Rules for debt collection service providers

A debt collection agency helps businesses with customers who do not pay their invoices. Do you have a debt collection agency or carry out debt collection work? If so, you are a debt collection service provider and you must keep to certain rules. This also applies to your employees.

What activities do the rules apply to?

These rules apply only to extrajudicial debt collection activities. This is work that does not involve a judge and does not us coercive measures. Court bailiffs and collection lawyers must also comply with these rules when they carry out extrajudicial work. 

Quality requirements and rules of conduct for debt collection service provicers

Debt collection service providers must meet the quality requirements and rules of conduct for debt collection services (in Dutch). For example:

• requirements for professional competence
• how to draw up a claim
• accessibility for and approach to the debtor
• quality of administration
• how to handle complaints and disputes

Every employee of a debt collection agency must have a Certificate of Conduct (VOG). This VOG may not be more than 3 months old at the start of the employment.

Training requirements for debt collection service providers

Managers of a debt collection agency and self-employed debt collection service providors must complete a training of at least level 4 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Employees of debt collection agencies must complete training of at least level 3 of the EQF.

Compulsory continuing professional development

As a manager, self-employed professional, or employee in debt collection services, you must participate in at least 1 of the following each year:

• an in-service training course to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
• a meeting on the social standards for debt collection services

Debt Collection Services Register

You must register with the Debt Collection Services Register (in Dutch). To register (in Dutch) you need a KVK number and at least eHerkenning level H3. You must also prove that you meet the legal requirements. If you cannot register online, you can complete the Dutch-language form (in Dutch) and send it to Justis.

Registration is valid for 1 year, so you must re-register every year. You pay registration fees for each debt collection agency and for each owner and director you register. You also pay a fee for supervision and enforcement upon registration and re-registration.

All debt collection agencies in the Netherlands are listed in the Debt Collecton Services Register (in Dutch). The register is public, so anyone can check whether a debt collection agency is listed in it.

Court bailiffs and debt collection lawyers do not need to regsiter, as they have their own registers. However, their debt collection services must meet the quality requirements.

Justis monitors debt collection agencies via the register and checks whether they comply with the rules.

Please note: Since 1 October 2026, anyone with an outstanding debt does not have to pay debt collection costs and accruing interest if the debt collection service provider is not registered. However, the original debt must be paid.

Duty of care for debt collection service providers

As a debt collection service provider, you have a duty of care:

• All your debt collection staff and managers must be familiar with the rules of conduct that apply to extrajudicial debt collection work.
• You must hold a meeting at least twice a year on the social standards for debt collection services. All your staff and managers must be able to attend these meetings so that they remain compliant.

Keeping records

You must keep clear records of each file. These records must include:

• a record of all points of contact with the person or organisation that owes the debt
• written proof that you have responded to a dispute about the claim, as raised by the person or organisation that owes the debt 

You must keep these records for at least 2 years from the time a file is closed.