Bilbao’s commercial growth, tourism, and foreign investment bring opportunity — but also legal risks. If you’re a foreigner owed money, or if a contract was breached by a local business or landlord, Spanish law allows you to pursue debt recovery and contract enforcement through the courts. This guide explains how foreigners can take legal action in Bilbao without physically being in Spain.
💶 1. Typical Disputes Foreigners Face in Bilbao
You may need legal action for:
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🧾 Unpaid invoices for goods or services
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🏠 Rental income disputes or deposit retention
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📄 Breach of a business agreement or freelance contract
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💰 Non-payment for consulting or design work
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🤝 Failure to honor partnership or joint venture terms
📌 Many cases arise in sectors like tourism, logistics, architecture, and rentals, especially in districts like Abando, Indautxu, and Old Town Bilbao.
⚖️ 2. Legal Procedures to Recover a Debt
✅ Monitorio Procedure (Fast-Track Claim)
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Used for undisputed debts
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Requires a valid invoice, contract, or proof of obligation
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If the debtor doesn’t respond, enforcement is automatic
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No court hearing required unless contested
🧑⚖️ Ordinary Civil Claim
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Used for disputed or complex debts
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Includes written submissions and court appearances
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Can add claims for interest, damages, and costs
📌 All civil claims are filed with the Juzgados de Primera Instancia de Bilbao.
📄 3. Documents You’ll Need
To prepare your claim, your lawyer will need:
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🧾 Invoice, signed contract, or loan agreement
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📧 Emails, messages, or correspondence
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📄 Payment confirmations or bank records
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🪪 Passport and NIE (if applicable)
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✍️ Power of Attorney (POA)
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📜 Sworn translations of non-Spanish documents
✅ Well-documented claims are more likely to result in quick judgments or settlements.
🌍 4. Can You Sue from Abroad?
Yes — you do not need to appear in court personally. A local lawyer in Bilbao will:
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File your claim and manage communications
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Represent you at hearings
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Execute court orders (asset seizure, bank garnishment)
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Keep you updated remotely in your language
✅ All formalities (POA, document sharing) can be done digitally or via your local notary.
👨💼 How Borderless Lawyers Supports Foreign Clients
We help you:
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Connect with a trusted debt recovery or litigation lawyer in Bilbao
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Receive communication in English, French, German, or Dutch
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Prepare strong documentation for fast-track recovery
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Draft and notarize POAs from abroad
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Pursue judgment and enforcement, if needed
📩 Conclusion & CTA
Contract disputes and unpaid debts don’t need to be tolerated. Spanish courts in Bilbao offer a clear path to justice — and you can pursue it fully from abroad with the right legal team by your side.
👉 Need help recovering money in Bilbao?
Contact Borderless Lawyers — and we’ll match you with a proven local expert who helps foreigners take legal action in Spain.
🖼️ Suggested Icons:
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💸 Invoice = “debt claim”
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🧑⚖️ Gavel = “court enforcement”
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✍️ POA = “remote representation”
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📑 Contract = “legal agreement”
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📧 Email = “communication evidence”