Debt Collection in
Norway
- Effortlessly start your case within 2 minutes
- Norwegian-speaking debt collection lawyers
- From a pre-legal inkassovarsel (demand letter) to legal proceedings before the namsmannen or the forliksrådet
- Debt collection in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger or anywhere else in Norway? We have a 95% success rate!
- No Cure No Pay debt collection
Cross-border debt recovery in Norway is quite different from collecting debt in other Scandinavian countries. Norway is not a member of the European Union, so EU collection measures like the European Order for Payment or the European Small Claims Procedure cannot be initiated against your Norwegian debtor. As such, creditors will have to rely on international trade law or Norwegian domestic procedures to recover their debts. This poses a challenge for many creditors and ordinary collection agencies, as they do not possess the required level of expertise.
That's where our Norwegian lawyers and collection specialists come in. We know both international trade law and Norwegian domestic law like the back of our hand, which means that we always know exactly which measures to use. Our lawyers are also well-acquainted with Norwegian business customs, which they keep in mind as they contact your debtor in Norwegian. That way, your Norwegian debtor is sure to get the message, while you get the very best debt collection results.
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Recover your unpaid invoices in Norway in 7 simple steps
- Step 1: You can easily upload your claim here. All you have to do is enter your details, your debtor’s details and information regarding your unpaid invoice in Norway.
- Step 2: Your Norwegian caseworker will send a betalingspåminnelse (a payment reminder) or an inkassovarsel (a formal demand letter). These will be written in Norwegian and customised according to your case.
- Step 3: We start our investigation by checking international credit reports and local databases such as the various registers kept by the Brønnøysundregistrene (a Norwegian government agency responsible for keeping track of all relevant company information, among other matters). This way we can understand why the invoice was not paid. This helps us to define our strategy too.
- Step 4: Your Norwegian caseworker will reach out to you. Whether you prefer a harsh or soft approach, we adjust our strategy accordingly. Moreover, you can track the status of your case 24/7 through our online portal.
- Step 5: If your Norwegian debtor fails to respond to the inkassovarsel, then do not fret: we are just geting started and our efforts do not just stop there. We will contact your debtor by phone and e-mail. We speak to your debtor, which puts them off their guard and avoids any miscommunication.
- Step 6: We can also pay your Norwegian debtor a visit. With our contacts across Norway and private detectives, we can further investigate your debtor.
- Step 7: 95% of our cases are solved in the extrajudicial phase without court intervention. With the expertise of our native in-house specialists and the various resources that we have in store for your Norwegian debtor, we can collect your claim. If your debtor refuses to pay or disputes the case, we can continue in the legal phase in consultation with you. Before doing so, we extensively discuss your options and possible costs.
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Norwegian-speaking lawyers: our international experts
With our in-house specialists, we can overcome any language or cultural barriers. Our Norwegian specialists contact your debtor in their native language and are familiar with the Norwegian business culture. Based on our experience, we’ve seen that this works. Because we adapt our strategy by sending letters drafted in Norwegian and customising according to your case, your debtor is more inclined to pay. Your debtor is made aware of all the consequences of non-payment and knows we mean business.
Free case evaluation by the best debt collection specialists
Debt collection costs: No Cure No Pay debt collection in Norway
When solving your debt recovery in Norway, our starting point is to recover your debt without court intervention. We start on a No Cure No Pay basis, whereby we charge €185 for administrative costs. This allows us to investigate your debtor and act according to the best strategy. Our aim is to collect the interest and costs from your debtor; however, this depends on the amount and complexity of the case. With No Cure No Pay debt collection in Norway, you can expect the following:
- Personal contact with your caseworker
- Personal contact with your Norwegian debtor by phone and in writing
- Customised strategy according to your case
- Access to the largest national and international B2B debt collection databases
- Real knowledge of local business cultures and payment behaviours
- Knowledge of national and international judicial procedures
- Honest advice if legal action is necessary
If legal action is required, then we move to an hourly or fixed fee. Before doing so, our Norwegian lawyers will discuss the costs with you in advance. You can view a complete overview of our fees here.
Norwegian debt collection procedures
We solve the vast majority of our cases before there is a need to initiate legal proceedings, but when such steps do become necessary, we offer solid judicial solutions. Every country has its own set of laws, business customs, and debt collection procedures, but not to worry: our experts know exactly which procedure is the best fit for your situation.
You will find more information on the most effective Norwegian debt collection procedures below.
Utleggsforretning
The utleggsforretning (attachment procedure) is an accelerated procedure for undisputed claims. It is lodged with the namsmannen (the Norwegian Enforcement Officer). This procedure is known for its speed, simplicity, and low cost. In order to collect your debt through an utleggsforretning, you will need to be able to provide a clear and enforceable basis, such as an acknowledgement of the debt signed by your debtor or overdue and undisputed invoices, for example.
Ordinary civil proceedings
If a case is disputed, you will not be able to initiate the aforementioned utleggsforretning procedure with the namsmannen. You will instead have to initiate ordinary civil proceedings, with either the forliksrådet (Conciliation Board) or the tingretten (District Court). Both parties must then argue their case and substantiate their statements with supporting documents. After one or more court hearings, the court will render a judgment. We generally only advise opting for this route if your debtor disputes your claim.
Debt collection enforcement in Norway
After obtaining an enforceable title (Tvangsgrunnlag) from the court, we can enforce the judgment through the Norwegian Enforcement Authorities (namsfogden or namsmannen). If necessary, these authorities can affect payment through garnishment, attachment of your debtor's receivables, the seizure and sale of movable assets, real estate, and more.
The limitation period in Norway
An outstanding invoice cannot be collected forever. Once an invoice becomes time-barred, you cannot recover the unpaid amount through court intervention. That’s why it is important to know that payment claims in Norway generally have a limitation period of 3 years, but the duration heavily depends on the nature of the claim. The limitation period begins on the due date of the invoice.
It is possible to prevent your invoice from "expiring" by interrupting the limitation period. The interruption stops and resets the limitation period. In Norway, there are several means and situations that can lead to the interruption and/or restart of the limitation period:
- A recognition of debt, such as a letter from the debtor confirming that there is an outstanding invoice
- Negotiation attempts made by your debtor
- Your debtor promising to pay (later)
- The initiation of legal proceedings regarding your claim
- A favourable court judgment regarding your claim
While the most common limitation period of 3 years applies to payment claims, there are exceptions for certain types of claims and claims within specific sectors.
Why hire Bierens rather than a regular debt collection agency in Norway?
- Norwegian-speaking, specialised debt collection lawyers
- Highest collection rate throughout Norway
- Extensive measures to recover your Norwegian debt extrajudicially and judicially
- No Win No Fee debt collection
- Immediate action after uploading your claim
“With our experts by your side, your Norwegian debtor gets the message, while you get the best collection results!”
Start your debt collection in Norway today
Start your debt collection case in Norway today! While our Norwegian Desk gets started on your case, you can resume your regular business operations. Upload your case for immediate action or contact our experts today.
