{"id":5270,"date":"2021-04-09T13:52:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-09T11:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/what-are-the-statutes-of-limitations-for-debt-collection\/"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:45:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T14:45:34","slug":"what-are-the-statutes-of-limitations-for-debt-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/what-are-the-statutes-of-limitations-for-debt-collection\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the statutes of limitations for debt collection?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Preserving cash flow is essential for all companies, especially in times of crisis. Vigilance with regard to payment deadlines is more important than ever and is one of the biggest challenges for all companies this year. To maintain a healthy cash flow, it is essential to ensure that the process of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/unpaid-invoice-what-to-do\/\">recovering <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">unpaid invoices<\/span><\/strong><\/a> does not exceed the <strong>limitation period<\/strong> , otherwise any legal recourse will be made difficult, if not impossible. What is the limitation period? What are the limitation rules for debt collection? What to do if the limitation period for debt has passed? We take stock in this article.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_statute_of_limitations_for_debt_collection\"><\/span>What is the statute of limitations for debt collection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The limitation period for a debt<\/strong> corresponds to a period beyond which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/debt-collection\/judicial-debt-collection\/\">legal recovery<\/a> such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/order-for-payment-how-to-obtain-it\/\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">payment injunction procedure,<\/span><\/strong><\/a> for example, becomes inadmissible.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This limitation period<\/strong> starts the day after the due date mentioned on the invoice. As a general rule, this deadline is set at 30, 45 or 60 days after the issue of the invoice according to the legislation in force, depending on the creditor&#8217;s sector of activity.<br\/> Reminder: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/quest-ce-quune-creance\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Definition of debt<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"3348\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Frame-5les-delais-de-prescription.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8180\" title=\"Infographics limitation periods in debt recovery\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Frame-5les-delais-de-prescription.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Frame-5les-delais-de-prescription-143x300.png 143w, https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Frame-5les-delais-de-prescription-489x1024.png 489w, https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Frame-5les-delais-de-prescription-768x1607.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Frame-5les-delais-de-prescription-734x1536.png 734w, https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Frame-5les-delais-de-prescription-979x2048.png 979w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_limitation_period_for_claims_changes_depending_on_the_nature_of_the_debtor\"><\/span>The limitation period for claims changes depending on the nature of the debtor:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If the debtor is a private individual<\/strong>, the creditor has 2 years. In the absence of a specific provision in the contract, the creditor therefore has these two years to try to obtain the recovery of his outstanding payments.  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/affichCodeArticle.do?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006069565&amp;idArticle=LEGIARTI000032226897\">(article L218-2 of the Consumer Code).<\/a>  This is known as civil prescription.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If the debtor is a professional<\/strong> (commercial company, trader, professional, etc.), the limitation period is extended to 5 years <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/affichCodeArticle.do?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000005634379&amp;idArticle=LEGIARTI000027725867\">(article L110-4 of the Commercial Code).<\/a> However, shorter special requirements may exist, as in the naval sector, for the acquisition of supplies of materials, constructions and equipment for refueling a ship. In this case the time limit is reduced to 1 year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exceeding_the_limitation_period_for_a_claim_what_solution\"><\/span>Exceeding the limitation period for a claim: what solution?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When the prescription period is exceeded<\/strong>, only in the case of commercial claims (professional debtor), the creditor has the possibility of seizing the court by virtue of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legifrance.gouv.fr\/affichCodeArticle.do?idArticle=LEGIARTI000019017082&amp;cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070721\">article 2247 of the Civil Code&#8221;<\/a>: &#8220;the judges cannot substitute ex officio the means resulting from the prescription&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The creditor may then initiate <strong>legal collection proceedings <\/strong>against the debtor. Nevertheless, the latter can raise the statute of limitations of his debt with the judge to avoid a possible condemnation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of a civil claim (the debtor is an individual), this rule does not apply. The only possible recourse is to attempt an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/debt-collection\/amicable-debt-collection\/\">amicable recovery procedure<\/a> .<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the older the debt, the lower the chances of success of a collection procedure. To be sure to put the best chances on your side to resolve your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/unpaid-invoice-what-to-do\/\">unpaid invoice<\/a><\/strong> problems, do not hesitate to contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/\"><strong>debt collection company<\/strong><\/a> which will put all its expertise at your service. It will be able to activate the most effective levers against your debtor while preserving your commercial relations.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn more and for any question about the statute of limitations in debt collection: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/contact\/\">contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You will also like<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/how-to-avoid-unpaid-bills-here-are-5-rules-to-follow\/\"><strong>How to avoid unpaid bills<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/comment-recouvrer-ses-creances-les-etapes-cles\/\"><strong>Recovering debts: the key steps<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/collectors-keep-companies-financially-healthy\/\">The collection agent, a player who preserves the financial health of companies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\r\n<div class=\"bg-blue-linear\">\r\n    <div class=\"faq\" itemprop=\"Questions fr\u00e9quentes\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\r\n        <div class=\"container\">\r\n                                                <div class=\"row\">\r\n                                <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-4\">\r\n                                <div class=\"content d-flex flex-column justify-content-center\">\r\n                                            <h2 class=\"title text-strong-gradient\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n                                                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                                <div class=\"col-12 col-lg-8\">\r\n                                    <div class=\"accordion\" id=\"accordionExample\">\r\n                                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                                                                    <h4 itemprop=\"name\" id=\"heading1\" class=\"accordion-header accordion-button collapsed text-strong-gradient\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse1\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse1\">\r\n                                        What is debt collection?                                    <\/h4>\r\n                                                                <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" id=\"collapse1\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"heading1\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionExample\">\r\n                                                                            <div itemprop=\"text\" class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                                            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Le <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/recouvrement-de-creances\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recouvrement de cr\u00e9ances<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> d\u00e9signe l\u2019ensemble des actions mises en \u0153uvre pour obtenir le paiement d\u2019une somme due par un d\u00e9biteur. Cela peut concerner une facture impay\u00e9e, un pr\u00eat ou toute autre dette. Ce recouvrement peut \u00eatre amiable ou judiciaire, et doit respecter les d\u00e9lais de prescription l\u00e9gaux afin de ne pas \u00eatre frapp\u00e9 de forclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                                                                    <h4 itemprop=\"name\" id=\"heading2\" class=\"accordion-header accordion-button collapsed text-strong-gradient\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse2\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse2\">\r\n                                        What are the limitation periods for a claim?                                    <\/h4>\r\n                                                                <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" id=\"collapse2\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"heading2\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionExample\">\r\n                                                                            <div itemprop=\"text\" class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                                            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">En principe, l\u2019action en recouvrement d\u2019une cr\u00e9ance civile se prescrit dans un d\u00e9lai de 5 ans, conform\u00e9ment \u00e0 l\u2019article 2224 du Code civil. Toutefois, certains d\u00e9lais plus courts s\u2019appliquent, notamment pour les cr\u00e9ances des consommateurs (2 ans) ou certaines cr\u00e9ances commerciales sp\u00e9cifiques. Il est indispensable de v\u00e9rifier ce d\u00e9lai avant d\u2019agir pour pr\u00e9server vos droits.<\/span><\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                                                                    <h4 itemprop=\"name\" id=\"heading3\" class=\"accordion-header accordion-button collapsed text-strong-gradient\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse3\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse3\">\r\n                                        What happens if the statute of limitations expires?                                    <\/h4>\r\n                                                                <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" id=\"collapse3\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"heading3\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionExample\">\r\n                                                                            <div itemprop=\"text\" class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                                            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lorsque le d\u00e9lai de prescription est d\u00e9pass\u00e9, le cr\u00e9ancier perd la possibilit\u00e9 de contraindre le d\u00e9biteur \u00e0 r\u00e9gler sa dette par voie judiciaire\u202f; la cr\u00e9ance est alors consid\u00e9r\u00e9e comme prescrite. Il devient impossible d\u2019obtenir un titre ex\u00e9cutoire ou de lancer une proc\u00e9dure de saisie, et seul un paiement volontaire du d\u00e9biteur reste envisageable. Pour \u00e9viter cette situation, il est essentiel d\u2019agir rapidement face \u00e0 un impay\u00e9 en appliquant les bonnes pratiques pour savoir <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/facture-impayee-que-faire\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">que faire en cas de facture impay\u00e9e<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                                                                    <h4 itemprop=\"name\" id=\"heading4\" class=\"accordion-header accordion-button collapsed text-strong-gradient\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse4\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse4\">\r\n                                        How to interrupt a limitation period?                                    <\/h4>\r\n                                                                <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" id=\"collapse4\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"heading4\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionExample\">\r\n                                                                            <div itemprop=\"text\" class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                                            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plusieurs actions permettent d\u2019interrompre le d\u00e9lai de prescription : une reconnaissance de dette par le d\u00e9biteur, une assignation en justice, ou encore une mise en demeure formelle. Chaque interruption fait repartir un nouveau d\u00e9lai de prescription \u00e0 compter de la date de l\u2019acte interruptif.<\/span><\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                                                                    <h4 itemprop=\"name\" id=\"heading5\" class=\"accordion-header accordion-button collapsed text-strong-gradient\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse5\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse5\">\r\n                                        What steps should I take to recover a debt on time?                                    <\/h4>\r\n                                                                <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" id=\"collapse5\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"heading5\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionExample\">\r\n                                                                            <div itemprop=\"text\" class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                                            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Il est recommand\u00e9 de relancer le d\u00e9biteur rapidement, d\u2019adresser une mise en demeure en recommand\u00e9, puis de saisir le tribunal comp\u00e9tent si n\u00e9cessaire. Ce processus doit se faire dans le respect des d\u00e9lais de prescription. L\u2019assistance d\u2019un professionnel du recouvrement permet d\u2019agir plus efficacement et de s\u00e9curiser la proc\u00e9dure. D\u00e9couvrez toutes les <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/comment-recouvrer-ses-creances-les-etapes-cles\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00e9tapes cl\u00e9s pour r\u00e9aliser le recouvrement de vos cr\u00e9ances<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                                                                    <h4 itemprop=\"name\" id=\"heading6\" class=\"accordion-header accordion-button collapsed text-strong-gradient\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse6\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse6\">\r\n                                        Who can help you manage the limitation period for a debt?                                    <\/h4>\r\n                                                                <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" id=\"collapse6\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"heading6\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionExample\">\r\n                                                                            <div itemprop=\"text\" class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                                            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Un <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cabinet de recouvrement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, un avocat ou un commissaire de justice peuvent vous accompagner pour \u00e9viter la prescription de vos cr\u00e9ances. Ils vous conseilleront sur les actions \u00e0 mener et les d\u00e9lais \u00e0 respecter pour d\u00e9fendre au mieux vos int\u00e9r\u00eats.<\/span><\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                                    <div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" class=\"accordion-item\">\r\n                                                                    <h4 itemprop=\"name\" id=\"heading7\" class=\"accordion-header accordion-button collapsed text-strong-gradient\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" data-bs-target=\"#collapse7\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-controls=\"collapse7\">\r\n                                        What are the consequences of non-payment after the limitation period?                                    <\/h4>\r\n                                                                <div itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" id=\"collapse7\" class=\"accordion-collapse collapse\" aria-labelledby=\"heading7\" data-bs-parent=\"#accordionExample\">\r\n                                                                            <div itemprop=\"text\" class=\"accordion-body\">\r\n                                            <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apr\u00e8s l\u2019expiration du d\u00e9lai de prescription, le cr\u00e9ancier ne peut plus contraindre le d\u00e9biteur \u00e0 r\u00e9gler sa dette par voie judiciaire. La cr\u00e9ance devient alors juridiquement <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">irrecouvrable<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, m\u00eame si elle subsiste moralement. Cela impacte directement la tr\u00e9sorerie de l\u2019entreprise et peut conduire \u00e0 la comptabilisation de <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/creance-douteuse-guide\/\"><b>cr\u00e9ances douteuses<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, dont la gestion n\u00e9cessite une approche sp\u00e9cifique. Par ailleurs, l\u2019accumulation de cr\u00e9ances prescrites ou mal suivies peut d\u00e9s\u00e9quilibrer le besoin en fonds de roulement (BFR) et fragiliser la sant\u00e9 financi\u00e8re globale de l\u2019entreprise. D\u00e9couvrez les<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/impacts-mauvaise-gestion-bfr-tresorerie-entreprise\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> impacts d\u2019un BFR mal g\u00e9r\u00e9 sur la tr\u00e9sorerie<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n                                        <\/div>\r\n                                                                    <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                                            <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"1080\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 1920 \/ 1080;\" width=\"1920\" controls=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/GCE-Video-prescription.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/what-are-the-statutes-of-limitations-for-debt-collection\/#What_is_the_statute_of_limitations_for_debt_collection\" >What is the statute of limitations for debt collection?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/what-are-the-statutes-of-limitations-for-debt-collection\/#The_limitation_period_for_claims_changes_depending_on_the_nature_of_the_debtor\" >The limitation period for claims changes depending on the nature of the debtor:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/what-are-the-statutes-of-limitations-for-debt-collection\/#Exceeding_the_limitation_period_for_a_claim_what_solution\" >Exceeding the limitation period for a claim: what solution?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gestioncreditexpert.com\/en\/what-are-the-statutes-of-limitations-for-debt-collection\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Preserving cash flow is essential for all companies, especially in times of crisis. Vigilance with regard to payment deadlines is more important than ever and is one of the biggest challenges for all companies this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8236,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-legal"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Limitation periods: what are they in debt collection?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A claim is time-barred after 2 years for an individual and 5 years for a professional. 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