Debt Collection in Spain

How to recover a commercial debt from a Spanish debtor

Spain is an important export market for many countries, with sales often taking place between small and medium-sized enterprises, which often operate informally and without paying due attention to what is necessary to protect their credit vis-à-vis their Spanish debtors.

For this reason, debt collection in Spain is a frequent necessity for foreign companies and professionals who work with Spanish business partners. If a creditor is based in a country member of the European Union, judgments are automatically recognized in Spain (and vice versa), greatly simplifying enforcement procedures.

Tools for international debt collection in Spain

Anyone wishing to initiate debt collection proceedings against a debtor based in Spain can rely on various procedural tools provided for by European, and Spanish law:

  • Enforcement of foreign judgment: once they become enforceable, EU member states judgments ordering the payment of a sum of money can be directly enforced in Spain.
  • European order for payment: this is a uniform procedure applicable in all EU Member States, ideal for uncontested commercial claims.
  • European Account Preservation Order (EAPO): a tool introduced by EU Regulation No. 655/2014, which allows a creditor domiciled in a Member State to seize funds held by their debtor in a bank account opened in any Member State of the European Union quickly and without prior notice.
  • Legal action in Spain: the creditor can initiate ordinary proceedings or resort to the Spanish Proceso Monitorio, which is particularly quick and effective for documented claims.

Why rely on an experienced lawyer for debt collection in Spain

UrsusNetwork offers specialized legal assistance in international debt collection and allows you to identify the most appropriate strategy based on the type of debt and the debtor’s circumstances, reducing the time and costs associated with the collection process.

If you would like to learn more about the main features of the debt collection system in Spain, please refer to the Practical Information below.