Do you have debtors abroad?

We can help foreign organizations recover debt in Sweden as well as Swedish organizations recover debt abroad.

Marginalen Inkasso - Top 10 debt collection agency in Europe

"Recognized as the one of Top 10 Debt Collection Agencies in Europe for 2024, this company has made a significant impact in the marketplace"

- Financial Services Review, 2024
Bild på ett sigill från Financial Services Review som gett Inkasso Marginalen pris för bästa inkassobolag i europa 2024

We’ve successfully recovered debts abroad since 1981

It’s a challenge to recover debts from customers abroad. With our networks and expertise, we’re one of the best in Sweden. We can repair and strengthen relations between you and your customers by instigating a process of dialogue focused on resolving the debt.

Read about debt collection (utlandsinkasso) in swedish

A global partner network of local debt collecting agencies

Collecting payments from international customers is often a challenge that requires both experience and specialized knowledge. Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding debt collection, meaning that what is permitted in one country may be restricted or entirely prohibited in another. Additionally, business cultures vary—while a formal and legal approach may be most effective in some markets, a more relationship-driven strategy works better in others. Understanding these nuances and adapting collection methods accordingly can be crucial to successfully recovering debts.

As one of the founding members of the European Collectors Association (ECA), we have built a strong international network of debt collection specialists working together to help businesses get paid, no matter where their customers are located. Through ECA, we collaborate closely with carefully selected partners in each country, ensuring that we always act in compliance with local regulations and adapt our methods to the prevailing business culture.

Our collective expertise allows us to determine the most effective arguments and collection strategies for each specific case. With the support of ECA’s established network, we provide efficient and professional debt collection services worldwide—maintaining the same high standards as in our domestic market.

We help you collect debt in Sweden from 90 countries

Algeria

Angola

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Bahrain

Belgium

Bosnia and
Herzegovina

Botswana

Brazil

Bulgaria

Cameroon

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Congo

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Egypt

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Finland

France

Gabon

Ghana

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Ivory Coast

Jordan

Kenya

Korea

Kuwait

Latvia

Lebanon

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macedonia

Malaysia

Malta

Moldova

Morocco

Mozambique

Namibia

Netherlands

Nigeria

Norway

Oman

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Serbia

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sudan

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Tanzania

Thailand

Trinidad & Tobago

Tunisia

Turkey

Germany

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

USA

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Bild på en världskarta som visar vilka länder vi kan driva in skulder från

How debt collection works

Recovering debts abroad requires special expertise. Customs and rules vary between countries and we have the network of experienced debt collection agencies that help you with successful debt collection.

Personal service

Our debt specialists are in constant dialogue with your customers.

Smart web tools

You can monitor all your transactions via our smart web services.

Instant processing

Our local agents can help recover debts globally. As soon as we get the money they are payed out to you.

Payment terms and prevention of debt disputes

To minimize the risk of disputes in international business transactions, companies should agree on which country's laws will apply (choice of law clause) and how potential disputes will be resolved (dispute resolution clause). Arbitration through institutions such as ICC or SCC is an effective alternative to court proceedings, as it is often faster and more flexible. It is also important to define where the transaction is considered to have taken place, as this affects payment terms, debt collection, and legal actions. Clear agreements provide security and reduce the risk of costly legal proceedings.

Reminders of outstanding invoices and invoices overdue

Rules regarding payment reminders, late payment interest, and debt collection fees vary between countries. Within the EU, this is regulated by the Late Payment Directive, which grants creditors the right to statutory interest and compensation for collection costs in cases of late payment between businesses. In other countries, regulations may differ, with some requiring mandatory reminders before collection measures can be taken.

Legal and enforcement costs also vary depending on the country. To ensure that the debt collection process complies with local regulations and remains as efficient as possible, it is essential to work with debt collection specialists who have local expertise.

Debt collection process overview

Recovering an unpaid invoice internationally is often more complex than in the domestic market. Each country has its own laws, regulations, and practices for debt collection, making it crucial to understand and comply with local requirements. The process can vary significantly—some countries require formal collection notices before legal action can be taken, while others have mandatory mediation procedures or specific deadlines that must be observed.

Through our extensive international network of debt collection specialists, we ensure that each case is handled in accordance with local legislation and practices. In most countries, the process begins with a payment reminder, followed by a formal collection notice, which often includes statutory fees and late payment interest. If the debtor still does not pay, legal action may be necessary, such as a court ruling or an application to the relevant authority for a payment order.

In some countries, the collection process is swift and efficient, while in others, it can take considerably longer, especially if service of process or disputes arise. Once the debt is legally confirmed, enforcement measures may be taken, including wage garnishment, asset seizure, or other actions to secure payment. Our local partners have deep expertise in their respective markets, ensuring that the process adheres to legal requirements while being adapted to cultural and business norms.

Frequently asked questions

Here you will find the most common questions and answers regarding debt collection services for your company.
Can I sell an unpaid invoice with a debtor in a foreign country?
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Yes, you can sell an unpaid invoice with a debtor in a foreign country. This process is known as invoice factoring or debt selling, where a company sells its outstanding invoices to a third party, such as a factoring company or a debt collection agency. The buyer takes over the responsibility of collecting the payment, often at a discounted price.

The feasibility and terms of selling an international invoice depend on factors such as the debtor’s location, local regulations, the invoice amount, and the debtor’s creditworthiness. Many debt collection agencies, including Marginalen Inkasso, have global partnerships to facilitate the sale and recovery of international debts efficiently.

If you’re interested in selling an unpaid invoice, contact us for more information on how we can assist you.

Can I get help with debt collection outside Sweden?
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Yes, you can get help with debt collection outside Sweden. Marginalen Inkasso offer international debt recovery services through partnerships with local agencies and legal experts in different countries. The process varies depending on local laws, but professional collectors can help negotiate payments, send legal notices, and take necessary legal action to recover debts efficiently.

At Marginalen Inkasso, we have a vast network of global partners to ensure that you, as our client, receive the most effective debt collection process possible.

If you need assistance with cross-border debt collection, feel free to contact us for expert support.

Can I charge interest on an overdue invoice?
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Yes, you can charge interest on overdue invoices, but the rules vary by country. In many jurisdictions, including the EU, businesses have the right to charge statutory late payment interest from the day after the due date. The rate is often based on a legal benchmark, such as the central bank's reference rate plus a fixed percentage.

To charge interest, the terms must be clearly stated in the contract or invoice. If no specific rate is agreed upon, the statutory interest rate applies. Some countries also allow additional late fees.

If you need guidance on applying interest to overdue invoices, feel free to contact us for expert assistance.

How do I recover unpaid invoices In Sweden?
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Recovering unpaid invoices in Sweden follows a structured process that includes reminders, debt collection, and potential legal action. Here’s an overview of the key steps:

  1. Send payment reminders: If an invoice remains unpaid after the due date, the first step is to send a friendly reminder. This can be done via email, letter, or phone call. Swedish businesses often send at least one reminder before escalating the matter but you are not obligated to by law.
  2. Late payment fees & interest: According to Swedish law, you can charge a statutory late payment interest (referred to as dröjsmålsränta) from the day after the due date. You may also add a reminder fee (påminnelseavgift) if this was stated in the original agreement.
  3. Debt collection (Inkasso): If reminders do not result in payment, you can hand over the case to a debt collection agency (inkassobolag), which will send formal collection notices and attempt to negotiate payment. The debtor may also incur an additional collection fee (inkassoavgift).
  4. Applying for a payment order (Betalningsföreläggande): If the invoice remains unpaid, you can escalate the matter to Kronofogden (the Swedish Enforcement Authority). They issue a formal payment order, which the debtor must respond to within a set period. If the debtor does not contest the claim, Kronofogden can proceed with enforcement measures, such as wage deductions or asset seizures.
  5. Legal Action: If the debtor disputes the claim, the case may be taken to court for further legal proceedings. A court ruling can then be enforced by Kronofogden if necessary.

Sweden has well-defined procedures for debt recovery, and many businesses prefer to work with professional collection agencies to handle unpaid invoices efficiently.

If you need assistance with recovering unpaid invoices, feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you through the process.

How does processes of invoice reminders work in different countries?
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The process of sending invoice reminders varies across countries due to differences in legal regulations, business practices, and cultural norms. However, most systems follow a similar structure:

  1. Initial Reminder: Typically sent shortly after the due date, this reminder is often a friendly notification informing the customer of the overdue payment. In some countries, businesses send reminders before the due date as a courtesy.
  2. Final Reminder/Demand Letter: This step often includes a stronger warning about potential legal action. In some countries, such as Sweden, businesses may escalate the case to a debt collection agency (Inkasso) at this stage.
  3. Debt Collection & Legal Action: If the invoice remains unpaid, it may be forwarded to a collection agency or legal proceedings may begin. Countries have different enforcement mechanisms—France and Italy, for instance, have strict consumer protection laws, while the US relies heavily on credit reporting agencies to apply pressure

If you need a more detailed description of the process for your specific case, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Laws and practices related to third party debt collection abroad - how does it work?
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Collecting a debt internationally involves navigating through the laws and regulations of different countries. Generally, debt collection must follow the laws of the country where the debtor (the one owing money) is located. This means that legal actions and collection processes can vary significantly depending on the country in question.

How does international debt recovery differ from typical debt collection processes?
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The regulations governing debt collection processes often vary between different countries. Within the EU, much is governed by common directives, whereas in other locations, entirely different laws and practices apply. With a large network of representatives, we can typically assist our clients regardless of their location worldwide, providing assessments of their cases and, if desired, assistance in pursuing them further.

In which countries can international debt collection be utilized?
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For Swedish companies:
We offer international debt collection services in the majority of countries.

For non-Swedish companies:
Our services are exclusively focused on facilitating debt collection from Swedish companies or residents.

Please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your precise requirements and available solutions.

Can I track my debt collection cases with you anywhere?
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Yes. In our customer portal, you can track all your debt collection cases anytime, all year round. You'll also find useful statistics and reports there. Plus, through the messaging feature, you can reach out to your case handler anytime for questions or discussions regarding your case.

How can Inkasso Marginalen assist foreign companies in recovering debts from Swedish clients?
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With the rise of international trade, foreign companies often face challenges when it comes to recovering debts from Swedish clients. Understanding the legal landscape, cultural nuances, and navigating different jurisdictions can be daunting. At Inkasso Marginalen, we specialize in assisting foreign enterprises in recovering outstanding debts in Sweden. Our deep understanding of the Swedish market, coupled with our extensive experience and expertise, ensures efficient and successful debt recovery solutions tailored to the unique needs of international clients.

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Inkasso AB Marginalen

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111 37 Stockholm
Sweden

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