International debt collection is the practice of recovering commercial debts where the creditor and debtor are in different countries. This cross-border dimension adds complexity at every stage.
Your domestic legal system has no power over a debtor in another country. You need local enforcement capability in the debtor's jurisdiction — local agents, local lawyers, local court access.
Own offices: The agency maintains its own staff in each jurisdiction. Maximum control, highest cost, limited geographic reach.
Correspondent network: The agency partners with vetted local firms in each jurisdiction. Broader reach, variable quality control.
Hybrid: Own offices in major markets (Western Europe, USA), correspondent partners in smaller markets. The model most large international agencies use.
Local-language demand from a local address (3-5x response rate vs. foreign letters). Knowledge of local fast-track procedures. Relationships with local courts and enforcement authorities. Understanding of local business culture and negotiation norms.
Within the EU, cross-border instruments (European Payment Order, Brussels I Regulation, European Account Preservation Order) simplify collection between member states.
Collection depends on bilateral treaties, local recognition procedures, and the practical enforcement capability of local partners.
Our debt recovery agency with over 21 years of experience provides: Business to Business Collections Services, Legal Debt Collections and worldwide Skip Tracing services.
