Debt collection in Belgium: this is how debt collection works across the border

Do you have a Belgian customer who does not pay your invoices? Then you will quickly notice that debt collection across the border works differently than in the Netherlands. Legislation is stricter, procedures are different and language and culture play a major role.

At Credifin, we help you collect your money in Belgium as quickly and cleanly as possible. Whether your debtor is in Antwerp, Brussels or Liege: you have one point of contact in the Netherlands, we arrange the rest with our Belgian partners.

We combine our experience with debt collection in the Netherlands with knowledge of the Belgian legal system. This way you avoid errors in reminders, deadlines or costs and increase the chances of receiving your full claim and the costs.

Although the Netherlands and Belgium are neighbors, the rules for debt collection differ considerably. Especially with consumers in 2026 you have to take into account strict Belgian legislation. A few key points:

• A consumer's first reminder must be free and meet strict content requirements
• You must respect a waiting period of at least 14 days before you may take further steps
• Fines, damages and dunning fees are subject to caps
• In Wallonia and (parts of) Brussels, you must communicate in French, otherwise you risk your letter being ignored

For business customers (B2B), there is more leeway, but there, too, own rules apply. For example, you can move more quickly to a judicial route or use specific procedures such as the IOS procedure.

We ensure that your file and documents comply with Belgian legislation. This will prevent a judge or bailiff from rejecting (part of) your costs or claim because you took the wrong steps.

For Belgian progress, we follow a clear and transparent path. You always know where you stand and what steps we advise you to take.

Phase 1: Amicable route according to Belgian rules

We always start with an amicable process. This is the process without a judge, similar to a Dutch amicable collection, but then fully adapted to Belgian legislation.

• We send legally correct summonses according to Belgian rules (such as the law of December 20, 2002)
• We take into account the mandatory waiting times and maximum costs
• We approach your debtor by letter, email and phone
• We only offer payment plans that are feasible and well established

Phase 2: IOS procedure for undisputed business debts.

Is your debtor a Belgian company and the debt is uncontested? Then we can often use the IOS procedure (Recovery of Uncontested Debts). This is a quick, administrative route via a Belgian lawyer and bailiff.

• No full trial required
• Faster to obtain an enforceable title than through ordinary court proceedings
• Lower costs than a traditional process
• Ideal for clear, well-supported B2B invoices

Stage 3: Judicial proceedings before the Belgian court

Does your debtor continue to refuse or is there a discussion about the claim? Then we can switch to legal proceedings in Belgium. We work together with local lawyers and bailiffs.

• We first assess whether a procedure is promising and profitable
• You get a clear picture of cost, risk and lead time in advance
• Following a judgment, we can have wage, bank account or property seized in Belgium

So you are not on your own. You deliver the documents, we arrange the correct route, deadlines and communication with our Belgian partners.

Collecting from Belgian consumers requires extra care. In 2026 the legislation on this point is strict and clear. If you do not follow the rules, you cannot recover part of your costs.

Here are the main points of interest:

• You should always send a free first reminder first
• In that reminder, you should explain very precisely what is outstanding, what charges may follow and within what time frame payment is due
• After that first reminder, you must wait at least 14 days before charging additional fees
• Fines and damages must be within Belgian limits and your general terms and conditions

We check your invoices, reminders and general terms and conditions for Belgian requirements. That way, you can be sure that your next steps will stand up in the event of proceedings. In doubt about your rates or terms and conditions? Then together we will check whether they are also suitable for Belgium.

Do you also work with Dutch customers? Then it is smart to coordinate your approach for Belgian and Dutch consumers. Read how this works in the Netherlands on our page about calculating collection costs.

If you are going to collect in Belgium, you want a party that understands both Dutch and Belgian practice. This is what you can expect from us:

• Local expertise: we know Belgian legislation, such as Book XIX of the Code of Economic Law
• Multilingualism: we collect in Dutch and French, so we are taken more seriously by your debtor
• Cross-border approach: you have one point of contact in the Netherlands, we switch with Belgian lawyers and bailiffs
• Experience with IOS procedure: we know when this fast track is appropriate and when it is not
• Clear communication: you easily track the progress of your case online and we help you think about next steps

We align our approach with how you want to deal with your clients. Firm where necessary, human where possible. That way you keep a grip on outstanding payments without unnecessarily damaging your relationship.

Want to know more about how we work? Then read how our collection process in the Netherlands is structured. We use the same clear structure as the basis for your Belgian files.

Nobody wants to be surprised by costs, especially in international cases. That is why, even with Belgian claims, we are as transparent as possible about rates and choices.

Business receivables (B2B)

For many business Belgian receivables, we work in the amicable process as much as possible on the basis of No Cure No Pay collection. This means that, in principle, we recover the costs from your Belgian debtor. If collection fails, we will discuss with you whether a legal action is sensible and what costs are involved.

Consumers (B2C)

Claims against Belgian consumers are subject to strict Belgian rules. As a result, you cannot always recover all collection costs from the debtor. We explain this to you in advance:

• Which charges are and are not allowed
• What rates we charge in the amicable process
• When a procedure is profitable and when it is not

In legal proceedings, we look together at the expected result, duration and costs, such as court fees and attorney fees. This way you make a choice based on facts and not just on feelings.

Want to get an idea of the usual Dutch fee structure first? Then take a look at our page on collection rates. It provides a good basis for comparing the Belgian situation.

Don't wait too long with Belgian invoices that are outstanding. The older the claim, the more difficult collection often becomes. Especially if there are international situations, language differences and different legal systems involved.

With Credifin as a partner, the border does not become a blockade but a practical step in your collection process. You focus on your business, we take care of a clear, legally sound approach towards your Belgian customer.

Want to file immediately? You can do so online in a few minutes via Incasso indienen. Do you still have doubts or questions about Belgium specifically? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to think along with you.