How we recover debt from the UK
The process follows the same steps as domestic recovery, with some points that matter particularly to foreign creditors:
- Formal demand. A letter before action from a UK solicitor shows the debtor that you are ready to act in its home courts. It often prompts payment on its own.
- Court claim. Where the contract is governed by English law, or the debtor is based in England and Wales, the courts here are usually the right forum. We check the governing law and jurisdiction clauses in your contract at the outset.
- Judgment and enforcement. We enforce against the debtor's UK assets, or use insolvency routes such as a statutory demand where the debt is undisputed.
Documents from abroad are rarely a problem. Invoices, contracts and emails in another language may need certified English translations, and we tell you exactly what is needed.
Practical points for overseas creditors
- You rarely need to travel. Most matters are handled by email, phone and video call, and witness statements can be signed remotely.
- Currency. A claim can usually be brought in the currency of the contract.
- Interest. Where an English-law contract is between businesses, statutory interest and compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 may be available.
- Time zones and reporting. We agree how and when you want updates, and we write in plain English, not legal jargon.
- Already have a judgment? A judgment from your own courts may be registered or enforced in England. See our pages on enforcing foreign judgments and US judgments in the UK.
Common questions
Do I need to come to the UK?
Rarely. Almost all of the work can be done remotely, and court hearings in straightforward debt claims are often unnecessary.
Which law applies to my contract?
It depends on the contract terms and where the parties are based. We check this at the start, because it decides where and how the claim is brought.
How long will it take?
Many debts are paid after the formal demand. An undefended court claim can reach judgment in a matter of weeks; a defended claim takes longer.
Owed money by a debtor in the UK? Request a call back using the form. US callers can reach us on 1 (917) 338 0244, international callers on +44 1482 616 616, and UK callers on 0800 037 1305.
