Enforcement

If debt collection through other means has been unsuccessful, an enforcement request can be filed with the enforcement authorities for debt collection through public authorities. Civil debts are eligible for enforcement only if they have been established by a court decision or judgment.

Enforcement is initiated by filing a written enforcement request with the district enforcement authority of the debtor’s domicile. In addition to information of the applicant and the applicant’s agent, the request shall include the debtor’s name and contact information, the amount of the debt, as well as the amounts and dates of possible installments already paid. The ground for enforcement (judgment or decision) in original or a copy thereof must be attached to the request. If the debt authority is in doubt of the validity of the copy, the original enforcement request or a certified copy may be required.

In addition to dispatching collection letters to enable voluntary payment, the enforcement is primarily carried out through garnishment, i.e. withholding of amounts from the debtor’s income up to certain, statutorily set protected portion required for the livelihood of the debtor and his/her family, and distraint, i.e. realization of the debtor’s assets.