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Finance & Taxes

File for personal bankruptcy

Initiate consumer bankruptcy proceedings in local court after an unsuccessful attempt at an out-of-court settlement—discharge of remaining debt possible after 3 years.

Processing: approx. 37 months
Success rate: 85.0 %

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Seek debt counseling

    Attempting to reach an out-of-court settlement with creditors is a legal requirement.

  2. 2

    Certificate of Failed Mediation

    An accredited counseling center issues a certificate of failure.

  3. 3

    Application to the District Court

    Official form with a list of creditors and a statement of assets.

  4. 4

    Insolvency Proceedings and the Good Conduct Period

    Discharge of remaining debt after 3 years of complying with the rules.

Required documents

  • List of creditorsMandatory
  • Statement of AssetsMandatory
  • Certificate of Failed MediationMandatory

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

Fees

Varies by case

Processing time

approx. 37 months

Official: max. approx. 1 months

Online application

In person or by post

Common mistakes

  • • Did not seek debt counseling
  • • Complete list of creditors is missing

Common reasons for rejection

  • • No evidence of a failed attempt at an out-of-court settlement

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Over-indebted individuals who are not self-employed.

Income limit

The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 37 months

Success rate

approx. 85.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • •Did not seek debt counseling
  • •Complete list of creditors is missing

Common reasons for rejection

  • •No evidence of a failed attempt at an out-of-court settlement

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.

Related services

Out-of-court debt settlement

Settlement with creditors without going to court

Questions & Answers

How long does personal bankruptcy take?▼

Since 2021, the discharge period has been 3 years (previously 6 years).

Read more