A BKR registration raises questions for many people. The information is often fragmented and complex, while the impact can be significant — especially when a registration stands in the way of taking out a mortgage, loan, or lease.

In this comprehensive guide from Arslan Advocaten we clearly explain:

• what a BKR registration is

• when you are registered

• what the difference is between a positive and a negative registration

• what consequences this has for your financial options

• how to request your registration

• in which situations legal assistance may be needed

Arslan Advocaten offers objective legal advice about BKR registrations, particularly when a registration seems unjustified, has disproportionate consequences, or violates the lender’s duty of care.

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What is a BKR registration?

The Credit Registration Bureau (BKR) registers loans and payment arrears to:

1. to give lenders insight into your creditworthiness

2. to protect consumers from excessive financial burdens

BKR registers, among other things:

• personal loans

• revolving credit lines

• credit cards with installment payments

• overdrafts above € 250,-

• private lease

• mobile phone contracts with a handset on installment

• arrears on mortgages

Everyone who takes out a loan receives a registration. This is in itself not negative.

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Positive BKR registration

A positive registration means:

• there is a loan/credit

• there are no payment arrears

• there are no special codes

This is normal and applies to millions of Dutch people.

A positive registration can still affect:

• the amount of your mortgage

• how much you can borrow at most

Because the repayments on an existing loan are included in the mortgage calculation.

Important:

• a positive registration remains five years visible after termination of the credit

• this can not be removed, unless there is an error or incorrect registration

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Negative BKR registration

A negative registration arises in case of payment arrears. These registrations are indicated by:

A-coding (Arrears)

There is (or has been) a payment delinquency.

H-coding (Recovery)

The delinquency has been cleared, but remains visible.

In addition, numeric codes may be added, such as:

• 1: payment arrangement made

• 2: credit is being called in in full

• 3: (partial) forgiveness or write-off

• 4: unreachable to the lender for an extended period

• 5: preventive arrangement in case of mortgage arrears

Impact on your financial options

A negative registration can:

• make taking out a mortgage more difficult

• lead to rejection of a loan

• cause restrictions with private lease

Even after recovery (H-coding), the registration remains five years visible.

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When do you get a BKR registration?

You are registered for:

• loans > € 250,- with a term > 1 month

• overdraft above € 250,- (even if you are not overdrawn)

• private lease

• device on installment in a phone subscription

• “pay later” at certain online stores

• mortgage arrears of more than three installments

No registration with:

• student debt (DUO)

• CJIB fines

• Tax Authority debts

• health insurance debts

Note: these debts do have an effect on financial capacity for mortgage applications.

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Consequences of a BKR registration

Positive registration

• usually not an obstacle

• does affect borrowing capacity if there are still repayment obligations

Negative registration

• can block a mortgage application

• is heavily weighed by lenders

• remains visible for up to five years after repayment

• can have far-reaching consequences for business and personal finances

If a registration has a disproportionately severe impact, legal intervention may sometimes be necessary.

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BKR registration and mortgages

During a mortgage consultation, BKR registrations are almost always asked about. Many consumers only discover at that moment that they:

• having a registration due to an old phone contract

• having an arrears registration that remains visible years later

• having an unjustified or unclearly registered code

Positive registration

• usually not a problem

• does affect the maximum loan amount

Negative registration

• can block a mortgage application

• even resolved arrears remain visible

• sometimes urgent legal advice is necessary, for example if the purchase agreement has already been signed

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Request your own BKR registration

You request your BKR overview via iDIN (not via DigiD). You do this via the BKR website.

You will receive:

• a digital overview, immediately visible after logging in

• optionally a paper version (can be ordered for a fee)

The overview shows:

• all ongoing and ended credit agreements

• any special codes

• arrears or recovery notifications

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Removing a negative BKR registration: when is that legally possible?

Arslan Advocaten supports clients with the legal challenge of unjustified or disproportionate BKR registrations.

A request for removal has a chance of success when:

1. the registration is factually incorrect, or

2. the registration disproportionately seriously affects your life (balancing of interests), or

3. the lender has breached its duty of care, or

4. there has been miscommunication, errors, or incorrect codes.

A request has no chance of success when:

• the arrears are still outstanding

• the registration is justified, up-to-date, and proportionate

• it concerns a positive registration without any special remarks

We assess every case carefully, because not every situation offers legal grounds.

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How does Arslan Advocaten assess a removal request?

1. Intake interview

We fully map out your situation and BKR overview.

2. Legal assessment

We examine:

• whether any mistakes were made in the registration

• whether the registration has a disproportionate effect

• what the consequences are for your financial situation

• whether there is reason for removal based on case law

We always provide a honest advice, without false expectations.

3. Legal action

If there is a legal basis:

• we draft a request or objection

• we consult with the lender

• we substantiate why the registration must be removed

In urgent cases (for example an ongoing mortgage application) we act immediately.

4. Result & completion

You will receive a clear final report from us and legal advice for the future.

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Frequently asked questions about BKR registrations

• How long does a negative BKR registration remain?

• When does a phone subscription lead to a registration?

• When is a BKR registration unjustified?

• What is the difference between A and H codes?

• When can a registration be legally removed?

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Need legal advice about a BKR registration?

A registration can have major consequences. Arslan Advocaten helps you with:

• objections to unjustified registrations

• legal assessment for disproportionate consequences

• removal requests based on a balancing of interests

• urgent advice for mortgage applications

Feel free to contact us for professional and honest advice.