What does a BKR registration mean for your mortgage?

The Credit Registration Office (BKR) keeps track of which loans and payment arrears consumers have. Banks use this information to assess whether someone can borrow responsibly. A negative registration – for example from a phone provider, credit card, private lease, or arrears with a bank – can lead to your mortgage application being rejected.

Still, the system is not always equally fair. Unforeseen circumstances such as illness, job loss, or a divorce can cause you to fall behind on payments temporarily. Even if you have subsequently paid everything off properly, the negative registration remains visible for another five years. This not only hinders obtaining a mortgage, but can also affect taking out a car loan or even a mobile phone subscription.

What are the statutory periods for positive and negative BKR-registrations?

The statutory retention period for BKR-registrations differs between positive and negative registrations. The overview:

• Positive BKR-registration: Do you have a loan that is being repaid properly and with no payment arrears? Then this registration remains visible for as long as the loan is ongoing and for another five years after the loan has been fully repaid. It is essentially an administrative record of financial discipline.
• Negative BKR-registration (A-code): If you fall behind on payments, for example with a credit provider or phone provider, you will receive an arrears code. This remains visible until the arrears have been cleared. If you then pay everything properly, a recovery code (H) is added and, from that moment, the five-year period starts—both the arrears code and the recovery code are visible during this period.

It is therefore important to know: the retention period only starts after the full debt or arrears has been paid. During these five years, lenders can gain insight into your financial history via the BKR.

What is the difference between positive and negative BKR-registrations and their periods?

BKR-registrations are divided into positive and negative registrations, each with their own consequences and timeframes.

• Positive BKR-registration: This type of registration indicates that you have (had) a loan and have properly met your payment obligations. As long as the loan is ongoing, this registration remains visible to banks and other credit providers. Even after you have fully repaid the loan, the positive registration remains for another five years in the BKR-register. This generally does not pose an obstacle for a mortgage application; rather, it shows that you have repaid your debt properly.
• Negative BKR-registration: If you fall behind on payments – for example because you temporarily did not repay your loan – then a negative code is added to your BKR-registration. Such a record will in principle remain visible as long as the arrears have not been cleared. After clearing the arrears, you receive a recovery code. However, both the original arrears code and the recovery code do not disappear until five years after the debt has been repaid. During this period, a mortgage lender may decide to reject your application.

Because of the difference in duration and impact, it is important to have a clear understanding of your BKR-registration before you submit a mortgage application.

What do the different BKR-codes mean, and how long do they remain on record?

BKR uses various codes to indicate exactly what is going on with your loan or debt. Below is an overview of the most common codes, including the associated timeframes:

• Positive code: This means that you have properly met your payment obligations. The registration remains in place for as long as the credit is active and for five years after it has been fully repaid. For banks, this is a signal that you have repaid reliably.
• A code (arrears): If you have fallen behind on payments, banks will see this through an A code. It remains until the arrears have been cleared. Once you are back on schedule, an H code (recovery) will be added. Both then remain visible for another five years.
• SR code (debt assistance scheme): Have you successfully completed a debt assistance program? Since early 2025 a new, shorter period applies: such a registration is removed after six months, whereas previously it was five years. This has been laid down in agreements with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG). For older registrations, the five-year period may still apply.
• Code 2 (acceleration): If you receive this code, it means the loan could be called in earlier—an important signal for lenders. This code remains for five years after fully settling or paying off the debt.
• Code 3 (final residual debt): Indicates that after the credit was terminated, a residual debt remained. This code also remains visible for five years after the debt has been repaid or fully settled.

Knowing your codes is essential when you are planning a mortgage application. Sometimes it is possible to discuss whether your registration can be removed earlier or the period shortened—especially in exceptional situations or under recent regulations.

How long does a BKR registration stay on record?

A negative registration remains five years after the payment arrears have been resolved. During this period, lenders may refuse your application. However, you do not always have to wait the full five years: under certain circumstances you can submit a request to removal or shortening submit.

Why does the BKR keep registrations for five years?

It is a frequently asked question: why do BKR-registrations remain visible for years, even after the debt has been repaid? This has everything to do with the way lenders aim to safeguard responsible borrowing behavior.

BKR applies the five-year period for the following reasons:

• Insight into payment behavior: Thanks to this period, lenders can assess whether someone manages credit in a consistently responsible way. This protects consumers against excessive debt and financial institutions against irresponsible lending.
• Importance of credit history: A positive record also remains visible. This allows banks and other parties to see that you have indeed met your payment obligations correctly. That works in your favor.
• Risk assessment for new applications: Even after repayment, a previous delinquency remains relevant for banks. They want to know whether you have had financial problems in the past, so they can get a clear picture of the risk with a new loan.

Still, this long retention period regularly leads to debate. Authorities such as the Dutch Data Protection Authority and advocacy organizations argue for more tailored solutions; especially when someone has since put their affairs back in order. A temporary financial setback – for example due to illness or layoff – could otherwise have consequences for years, even though the situation is now stable.

Have you been unfairly or for too long “punished” by a registration? Then there are options to have it removed or amended sooner. Yet you do not always have to wait the full five years: under certain circumstances you can submit a request for removal or shortening submit.

Is it always fair that a BKR-registration stays on record for so long?

Not everyone considers the system equally fair. Unexpected events such as illness, job loss, or a divorce can cause someone to be temporarily unable to meet their financial obligations. Even when the arrears are made up and all debts have been neatly repaid, the negative registration remains visible for another five years. This can seriously get in the way of future plans, for example when applying for a mortgage, taking out a car loan, or obtaining a phone subscription.

Are there plans to shorten the retention period?

There is indeed talk of shortening the retention period for negative BKR registrations. In The Hague there is a bill on the table to reduce this period from five to three years. Although this plan has not yet been officially approved, it shows that politics and organizations such as the Consumentenbond are advocating for more flexible rules. The aim is to give people faster access to financial opportunities, without them being stuck with a registration longer than necessary.

Why does the BKR keep registrations for five years?

The BKR chooses to keep registrations for five years for several reasons. First of all, this period helps prevent people from borrowing irresponsibly and thereby getting into financial difficulties. By providing insight into the payment history over a longer period, lenders can better assess whether a new credit is responsible.

In addition, a positive BKR-registration can demonstrate that you have consistently met your payment obligations. This works in your favor, because it shows that you are reliable for future loan applications.

On the other hand, the BKR wants to use negative registrations to enable lenders to obtain a complete and fair picture of areas where things went wrong in the past. Even if arrears have been cleared, it is considered relevant that this information remains temporarily visible when making new credit decisions.

When can you get a mortgage despite a BKR registration?

A BKR registration does not automatically mean that you cannot get a mortgage. Mortgage lenders also look at:

• the amount and age of the debt;
• your current financial stability;
• the nature of the registration (e.g., temporary arrears or structural problem);
• the reason for the arrears (such as temporary illness or dismissal).

In some cases, for example after completing a debt arrangement or WSNP, you can demonstrate that you are financially stable and that the registration is no longer relevant.

When is removal possible?

A registration may only remain if that necessary and proportionate is. Under the GDPR, a lender must balance your interests against those of the financial sector. This is called the proportionality test: a BKR-registration may not go further than is necessary to serve the purpose for which it was placed. If you can demonstrate that the registration is no longer proportionate to the original purpose—for example, because your financial situation is now demonstrably stable and you no longer pose a risk—removal may be possible.

You can request removal if:

• you have fully repaid the debt;
• you have had no new payment problems for an extended period of time;
• the registration disproportionately hinders your life (e.g., no mortgage for a family home);
• the bank or institution has not carefully assessed the circumstances.

In short, if the registration is no longer proportionate, you can substantiate that it should be removed. Always attach supporting documents that demonstrate your stable situation and the absence of risk.

How do you request removal of a BKR registration?

1. Check your registration

Request via bkr.nl your current overview and note who placed the registration and what the end date is.

2. Submit a substantiated request

Send a letter or email to the bank or lender involved. Explain why the registration is no longer proportionate and attach supporting documents, such as pay slips, employer statements, or a statement of financial stability.

3. Escalate if rejected

If your request is rejected, you can file a complaint with the KiFiD or compel removal through the courts. In many cases it is ruled that the registration must be removed or shortened, especially if the consequences are disproportionately severe.

How does Arslan Advocaten help?

• We investigate whether your registration is justified;
• We submit a reasoned request for removal or shortening;
• We litigate at KiFiD or in court if necessary;
• We recover the costs where possible from the responsible institution, so that our assistance can be free of charge for you.

Our lawyers have extensive experience with financial law and privacy law and know exactly how you can increase your chance of a successful mortgage application.

Frequently asked questions about BKR registration and mortgages

Can I get a mortgage with a negative BKR registration?

Yes, sometimes. Especially if the arrears are old or small and you can show that you are financially stable. A solid explanation and legal substantiation are important.

How long do I have to wait after a BKR registration?

In principle, five years after resolving the arrears. In exceptional cases, you can have that period shortened by submitting a request.

What if my request is rejected?

Then you can via the KiFiD or the court to have it removed. This happens regularly, especially if the consequences for you are too severe.

Can I get legal help?

Yes. In many cases, our assistance is free of charge, because we recover the costs from the lender.

Would you like to know whether you can get your mortgage faster despite a BKR registration?
Feel free to contact Arslan Advocaten with no obligation. We help you remove or shorten your registration, so you can move forward with your housing plans again.

Related topics

• Removing a BKR registration
• Filing a complaint with KiFiD