Commercial litigation, arbitration and mediation, including enforcement of foreign judgments.
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Arbitration is often faster, private, and internationally enforceable under the New York Convention. Your lawyer can advise which route is better for your dispute.
EU judgments are generally enforceable across member states. Non-EU judgments require a separate recognition process. A litigation lawyer can advise.
Browse our verified directory of law firms across Spain's major cities. All listed firms offer English-language legal services to expats and foreign nationals.
Find My Lawyer in 60 SecondsSpanish civil litigation is governed by the Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil (LEC 1/2000). The main procedures are the juicio verbal (claims up to €15,000) and juicio ordinario (claims above €15,000). The proceso monitorio (LEC art. 812) allows debt recovery of any amount without a full trial when the debt is documented.
| Court | Claims / Type | Abogado? | Procurador? | Court Fee (tasa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juicio verbal | ≤€15,000 civil | Optional below €2,000; mandatory above | Optional below €2,000 | €100 fixed (individuals exempt since 2015) |
| Juicio ordinario | >€15,000; complex matters | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | Individuals: exempt; companies: €300 + 0.5% |
| Juzgado Mercantil | Commercial; IP; insolvency | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | As above |
| Audiencia Provincial | Civil appeals from Juzgado PI | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | €800 (individuals exempt) |
| Tribunal Supremo (Sala 1ª Civil) | Recurso de casación | ✅ Mandatory | ✅ Mandatory | €1,200 (individuals exempt) |
Tasas judiciales (LO 10/2012): Individuals are exempt from court fees since 2015 (RDL 1/2015). Legal persons (companies) still pay. Condena en costas: Spanish civil courts apply the "loser pays" rule (LEC art. 394) for the first instance — if you win on all claims, the other party pays your abogado and procurador fees.
| Method | Legal Basis | Duration | Cost | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediación civil/mercantil | Ley 5/2012 | 1–3 months | €500–3,000 | Settlement homologable by court = executory title |
| Arbitraje (Corte de Arbitraje de Madrid — CAM) | Ley 60/2003 | 6–18 months | €5,000–100,000+ | Laudo arbitral — binding; enforceable like a judgment |
| Junta Arbitral de Consumo (OMIC) | RD 231/2008 | 90 days | Free for consumer | Binding if company enrolled; non-binding otherwise |
| Proceso monitorio | LEC art. 812 | 1–4 months | €100 (companies) / free (individuals) | Automatic enforcement order if no opposition in 20 days |
