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Debt Collection North Macedonia:
quickly collect your claim
Do you have outstanding claims in North Macedonia? For example, because a customer has not paid an invoice? Or because you are entitled to compensation? Collection Company specializes in international debt collection and uses an extensive network of international debt collection specialists to collect your claim.
With our proven international debt collection strategy, we can quickly resolve debt recovery cases abroad. We do this efficiently so you will receive your money as soon as possible.
- Nationwide coverage in North Macedonia
- 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 North Macedonia
Do you have debtors in North Macedonia who are not paying their bills? Or are you involved in a dispute with a Macedonian customer who refuses to pay? Non-payment is always unpleasant, especially when your debtor is located abroad. After all, you don’t speak the language and suddenly face different rules and regulations.
In countries outside the EU, such as North Macedonia, you cannot rely on European procedures like the European Payment Order or the European Small Claims Procedure, making debt collection more challenging than in EU member states.
Fortunately, Collection Company conducts Macedonian debt collection. With a thoughtful debt collection strategy we can collect almost any debt for you. We work closely with our carefully built international network of local lawyers, legal experts, and bailiffs. They speak the language and know exactly which procedures to follow to make your debtor pay as soon as possible.
As a creditor, you conduct all communication with one dedicated English-speaking point of contact. This debt collection specialist coordinates the process and stays in touch with the local specialists in North Macedonia.
You can monitor the progress of the procedure yourself 24/7 through our Online Cockpit.
Why choose a debt collection agency for your collection in North Macedonia?
- Global coverage
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Experienced debt collection specialists with knowledge of Macedonian 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 any unpaid invoices or other outstanding claims in North Macedonia? For more information about our debt collection process fill in your contact details and one of our debt collection specialists will contact you.
How does debt collection work in North Macedonia?
Just like in most other countries, the debt collection process in North Macedonia consists of two overlapping procedures: extrajudicial or out-of-court collection and the judicial debt collection procedure.
We always try to collect your claim with an out-of-court process first. This phase involves sending reminders and contacting your Macedonian debtor personally. In 9 out of 10 cases, this is sufficient to collect your claim.
If it is not possible to collect your claim through an out-of-court process, we have the option to initiate legal proceedings against your debtor. Subsequently, we can enlist a bailiff to seize assets from your debtor in North Macedonia.
Below, we provide a detailed explanation of both the extrajudicial and judicial phases of the debt collection process.
- 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
Amicable debt collection (extrajudicial debt collection) consists of all actions to collect your invoice before legal proceedings are initiated. We start this extrajudicial phase by sending a clear payment reminder. We send this on our behalf, so your debtor immediately knows that a debt collection agency is after them. Moreover, we now have written proof that we have claimed the debt.
Next, we also try to establish personal contact with your debtor. We do this, for example, by phone, email, and WhatsApp. In total, there are 16 points of contact within a period of three weeks. This way, we gradually increase the pressure on the debtor.
Ultimately, we send your debtor a final demand letter. In this letter, we make it clear that we will take legal action if the amount due is not received by the date mentioned in the letter. We immediately inform your debtor of the costs they will incur if legal steps are taken.
Through our collaboration with local experts, we can approach your debtor in Macedonian. Your debtor cannot claim not to have understood our reminders. In most cases, your debtor realizes it is futile to delay payment further, and we quickly receive the outstanding amount.
Judicial procedure
In some cases the debtor still doesn’t pay after an out-of-court procedure. In that case there is nothing else to do but to use the legal system in Macedonia. The nature of the judicial collection process in Macedonia depends on whether your debtor disputes the claim or not.
Undisputed claims
An undisputed claim is a claim where your debtor does not question the legitimacy but still does not pay. Often, your debtor simply does not respond to the invoice.
If you have an undisputed claim, we can request a payment order from a Macedonian notary based on an official document such as an invoice. The notary will review the document and, if it meets the requirements, issue a payment order. There is no hearing needed for this, and your debtor is not informed in advance either.
The payment order is then handed to your debtor. They have two options: pay the bill or object within 8 days. If your debtor objects, a regular civil procedure follows. If they do not object and still do not pay, we can enforce the payment order.
Contested claims
If your debtor disagrees with the received invoice or objects after receiving a payment order, a lawsuit will be filed at the civil court (Основен граѓански суд).
The judge will decide, upon initiating the case, whether an introductory hearing is necessary or if the case can be directly addressed during a session. Both parties can submit evidence in advance and potentially call witnesses. They can further substantiate their positions during the session. Based on this, the judge will make a ruling.
In the judgment, the judge will clarify whether he deems your claim (in whole or in part) justified. If so, your debtor will be ordered to pay the claim. The judge typically also decides that the losing party must reimburse (part of) the legal costs incurred by the other party.
How does the debt collection process work in Macedonia?
Step 1
We usually start each collection process with an amicable trajectory. In this phase, we provide your debtor with the opportunity to settle the bill without taking legal action. We do this by sending a reminder and contacting your debtor a total of 16 times over three weeks (if necessary).
Step 2
If payment is not made, we will send a final demand letter to your Macedonian debtor. This is the last chance for your debtor to settle the outstanding debts before facing legal action. We promptly inform your debtor that we will take legal action if the amount is not received by the specified date.
Step 3
As the creditor, you decide whether you want to initiate a judicial procedure. Ultimately, we can use a payment order from a notary or a judicial verdict to seize assets from your debtor.
Arbitration
To avoid lengthy legal procedures, many businesses rely on arbitration to resolve (international) payment disputes. Arbitration is a private form of justice where the matter is not brought before a judge but to arbitrators designated for this purpose. These arbitrators are typically experts chosen by the parties themselves. The advantage is that the arbitrators are specialized in the field in which you operate. Furthermore, arbitration procedures can be resolved much faster than regular lawsuits.
To settle a case through arbitration, both parties must agree to this beforehand or both consent to it after the conflict arises. An arbitration decision is binding and serves as an enforceable title. Therefore, it is possible to seize assets based on the arbitration decision. It is not possible to subsequently present the case to a government judge after an arbitration procedure has been followed.
Enforcement procedures in North Macedonia
With an enforceable title, for example, a court judgment, a notarial payment order, or an arbitral award, we can seize assets from your debtor. The enforcement in North Macedonia is carried out by private bailiffs (извршител). These bailiffs are authorized to seize assets from your debtor.
At Collection Company, we work together with the best bailiffs in Macedonia. Once we obtain an enforceable title, we can engage the bailiff’s office to actually collect your money (if your debtor still doesn’t pay voluntarily). The bailiff can, among other things, seize income, bank accounts, and assets of your debtor. Assets are auctioned off publicly, and you as the creditor are paid from the proceeds.
Interim attachment
To prevent your debtor from dissipating money or assets while the case is pending in court, it is important to take the necessary measures before initiating legal proceedings. In Macedonia it is possible to have an interim attachment placed. This is a temporary attachment intended to safeguard your debtor’s assets while the case is in court.
To place an interim attachment, we must seek permission from the court in Macedonia. The court will review the case and determine if a conservatory attachment is necessary. If the court grants permission, a bailiff can carry out the attachment. This allows us to freeze your debtor’s bank account or have assets placed in custody.
Many delinquent payers therefore choose to settle the outstanding debt when a conservatory attachment is in place.
Applying for the bankruptcy of your debtor is a way to put pressure on them if they claim they cannot pay the debt. Once we proceed with the bankruptcy petition, the company can be declared bankrupt, and the owner may lose their business and sometimes even their personal assets. In practice, it often turns out that the debtor suddenly can pay the bill when a bankruptcy petition is filed.
Filing for bankruptcy in North Macedonia
But what if your debtor cannot pay the outstanding invoice now? Or claims that he cannot? You have an agreement with your debtor and are entitled to your money. If your debtor is unable to pay, we still have a last resort: filing for bankruptcy.
As a creditor, you can file for bankruptcy of your debtor in Macedonia if he is insolvent. According to the Macedonian bankruptcy law, this is the case if your debtor has not paid any of his outstanding invoices in the last 45 days.
A bankruptcy application is a strong leverage tool. If your debtor goes bankrupt, he will lose his company. Furthermore, he can be held personally liable for the resulting damage. Most entrepreneurs will do everything they can to avoid this. This can be done by paying the amount due. Once we have received the payment, we can withdraw the bankruptcy application.
Need advice on your case?
Fill in your contact details and we will contact you immediately!
Legal areas of Macedonia debt collection
Collection Company specializes in international debt collection. We collect debts in almost all conceivable legal domains. We assist entrepreneurs with business debt collection, but we also collect private debts. As an international debt collection agency, we operate within the following legal domains:
- Construction law
- Renting and leasing
- Buying and selling
- Labor law
- Agency agreement
- Transport
- Damages and unlawful acts
We work directly for clients, but also for intermediaries such as law firms and accounting offices.
How can we help you more?
- Advice on drafting contracts and terms
- Credit information on Macedonian companies
- Disputes with trustees, for example regarding retention of title and right of lien
- Mediation in reaching private settlements
File your claim in North Macedonia
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 +31 70 762 0330.
Free advice on debt collection in Macedonia?
Submit your personal information and plan your free consult.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about debt collection in Macedonia
What do we need for a collection in North Macedonia?
When you transfer your claim to us, we immediately start building a case. Therefore, we appreciate receiving as many relevant documents as possible. These could include signed contracts, written agreements, delivery confirmations, and sent invoices. Statements, credit notes, and email correspondence can also serve as useful evidence.
As a debt collection agency, we understand that not everything is always documented. Even if certain documents are missing, you can still submit the claim to us. Our debt collection specialist will contact you to discuss how we can substantiate your claim. If possible, we would like to receive the following documents:
- A copy of the agreement
- Email correspondence
- A fax confirmation
- Your summary of what was agreed
- Invoices
- Reminders
- A copy of your general terms and conditions
- Optionally, proof of delivery
FAQ: Can I apply for a European Payment Order for a claim in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia is a candidate country for EU membership, but not yet a member state. This means that at the moment we cannot use European procedures to enforce cross-border claims, such as the European Payment Order and the European Small Claims Procedure. We will have to obtain a payment order through a notary in North Macedonia or go to court in North Macedonia to pursue a legal action there.
FAQ: What are the statutes of limitations in Macedonia?
Like in most countries, North Macedonia also has statutes of limitations for monetary claims. For claims arising from a contract, the limitation period is three years. For claims arising from a non-contractual obligation, the limitation period is one year. Due to these relatively short limitation periods, it is crucial to take action promptly when the payment deadline of an invoice has passed.
FAQ: Why not hire a debt collection agency in North Macedonia?
Why not hire a local debt collection agency in North Macedonia if you have an outstanding claim there? There are several disadvantages to working with such a local partner. The most significant is encountering a substantial language barrier. Additionally, many local debt collection agencies only handle extrajudicial collections. If your debtor still hasn’t paid after the amicable phase, you will need to hire a lawyer yourself to initiate legal proceedings.
At Collection Company, you can communicate in English with your contact person. They will then oversee the local specialists. Furthermore, we manage the entire debt collection process, from extrajudicial to judicial phases and actual recovery. As a creditor, you can monitor the progress of the procedure through your own 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
