Bilbao is a major commercial and financial hub in northern Spain — attracting foreign investors, service providers, property buyers, and international residents. But when deals go wrong or legal conflicts arise, it’s crucial to understand how litigation in Bilbao works for foreign clients. This article explains how to pursue civil and commercial legal action through the local court system, even if you’re based abroad.
⚖️ 1. Common Legal Disputes in Bilbao Involving Foreigners
Foreign individuals and companies often litigate in Bilbao over:
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📄 Breach of service or commercial contracts
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💼 Business partnership disputes
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🏠 Real estate claims (e.g., faulty sales, unpaid rent, squatters)
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🧾 Unpaid invoices or debt recovery
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🪪 Inheritance and probate disputes involving Spanish property
📌 Legal issues frequently arise in sectors like construction, industrial trade, real estate, and international services.
🏛️ 2. Bilbao’s Legal System & Courts
Litigation takes place in:
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Juzgados de Primera Instancia de Bilbao – for civil, property, and inheritance cases
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Juzgados de lo Mercantil – for commercial and business disputes
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Administrative courts – for licensing, zoning, and government-related issues
All courts are located in central Bilbao, with proceedings conducted in Spanish (and sometimes Basque).
🌍 3. Can Foreigners Litigate Without Living in Spain?
Yes. Spanish law allows foreign nationals and companies to:
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File lawsuits and defend their rights
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Be represented via power of attorney (POA)
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Share documents and testimony remotely
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Litigate entirely through a local lawyer in Bilbao
✅ No physical presence in Spain is required — all filings and appearances are handled by your lawyer.
📄 4. Documents & Evidence You’ll Need
To start a case, your lawyer will need:
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🧾 Contracts, agreements, or invoices
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📧 Email, WhatsApp, or written communication trails
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📄 Payment records or bank transfers
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🪪 Passport and NIE (if applicable)
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✍️ Notarized POA
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📜 Sworn translations (if documents are in another language)
✅ A well-documented case significantly increases your chances of success in Bilbao courts.
👨💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We connect foreign clients with:
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⚖️ Expert litigation lawyers in Bilbao
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🌍 Multilingual legal teams (English, French, German, Dutch, etc.)
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📑 Support with POAs, translations, and court submissions
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📲 Remote case handling from start to finish
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💼 Specialists in civil, property, and commercial disputes
📩 Conclusion & CTA
Whether you’re facing a business conflict, real estate issue, or unpaid debt in Bilbao, Spanish courts provide clear legal channels to resolve disputes. And with the right local lawyer, you can protect your interests — even from abroad.
👉 Need legal support in Bilbao?
Contact Borderless Lawyers to be matched with a trusted litigation expert who represents foreign clients in the Basque Country courts.