Debt Collection License

Businesses providing debt collection services (out-of-court collection of third-party claims) must be registered in the Legal Services Register (Rechtsdienstleistungsregister) under the Legal Services Act (RDG). Without registration, collecting debts on behalf of others is prohibited.

Since January 2025, registration is handled by the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz), which replaced the previous state-level registration authorities. You must demonstrate specialized theoretical and practical knowledge in debt collection law, personal reliability (clean criminal record), and orderly financial circumstances. The register is publicly searchable, so clients and debtors can verify your authorization. Registration also covers related activities such as debt purchasing and receivables management.