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:
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what a BKR registration is
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when you are registered
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what the difference is between a positive and a negative registration
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what consequences this has for your financial options
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how to request your registration
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in which situations legal assistance may be needed
Arslan Advocaten offers objective legal advice about BKR registrations, particularly when a registration appears unjustified, has disproportionate consequences, or violates the lender’s duty of care.
What is a BKR registration?
The Credit Registration Bureau (BKR) records loans and payment arrears to:
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to give lenders insight into your creditworthiness
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to protect consumers from excessive financial burdens
The BKR registers, among other things:
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personal loans
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revolving credits
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credit cards with installment payments
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overdraft above € 250,-
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private lease
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phone subscriptions with a handset on installments
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mortgage arrears
Everyone who takes out a loan receives a registration. This is in itself not negative.
Positive BKR registration
A positive registration means:
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there is a loan/credit
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there are no payment arrears
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there are no special codes
This is normal and applies to millions of Dutch people.
A positive registration can still affect:
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the amount of your mortgage
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how much you can borrow at most
Because the repayment of a current loan counts in the mortgage calculation.
Important:
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a positive registration remains five years visible after termination of the credit
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this can not be removed, unless there is an error or incorrect registration
Negative BKR registration
A negative registration occurs with payment arrears. These registrations are indicated by:
A-code (Arrears)
There is (or has been) a payment delinquency.
H-code (Recovery)
The arrears have been cleared, but remain visible.
In addition, numeric codes can be added, such as:
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1: payment arrangement agreed
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2: credit is demanded in full
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3: (partial) forgiveness or write-off
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4: unreachable to the lender for an extended period
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5: preventive arrangement for mortgage arrears
Impact on your financial options
A negative registration can:
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make taking out a mortgage more difficult
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lead to rejection of a loan
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cause restrictions with private lease
Even after recovery (H-coding), the registration remains five years visible.
When do you get a BKR registration?
You are registered when:
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credits > € 250,- with a term > 1 month
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overdraft facility above € 250,- (even if you are not overdrawn)
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private lease
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device on installment in a phone subscription
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“pay later” at certain online stores
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mortgage arrears of more than three installments
No registration with:
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student debt (DUO)
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CJIB fines
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Tax Authority debts
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health insurance debts
Note: these debts do affect the financial capacity for mortgage applications.
Consequences of a BKR registration
Positive registration
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usually not an obstacle
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does affect borrowing capacity if there are still repayment obligations
Negative registration
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can block a mortgage application
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is weighed heavily by lenders
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remains visible for up to five years after repayment
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can have far-reaching consequences for business and personal finances
If a registration has a disproportionately severe impact, legal intervention may sometimes be necessary.
BKR registration and mortgages
During a mortgage consultation, BKR registrations are almost always asked about. Many consumers only discover at that moment that they:
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have a registration due to an old phone contract
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have an arrears record that remains visible years later
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have an unjustified or unclearly recorded code
Positive registration
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usually not a problem
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does affect the maximum loan amount
Negative registration
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can block a mortgage application
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even resolved arrears remain visible
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sometimes urgent legal advice is necessary, for example if the purchase agreement has already been signed
Request your own BKR registration
You request your BKR overview via iDIN (not via DigiD). You do this via the BKR website.
You receive:
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a digital overview, immediately visible after logging in
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optionally a paper version (can be ordered for a fee)
The overview shows:
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all active and closed credits
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any special codes
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arrears or recovery notifications
Removing a negative BKR registration: when is that legally possible?
Arslan Advocaten supports clients in the legal challenge of unjustified or disproportionate BKR registrations.
A request for removal has a chance of success when:
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the registration is factually incorrect, or
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the registration disproportionate seriously affects your life (balancing of interests), or
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the lender has breached its duty of care, or
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there is miscommunication, errors or incorrect codes.
A request has no chance of success when:
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the arrears are still outstanding
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the registration is justified, current and proportionate
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it concerns a positive registration without any particulars
We assess every case carefully, because not every situation provides legal grounds.
How does Arslan Advocaten assess a removal request?
1. Initial consultation
We create a complete picture of your situation and BKR record.
2. Legal assessment
We investigate:
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whether errors were made in the registration
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whether the registration has a disproportionate impact
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what the impact is on your financial situation
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whether there is a basis for removal under case law
We always give honest advice, without false expectations.
3. Legal action
If there is a legal basis:
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we draft a request or objection
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we consult with the lender
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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 from us a clear final report and legal advice for the future.
Frequently asked questions about BKR registrations
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How long does a negative BKR registration remain on record?
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When does a phone subscription lead to a registration?
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When is a BKR registration unjustified?
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What is the difference between A and H codes?
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When can a registration be legally removed?
Need legal advice about a BKR registration?
A registration can have major consequences. Arslan Attorneys helps you with:
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objection to unjustified registrations
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legal assessment in cases of disproportionate consequences
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removal requests based on a balancing of interests
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urgent advice for mortgage applications
Feel free to get in touch for professional and honest advice.
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