Time-limitation of debt

All debts have a statutory time limitation period after which they expire. The length of the period depends on the type of debt. Debt can expire on several grounds.

The time-limitation period for debts under civil law is five years from the date of the judgment, but this period can be suspended, for example by reminding the debtor of the debt or filing for enforcement.

The civil-law debts of private individuals expire permanently in 20 years (25 years if the creditor is a natural person) from the debt’s due date or 15 years (20 years if the creditor is a natural person or if the claim for compensation is based on an offence for which the debtor has been sentenced to imprisonment or community service) from the date of the judgment.

The time-limitation period of most debts under public law is five years, and the period cannot be suspended.

Expired debts can no longer be collected. If assets had been distrained from the debtor before the expiration of the debt, they can still be used to pay off the expired debt.