B2B Debt collection lawyer
Our law office offers full-spectrum legal support for payment enforcement and debt recovery in Bulgaria.
Even if your business is located elsewhere in Europe and your contracts are concluded with Bulgarian counterparties, we strive to recover outstanding debts efficiently and within the legal framework.
We rely on a strong network of experienced Bulgarian lawyers, attorneys and enforcement agents.
This network enables us to implement tailored strategies that protect our clients’ interests.
We maintain full transparency—every action taken in your case is communicated to you promptly so you retain oversight and control.
Legal Advice and Strategy for Debt Collection
Should your business face non-payment or contract breach by a Bulgarian counterparty, our team will deliver detailed legal opinions and practical strategic advice. Key areas we assess:
The contractual obligations and grounds for payment, referencing the Obligations and Contracts Act (OCA) and the Commercial Act, which govern contractual relations in Bulgaria.
The debtor’s financial position and willingness for voluntary settlement.
The most effective legal enforcement channels under Bulgarian law: extrajudicial collection, court action, asset-seizure, enforcement by bailiffs. For example, in Bulgaria one may initiate amicable collection before moving to judicial route.
Cross-border aspects: recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Bulgaria. Under EU regulations and Bulgarian enforcement law foreign judgments (from EU or non-EU) may be enforced in Bulgaria subject to recognition procedures.
Our legal advice also helps you revise your commercial strategy.
Post-recovery you can adjust your contract templates to align with Bulgarian legislation and protect future relationships.
It enables stronger risk-management when working with Bulgarian or central-eastern European counterparties.
Litigation, Negotiation and Enforcement
When amicable negotiation fails, we are prepared to initiate litigation or arbitration in Bulgaria.
We weigh the advantages and disadvantages: time-to-resolution, costs, enforceability, risk of insolvency of debtor.
Amicable phase: Starting point. Sending demand letters, negotiating repayment plans or restructuring with the debtor.
Many cases resolve here faster and at lower cost. According to debt-collection guides in Bulgaria the account recovery process typically begins with debtor contact and request for voluntary payment.
Court proceedings: If negotiation fails we file lawsuits.
Bulgarian sources state that for properly documented claims a summary procedure is available: the creditor submits evidence, the court may issue an enforcement order without full hearing.
Summary proceedings can take about two months and require a filing fee as low as around 2% of claim value.
Enforcement:
After a court judgment or arbitral award, enforcement steps include issuing a writ of execution and engaging either state or private bailiffs under the Private Judicial Enforcement Act. Assets such as movable goods, real-estate, bank accounts, income streams can be seized.
Certain assets are exempt (e.g., household goods, basic subsistence allowances).
Cross-border enforcement:
If you hold a judgment from another EU state you may use the Brussels I Regulation (EC) No 44/2001 (now recast as Brussels I bis) for recognition and enforcement in Bulgaria. A certificate may be required and the debtor has limited grounds to oppose.
Insolvency/bankruptcy risk: If the debtor is insolvent you may need to file a claim in the liquidation proceedings of the debtor under Bulgarian restructuring and insolvency law. Directors may incur liability if they fail to file insolvency within 30 days of cessation of payments. 
Statute of limitation: In Bulgaria, commercial claims typically become time-barred after 5 years from the due date of the obligation.
Payment behaviour and risk: According to market data by International and Bulgarian domestic companies on average pay invoices in over 30 days but usually less than 40 days; approximately 25% of invoices are not paid on time but the majority are eventually collected.
Why Choose Us
With more than two decades of service to clients across Bulgaria and Europe we offer a tested, strategic approach to debt recovery and payment enforcement. Our particular strengths:
Deep knowledge of Bulgarian procedural law, enforcement mechanisms and cross-border litigation/enforcement regimes.
Multi-lingual legal team experienced with international clients and multi-jurisdictional contracts.
Transparent communication: you will receive updates at every stage.
Emphasis on first attempting amicable resolution, thereby saving cost and time, but readiness for litigation and enforcement when needed.
Focus on protecting your future business: we assist not only with recovery but also with contract review and risk-mitigation for future dealings.
If you require effective debt recovery or payment enforcement in Bulgaria please contact us for a confidential case discussion.
Debt Recovery & Payment Enforcement in Bulgaria
📞 Phone: +359 897 90 43 91
🌐 Website: https://lawyer-bulgaria.co.uk/debt-recovery
✉️ Email: office@lawyer-bulgaria.bg