deems it necessary to hold a hearing, it will be done via a video call.
Ultimately, the court in your country will issue a judgment in your case. This judgment is enforceable in all European countries except Denmark.
Enforcement procedures in Greece
With an enforceable title, such as a court ruling in Greece, a European Payment Order, or a judgment from the EPGV, we can initiate enforcement of the judgment.
To do this, we must first have the judgment or payment order officially served by a Greek bailiff to your debtor. Subsequently, your debtor has three days to comply with the court ruling. If three days have passed and your debtor still hasn’t paid, we can have the bailiff seize assets.
The bailiff (δικαστικός κλητήρας), supervised by the Ministry of Justice in Greece, can seize income, bank accounts, and other assets of your debtor. Physical assets can be publicly auctioned by the bailiff.
You, as the creditor, will be paid from the proceeds of the seizure. If your debtor’s income is not sufficient to settle the debt in a lump sum, the seizure will remain in place until the claim is satisfied.
Interim measures in Greece
When we take legal action against the debtor, it is often advisable to take interim measures. This means that a temporary preservative attachment is placed on your debtor’s belongings, as long as the court case is pending. This way, we prevent your debtor from disposing of assets before the court makes a ruling.
For an interim attachment, we need to request a court-hearing. This request is handled urgently. After hearing the parties involved, the judge can grant the interim measures, allowing you to put an immediate attachment on certain belongings of your debtor. This attachment remains in place until the court rules. If the court then grants your claim, the attachment becomes executory. This means that you can be paid from the attachment.
Bankruptcy application in Greece
It is common for debtors to claim that they have no money to pay an outstanding bill, even if the court has already ruled. When your debtor has few assets, it may seem impossible to collect the debt. However, even in that situation, we still have options to recover your money. For example, we can file for the bankruptcy of your debtor.
As a creditor, you have the right to initiate insolvency proceedings if your debtor has stopped paying their bills. Most debtors want to avoid bankruptcy at all costs. When a bankruptcy petition is filed, we often see that the defaulter suddenly has money to pay the outstanding bill. If they then pay the unpaid invoice, we can withdraw the bankruptcy application. If your debtor still does not pay, they will go bankrupt.
In that case, a trustee is appointed to investigate the company’s assets and financial situation and try to pay out as much as possible to all creditors.
More information?
Do you have an outstanding claim that your Greek debtor just won't pay. Fill in your details and one of our debt collection specialists will contact you as soon as possible.
Legal areas of debt collection in Greece
At Collection Company, we can assist you with a wide range of claims, from unpaid invoices and overdue salaries to damage claims or rental and purchase conflicts.
Collection Company provides Greek debt collection services in various legal areas, including:
- Construction law
- Lease and rental
- Sale and purchase
- Labor law
- Agency agreement
- Transport
- Damages and unlawful acts
We work for clients directly, but also collaborate with intermediaries such as lawyers and accountants.
Other services in Greece
- Assistance in drafting contracts and terms
- Credit investigation of customers in Greece
- Mediation in disputes with trustees, for example, regarding Retention of Title and right of recovery
- Mediation in reaching settlements and other private arrangements
Starting a debt collection in Greece
Fill in the debt collection registration form and we will get started for you right away. Would you like to first consult with an expert in the field of European debt collection? Leave your details or call us at 070 – 762 0330.
Free advice on debt collection in Greece?
Submit your personal information and plan your free consult.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Debt Collection Greece
FAQ: What documents do I need?
When you file a collection case with us, we’d appreciate receiving as many supporting documents for your claim as possible. This can include agreements, invoices, payment reminders, and delivery receipts. These documents help us complete your file and provide evidence for your claim in case of legal action.
We understand that you may not have these documents readily available, and that’s not a problem. Our collection specialist will discuss with you how we can prove your claim.
We would like to receive the following documents for your file:
- Documents related to agreements made, such as a purchase agreement, email exchanges, a fax confirmation, or simply a summary of what was agreed
- (Copies of) your invoices
- (Copies of) your reminders
- Your general terms and conditions
- Proof of delivery
FAQ: Does retention of title apply in Greece?
Just like in most countries, Greece recognises retention of title. This is a clause in the terms that specifies ownership transfers to the buyer only when the invoice is fully paid. Without retention of title, the buyer legally becomes the owner at the time of delivery.
By agreeing to a retention of title, you can reclaim your delivered goods if your debtor fails to pay. Under Greek law, you are entitled to compensation if the delivered products are no longer identifiable, for instance, if they have been incorporated into other products.
FAQ: Is a lawyer required during judicial procedures?
During all judicial proceedings in Greece, except for the small claims procedure, hiring a Greek lawyer is mandatory. Our debt collection agency works with the top lawyers in Greece and we can engage them if your case necessitates it.
FAQ: Is there a statute of limitations for my claim?
In Greece, according to Greek civil law, there is usually a statute of limitations of 5 years. All claims that expire after 5 years are specifically described in Greek law. If not, a time limit of 20 years applies. However, certain claims have shorter statutes of limitations.
FAQ: Why not use a debt collection agency in Greece?
Of course, it is also possible to hire a debt collection agency based in Greece. The disadvantage of hiring a Greek debt collection agency is that you still have to send all documents to Greece yourself. Additionally, you often need to communicate in Greek.
Another downside is that many debt collection agencies only handle extrajudicial debt collection. If your debtor does not pay during this process, you are still left empty-handed or you have to find a Greek lawyer yourself to initiate legal proceedings.
At Collection Company, we handle the entire debt collection process, from the amicable phase to a possible judicial procedure. Our English-speaking debt collection specialist oversees this entire process and manages communication with your Greek debtor and the specialists in Greece.
As a client, you can monitor the progress of the procedure day and night in our online cockpit.
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
