Glossary
Certificate of loss (Verlustschein)
Acte de défaut de biens (FR) · Verlustschein (DE) · Attestato (IT)
Updated on 28 July 2026
Definition
A certificate of loss is issued when attachment failed to cover the debt. The claim it records lapses after twenty years and bears no interest against the debtor.
This is not a cancellation of the debt: the claim survives, and the creditor can start a new proceeding if they learn your situation has improved. That is what makes these certificates so heavy — they often resurface years later.
Two protections nevertheless exist. First, the claim bears no interest against you, which prevents the snowball effect. Second, a new proceeding can only succeed if you have returned to better financial circumstances.
In practice many certificates get bought back: creditors, and above all debt collection companies, frequently accept a negotiated amount in full settlement. Do it in writing, and in the same letter ask for the corresponding proceeding to be withdrawn.
Key points
- The debt survives, but bears no interest against the debtor.
- 20-year limitation period (art. 149a).
- Negotiated buy-back is common — always in writing.
Legal basis : Art. 149 and 149a DEBA/SchKG