Debt Collection Belgium: A Creditor's Legal Playbook

Belgium's Judicial Code Book XIX gives creditors a structured out-of-court demand procedure before litigation is even necessary, backed by a ten-year limitation period.

01 - Book XIX formalizes the demand stage

Belgian law requires a specific formal demand process for B2B debt under Book XIX of the Judicial Code before certain remedies become available, which is why the initial demand letter needs to be drafted correctly rather than treated as a formality.

02 - The European Order for Payment applies

As an EU member state, Belgium accepts the European Order for Payment for cross-border claims within the EU, giving foreign creditors a standardized, relatively fast route to an enforceable title.

03 - Ten years gives room, bailiffs do the rest

Belgium's ten-year limitation period is generous by EU standards, and once judgment is obtained, huissiers de justice (bailiffs) carry out enforcement through asset seizure and garnishment.