🏙️ Legal Disputes in Barcelona? Foreigners Have the Right to Sue
Whether you’re a foreign resident, expat, property owner, or businessperson, you have full legal standing to sue individuals or companies in Barcelona under Spanish law.
From unpaid rent or contract breaches to consumer fraud or civil damages, this guide explains how to file a lawsuit in Barcelona — even if you’re not a Spanish citizen or don’t speak the language.
🧾 What Types of Cases Can Foreigners Sue for?
In Barcelona, foreigners can bring lawsuits in Spanish courts for:
✅ Breach of contract
✅ Unpaid invoices or loans
✅ Property disputes (e.g. squatters, construction delays)
✅ Personal injury or damages
✅ Landlord-tenant issues
✅ Consumer rights violations
✅ Employment disputes
✅ Defamation, slander, and cyber abuse
💡 Spain does not discriminate against non-citizens in court access — you are fully protected.
🏛️ Where Do You File a Lawsuit in Barcelona?
Jurisdiction depends on:
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Type of case (civil, commercial, labor, criminal)
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Amount in dispute (under €6,000 = Juicio Verbal, over = Juicio Ordinario)
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Location of the defendant or location of the event (Barcelona courts)
In most civil disputes:
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File with the Juzgado de Primera Instancia in Barcelona
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If it’s a commercial or corporate matter, use the Mercantile Court (Juzgado de lo Mercantil)
✍️ Steps to Sue Someone in Barcelona
1. 🧑⚖️ Hire a Litigation Lawyer
Foreigners should hire a Barcelona-based abogado who speaks your language and understands cross-border issues.
➡️ Required for most court filings over €2,000.
2. 📝 Gather All Documentation
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Contracts, invoices, messages, emails
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Police reports (if applicable)
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ID/passport and NIE (if available)
3. 📤 Send a Burofax (Optional Pre-Litigation Step)
A formal legal demand via Burofax is often used to:
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Demand payment or action
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Establish proof before suing
➡️ Delivered via certified post — admissible in court.
4. ⚖️ File the Lawsuit
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Your lawyer prepares the Demanda Judicial (lawsuit document)
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Filed in the correct Barcelona court
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Includes facts, evidence, and requested compensation
5. 👨⚖️ Court Process
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Court notifies the defendant
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They have 20 working days to respond
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If uncontested, judgment is issued
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If contested, the case goes to trial (or mediation)
🧠 Can You Sue Without Living in Spain?
✅ Yes. You do not need to reside in Spain to sue in Spanish courts.
Your lawyer can act on your behalf via Power of Attorney (POA) — ideal for foreign investors, landlords, or companies based abroad.
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Pre-litigation (demand letter) | 1–2 weeks |
| Filing & court acceptance | 2–4 weeks |
| Defense response | 20 business days |
| Trial & judgment | 4–12 months (average) |
⏳ Delays can occur due to court backlogs or appeals, but urgent cases (e.g. eviction, fraud) may be fast-tracked.
💶 Legal Costs to Sue in Barcelona
| Cost Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Lawyer fees | €1,000–€5,000+ (depending on case) |
| Procurador (court rep) | €300–€800 (if required) |
| Court filing fees | Usually free for civil cases |
| Expert reports, translation | €100–€1,000 (if needed) |
✅ Many cases allow costs to be recovered if you win.
🛡️ How We Help Foreign Clients Sue in Barcelona
Our litigation lawyers in Barcelona:
✅ Evaluate your case quickly and honestly
✅ Draft legal demands and court filings
✅ Represent you in court, even from abroad
✅ Handle urgent injunctions and enforcement
✅ Provide bilingual support (EN/FR/DE/NL/IT/RU)
📞 Ready to Start Legal Action in Barcelona?
Don’t let borders stop you from enforcing your rights. We help foreigners sue in Barcelona and resolve disputes — from contracts to property and beyond.
👉 Contact our Barcelona litigation lawyers today for a consultation.