Published 2026-09-29 · 7 min
Hiring a debt collection agency in the Netherlands: when yes and when no?
Only hire a debt collection agency when your customer does not dispute the invoice, is not bankrupt, and still doesn't pay or respond after your own reminder and demand letter. Is there a genuine dispute, is the customer insolvent, or haven't you sent a demand yourself yet? Then an agency is the wrong step. And for Dutch debtors, from 1 October 2026: only work with an agency listed in the Justis register.
Why this question matters more in 2026
An agency is not step one — it's step five. Hire one too early and you lose customer relationships; too late and you lose money.
Dutch companies are paying worse: research by Altares Dun & Bradstreet shows one in four invoices was paid late, up from 23.9% to 25.3% — the first deterioration since 2021. And from 1 October 2026 debtors owe no collection costs or accruing interest if the agency is not registered. Pick the wrong agency and you lose those costs and interest.
What does a debt collection agency do?
An agency collects an unpaid claim on your behalf out of court: it sends demands, calls the debtor, arranges payment plans and passes on collection costs and interest. Unlike a bailiff, it cannot seize assets; if payment still fails, the file usually moves to a lawyer or bailiff.
When should you hire an agency?
An agency is the right choice when:
- The invoice is undisputed — it's purely non-payment.
- Your own reminder and demand (for consumers: a correct 14-day letter) have expired without payment.
- The customer no longer responds — an external sender often breaks the pattern.
- Promises and payment plans are not kept.
- The amount is large enough to hurt your cash flow.
- You lack the time or capacity to chase it.
When should you not hire an agency?
- The customer disputes the invoice — that's a dispute, not a collection problem. Resolve it or seek legal advice.
- You haven't sent a reminder and demand yourself yet.
- It's a good customer who is late for the first time — a phone call often works better.
- The customer is bankrupt or in suspension of payments — file your claim with the administrator.
- The customer wants to pay but can't at once — agree a written payment plan.
- The agency is not in the Justis register — critical from 1 October 2026 for individuals and sole traders.
Decision tree: hire an agency or not?
Work through these five questions top to bottom and stop at the first 'yes':
| Question | If yes |
|---|---|
| 1. Does the customer dispute the invoice? | Resolve the dispute first or get legal advice |
| 2. Is the customer bankrupt? | File the claim with the administrator |
| 3. Haven't you sent a reminder and demand yet? | Send them yourself first (consumers: 14-day letter) |
| 4. Does the customer respond and want a payment plan? | Put the plan in writing |
| 5. Still no payment after your final demand? | Hire a registered agency |
The Dutch Wki from 1 October 2026
The Debt Collection Services Quality Act (Wki) has applied since 1 April 2024; its final article takes effect on 1 October 2026.
- The Justis register is public — check every agency.
- The sanction covers debts of individuals, including sole traders, partners and partnerships.
- Lawyers and bailiffs are exempt; they are in their own registers.
- The market isn't in order yet: inspectors found many violations, with 269 active providers registered in early June.
- Collecting in your own name falls outside the registration duty.
What may you charge? Costs and interest in 2026
Maximum Dutch collection costs (BIK decree):
| Principal | Fee |
|---|---|
| First €2,500 | 15% (minimum €40) |
| Next €2,500 | 10% |
| Next €5,000 | 5% |
| Next €190,000 | 1% |
| Above that | 0.5% (maximum €6,775) |
Example: on €3,000 you may claim at most €375 + €50 = €425. Statutory interest: 4% for consumers (since 1 January 2026), 10.4% commercial (since 1 July 2026).
Agency or collect yourself?
Collecting yourself keeps control and the relationship, costs no commission and falls outside the Wki — but takes discipline. An agency adds external pressure and expertise, but costs commission and control. The smartest approach: automate your own reminders and demands, and use an agency only for the small remainder. Credimigo sends reminders and demands automatically, in your own name, with the right timing and tone per customer.
This article is informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
When may I hire a debt collection agency?
Legally once the payment term has passed and the customer is in default. In practice, send your own reminder and demand first; for consumers a correct 14-day letter is required to charge costs.
How long should I wait?
No fixed term. Typical: reminder right after the due date, demand after 7–14 days, agency once the final demand expires without response.
How do I check an agency is reliable?
Look it up in the public Justis register. If it isn't listed, from 1 October 2026 it cannot collect costs or interest from individuals and sole traders.
What's the difference between an agency and a bailiff?
An agency works out of court and cannot seize assets. A bailiff can, after a court judgment.
What if my customer disputes the invoice?
Don't hire an agency. Discuss the dispute first; if unresolved, seek legal advice or go to court.
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