🇫🇷 France
How long do I have to collect a debt in France?
Quick answer: 5 years for standard commercial debts.
Answer
In France, you generally have 5 years to take legal action to collect a commercial debt. Five-year limitation period for commercial claims under Article L110-4 of the Code de commerce.
Limitation in France
Five-year limitation period for commercial claims under Article L110-4 of the Code de commerce.
Typical recovery timeline
Amicable recovery commonly settles in 30–60 days. Legal action, where required, typically runs 4–12 months.
Late payment interest
ECB rate + 10 percentage points plus a €40 fixed indemnity (Code de commerce L441-10).
What stops the clock?
In most jurisdictions, a written acknowledgement of the debt, a partial payment or the issuing of formal legal proceedings will interrupt or reset the limitation period. In France, these acts are usually sufficient — but the exact rules and form requirements vary, so professional review is recommended for any debt approaching its limitation date.
What should I do if my debt is close to expiring?
- Send a formal written demand to interrupt the limitation period.
- Confirm whether a partial payment or written acknowledgement is achievable.
- Engage a specialist to assess viability and recommend escalation.
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Other jurisdictions
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Limitation rules vary by debt type, jurisdiction and circumstances — always seek specialist advice before relying on this content.