Late payment interest in euro countries that use the ECB rate plus 8
In Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain, late business invoices carry statutory interest of the ECB reference rate plus 8 points. For a debt that became late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026, that is 10,4% per year, plus at least EUR 40 compensation.
8 countries in Overdue Kit's checked data apply the EU minimum as it is: the ECB reference rate plus 8 percentage points. The ECB rate is the main refinancing rate in force on 1 January or 1 July of the half-year in which the debt became late.
| Country | Law | Rate now |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | S.I. No. 580 of 2012 | 10,4% |
| Italy | Decreto legislativo 231/2002, art. 2 | 10,4% |
| Latvia | Civillikums (Civil Law) | 10,4% |
| Luxembourg | Loi du 18 avril 2002 | 10,4% |
| Malta | Legal Notice 272 of 2012 | 10,4% |
| Netherlands | Burgerlijk Wetboek, art. 6:120 | 10,4% |
| Slovenia | Uradni list RS (official gazette) | 10,4% |
| Spain | Ley 3/2004 | 10,4% |
What 10,4% means on a real invoice
On EUR 2.400,00 the interest is EUR 0,68 per day, or EUR 20,52 after 30 days. With the EUR 40 compensation the claim is EUR 2.460,52 after 30 days.
Rate history
| In force from | ECB reference rate | Statutory rate (+ 8 points) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January 2024 | 4,5% | 12,5% |
| 1 July 2024 | 4,25% | 12,25% |
| 1 January 2025 | 3,15% | 11,15% |
| 1 July 2025 | 2,15% | 10,15% |
| 1 January 2026 | 2,15% | 10,15% |
| 1 July 2026 | 2,4% | 10,4% |
The countries
Ireland
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: S.I. No. 580 of 2012.
Italy
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: Decreto legislativo 231/2002, art. 2.
Latvia
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: Civillikums (Civil Law).
Luxembourg
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: Loi du 18 avril 2002.
Malta
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: Legal Notice 272 of 2012.
Netherlands
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: Burgerlijk Wetboek, art. 6:120.
Slovenia
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: Uradni list RS (official gazette).
Spain
Rule: ECB reference rate plus 8 points. Rate for debts late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: 10,4%. Law: Ley 3/2004.
Questions
Which countries use the ECB rate plus 8 points?
In Overdue Kit's checked data: Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain. Each one links to its national law below.
What is the rate right now?
For a debt that became late between 1 July 2026 and 31 December 2026: ECB reference rate 2,4% plus 8 = 10,4% per year.
Is the EUR 40 compensation the same in these countries?
The directive sets at least EUR 40 per late business invoice. The calculator adds EUR 40 for every EU country.
Rates and sources as stored on 11 October 2026. Business-to-business debts only. Templates and calculations, not legal advice.