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How long does a BKR registration last? Complete explanation!

Dynamite BKR registration

A BKR registration can limit your financial freedom for years. But exactly how long does such a BKR registration last? In this complete explanation, we'll show you what the legal deadlines are for both positive and negative BKR registrations, what the exceptions are, and what you can do if you don't want to wait that long.

We take you step by step through all the options and give you clarity about your situation. Because knowing how long a BKR report remains visible is the first step to regaining your financial freedom.

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The standard retention period of a BKR registration

The general rule for how long a BKR registration remains is as follows:

  • As long as you have a current loan, the BKR registration remains regardless
  • After paying off your loan or debt in full, the registration remains visible for 5 years
  • This applies to both positive and negative BKR registrations

It is important to note that this five-year period only begins to run from the time you have repaid the entire debt. In the case of arrears (A coding), the five-year period starts to run as soon as your arrears are cleared and a recovery coding (H) is placed with your registration.

You know that frustration of waiting for a BKR registration to finally disappear? Many people don't understand why they continue to suffer from a registration for years after paying off their debt. The BKR says this is necessary to give lenders a good picture of a person's borrowing habits. But is it really necessary for this to last five years?

 

"Every day I see people who have their lives in order, have paid off all their debts neatly, but still cannot get a mortgage because of an old BKR registration. That five-year period is in many cases disproportionate and unnecessarily restrictive for people who have already proven to have their finances back in order."

Deepak - Legal Specialist

 

The good news is that changes are on the way. A bill is currently being drafted for the Credit Registration System that will likely shorten the retention period for negative registrations to three years. This is not yet final, but shows that there will be movement on what many people feel is too strict a system.

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Different types of BKR registrations and their terms

Not every BKR registration is the same. The duration of how long your BKR registration remains depends on the type of registration and its coding.

The most common codes and their terms are:

Positive registrations: These are registrations with no specifics. They remain visible as long as the loan is in effect and for five years after the loan ends. This is basically proof that you have fulfilled your obligations.

Negative registrations (A- coding): An arrears coding remains in place until the debt is caught up. Once the arrears are cleared and a recovery coding (H) is placed, both the A and H remain for five years. After that, both codes disappear.

Debt relief trajectories (SR coding): Until recently, these also remained in place for five years after completion of the trajectory. However, since 2025, successful debt relief trajectories have been subject to a shortened period of only six months after completion. This is the result of new agreements between municipalities and the UNG.

 

Do you have a 3 coding (final residual debt) or 2 coding (claimability)? If so, these will remain visible for five years after the debt is paid off or settled. These codes are considered very serious by lenders.

It is important to understand that deadlines may vary for different types of registrations. Want to know exactly how long your particular BKR registration will remain in place? Then it is wise to first request your own BKR registration through the BKR.

Example: how long does a negative BKR registration last?

Let's take a practical example to clarify how the term for a negative BKR registration works. Imagine you took out a personal loan for 10 years.

Unfortunately, after 2 years, you are temporarily unable to meet your monthly payments. You get into arrears and thus a A coding in the BKR. This A code makes your registration negative.

After 4 months, you get your finances back in order and completely clear the arrears. Your registration will now include an H coding (H coding) placed, indicating that your arrears have been repaired.

From then on, the 5-year period starts to run for both the A and H codes. So these remain visible in the BKR for another 5 years, even though you are no longer in arrears.

After these 5 years, the A and H codes disappear, but the loan itself remains registered as a positive BKR registration until the end of the term. After full repayment of the loan, the positive registration remains visible for another 5 years.

Specifically, what does this mean for you? Suppose you repay your loan in full after 8 years. Then your negative registration has already disappeared (after 5 years after the recovery of the arrears), but the positive registration remains for 5 years after repayment. In total, you will then be registered with the BKR for 13 years for this one loan.

Why does a BKR registration last so long?

Wondering why your BKR registration doesn't disappear immediately after paying off your debt? The BKR gives several reasons for this:

  • The main purpose of the BKR is to prevent problematic debt situations. By keeping registrations for five years, lenders get a more complete picture of your financial history. This should protect against overcrediting.
  • For positive registrations, they confirm that you are reliable in meeting your financial obligations. The five years after repayment then work in your favor, because lenders can see that you are a good payer.
  • For negative registrations, the reasoning is that lenders need to be able to assess whether you are a risk. Although you have since paid off your debt, the BKR considers the arrears relevant to future credit decisions.

However, more and more people and organizations, including the Personal Data Authority, think this deadline is too long. Especially if your financial situation is now stable, an old registration can be unnecessarily restrictive. In effect, you are then penalized for years to come for a temporary financial setback from the past.

Is this system always fair? No. Sometimes people run into unforeseen circumstances such as illness, job loss or divorce. After that, if they have paid everything off nicely, the negative registration still remains for five years. This can be a major barrier to getting a mortgage, car loan or even a phone subscription.

How can you get rid of a BKR registration sooner?

Don't want to wait five years for your BKR registration to disappear on its own? In some cases, you can get rid of your registration sooner. This mainly applies to negative registrations that hinder you from taking out financial products.

Here are some ways to get your negative registration removed early:

  • Direct request to the lender
    You can directly request the lender where you were in debt to remove your BKR registration. This is only likely to succeed if you can demonstrate a good reason. For example, if the registration has disproportionately negative consequences for you, such as missing out on a home.
  • Proportionality test
    Under the AVG law, a BKR registration must be proportionate. If you can demonstrate that the registration is no longer proportionate to its purpose, it may be removed. For example, if your financial situation is now stable and you demonstrably no longer pose a risk.
  • Legal Proceedings
    When other avenues fail, legal proceedings may offer a solution. This is where specialist help can be of great value. Dynamite Netherlands has years of experience in successfully challenging disproportionate BKR registrations.

It is important to know that early removal of a BKR registration is customized. Every situation is different and requires a specific approach. It is not the case that everyone can just get rid of their registration. There really has to be special circumstances or disproportionality.

Want to know if your BKR registration can be removed early? Then request a free consultation. We will assess your situation and can tell you exactly what is possible in your case.

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Our BKR registration specialists

Deepak Thakoerdien
  • 14 years of experience in legal proceedings
  • Known from the media
Jan Doeke Biesheuvel
  • Has resolved hundreds of cases without court intervention
  • Substantively a very strong lawyer
Lisa van Gulik
  • Has successfully represented hundreds of clients
  • Start lawsuits and proceedings at the Kifid
Nurettin Kocak
  • Has gained great respect within the legal services industry
  • A decisive and no-nonsense lawyer
View our entire team

Frequently asked questions about BKR registration terms

How long does it take for BKR to go away?

How many years do your debts remain visible at BKR?

How do you get rid of a BKR registration?

What happens after 5 years of BKR registration?

Are you stuck because of a BKR registration that is hindering you from getting a mortgage or loan? We understand how frustrating that can be. Dynamite Netherlands has already helped thousands of people get rid of their BKR registration faster. Please contact us for a personal consultation about your specific situation. Together we will look at the possibilities for your financial freedom.

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