Those who need help in debt collection in Germany can rely on our lawyers, who can offer assistance during the pre-trial stage and the trial of a debt recovery case.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable law | Civil Code |
| Other specific regulations that apply (YES/NO)
| YES, EU regulations |
Types of debts that can be chased in Germany | Debts arising from commercial agreements, unpaid bills and installments from credits, company debts, bank loans, etc. |
| Availability of out-of-court procedures (YES/NO) | YES, amicable debt collection procedures can be completed in Germany |
| Court proceedings available (YES/NO) | YES, a creditor can address the court in order to recover a debt in Germany |
| Types of debt collection procedures in court | Small claims procedures, litigation |
| Court in charge of debt collection procedures | Local courts will rule over debts below EUR 5,000, district courts will handle debts above EUR 5,000 |
| Existence of minimum claim for court proceedings (YES/NO) | NO,there is no minimum amount imposed to collect a debt |
| Duration of amicable debt recovery process in Germany (approx.) | The duration of amicable debt recovery process can vary on the willingness of the debtor to repay the outstanding amount |
| Duration of debt recovery through court application (approx.) | Court proceedings can take more than 5 months, if appeals are filed by the defendant |
| Recognition of foreign court order related to debt collection (YES/NO) | YES, but only based on reciprocity. The country from which the order is sent must also recognize orders issued in Germany |
| Possibility to use the services of debt collection agencies/lawyers (YES/NO) | YES, claimants can use the services of debt collection agencies and law firms in Germany |
| Availability of debtor protection measures (YES/NO) | YES, oppositions, complaints and third-party claims are some of them |
| Debt collection services available (YES/NO) | YES, our debt collection lawyers in Germany offer support in debt recovery cases |
| Available debt collection services | Amicable and court debt collection support is available with our law firm |
| Parties involved in debt recovery | The debtor, the creditor, and law firm or agency are the parties involved in debt recovery in Germany |
Steps in amicable debt collection | – Contacting the debtor; – sending out dunning letters with the outstanding amount of payment; – trying to reach a payment agreement. |
Options available for the creditor | Creditors can commence the procedure on their own or through a specialized body |
| Conclusion of amicable debt collection | Reaching an agreement and making the first payment can conclude the debt collection procedure |
| Steps in court proceedings | The creditor files a request with the court, the judge will hear both parties and issue a ruling in favor of one of the two parties |
| Special procedure in default cases (YES/NO) | Yes, Germany has a special court procedure for default cases covered by Article 688 in the Civil Code |
| Mandatory hearing stage in debt recovery through court (YES/NO) | Yes, hearings are mandatory in German debt collection cases |
| Conclusion of court debt recovery proceedings | The issuance of enforcement orders |
| Availability of appeal procedures (YES/NO) | Yes, appeals can be lodged with higher German courts |
| Availability of seizure of assets measure (YES/NO) | Yes, seizure of assets is a possibility in case of debt recovery in Germany |
| Requirement for the creditor to appoint a representative (YES/NO) | No, however, it is advisable in both types of procedures |
| Availability of enforcement of foreign court orders (YES/NO) | Yes, orders issued by foreign courts can be enforced in Germany |
| Availability of small claims procedure (YES/NO) | Yes, such a procedure can be invoked |
| Availability of debt collection services for businesses (YES/NO) | Yes, our services are available for German and foreign companies with operations in this country |
| Assistance in enforcement of court orders (YES/NO) | Yes, our debt collection lawyers in Germany can help in such matters. |
What are the services you offer?
You can rely on our debt collection lawyers in Germany in the following situations:
- in amicable debt collection procedures, during which we can contact the debtor on your behalf;
- in preparing the documents, which need to be served to the debtor during the amicable procedure;
- in sending notifications and keeping in touch with the debtor, and trying to reach an agreement for a simplified debt collection procedure;
- in submitting the claim for court proceedings to start in case the debt cannot be recovered amicably;
- support during the court debt collection proceedings and representation before the court.
What are the debt recovery stages in Germany?
The debt collection procedure in Germany implies respecting several steps. These steps can vary based on the debtor and his or her willingness to cooperate and refer to:
- the creditor can start the first stage of the debt collection procedure by asking the debtor to pay;
- if unsuccessful, the creditor can request the help of a debt collection agency or law firm in Germany;
- the agency or law firm will first notify the debtor about the amount to be paid and ask him to reach a payment agreement;
- the agency or Germany lawyers will send the debtor all the documents which attest to the debt;
- in case the debtor does not reply, the creditor can ask the law firm or agency to file a petition with a German court, case in which the court debt recovery proceedings will begin;
- the German court will hear both parties and rule on whether the debt can be collected or not;
- if successful, the debt collection court order will be enforced, and the outstanding amount of money will be recovered.
Here is our infographic on debt collection:
How long should I wait before starting the debt recovery procedure?
It depends on the case; however, if the amount you are owed gathers every month, we recommend not waiting more than 3 months to start working towards recovery.
Do you recommend amicable debt collection procedures in Germany in 2026?
Yes, we recommend this line of recovering a debt, as it offers results in most cases.
Do you offer representation in amicable collection in Germany?
Yes, if you encounter any problems in reaching an agreement with a debtor, our lawyers can take over and try to reason with them. Usually, people and companies are more inclined to discuss with professionals.
When do I know that the amicable procedure failed?
There are two scenarios that can arise:
- the debtor bluntly refuses any cooperation with you or us;
- the debtor does not reply any payment demands.
Usually, in the latter case, we will further investigate and make sure we have made all reasonable efforts to get in touch with the debtor.
How long should I wait before going to court if the amicable procedure failed?
There is no reason to wait, as at that moment, you would have all the evidence you need for a successful case in court. By this, we mean the attempts to reach an agreement with the debtor.
Is a court debt collection case difficult?
No, it is not. In fact, if the claim is a small one, there is an expedite procedure through which you can recover your money in a short period of time. On the other hand, if the case is tried the usual way, based on the evidence you provide, it may take a little longer, but your claim will be admitted.
What is the duration difference between amicable and court debt collection in Germany in 2026?
Amicable debt collection can be concluded in about a month, depending on how cooperative the debtor is. Court proceedings through the fast-track procedure can be completed in 2 to 3 months, while regular trials can take about one year to settle.
We also invite you to watch our video on the debt recovery procedure in Germany:
Is it true that amicable debt recovery is cheaper than court action?
Yes, but mainly because you will not have your money blocked for a long time. In court collection, however, you will be reimbursed for the expenses incurred during the trial.
Can you also help me if I am a debtor and want to settle a debt?
Yes, of course. We can guide you in making a suitable arrangement that enables you to pay without struggling.
If you have any questions related to the debt collection procedures in Germany, please feel free to contact our lawyers who specialize in such matters.