San Sebastián has a thriving international real estate, tourism, and service sector — but that also means foreign residents and investors occasionally face contract disputes or unpaid debts. Whether it’s a rental issue, broken deal, or unpaid service, this guide explains how to recover money or enforce your rights through the courts in San Sebastián.
📄 1. Typical Legal Conflicts in San Sebastián
Foreigners often deal with:
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🧾 Unpaid rental agreements or invoices
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🏘️ Breach of arras or real estate sale contracts
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💼 Non-payment for professional or construction services
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🧑🤝🧑 Business partnership disputes
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💰 Personal loans or informal debt agreements
📌 Common in high-demand neighborhoods such as Gros, Centro, and Antiguo, where foreign investment and rentals are popular.
⚖️ 2. Legal Options for Debt Collection
✅ Fast-Track Monitorio Procedure
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Ideal for undisputed debts (e.g., unpaid invoice)
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Requires simple documentation: invoice, proof of service, or signed contract
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If the debtor doesn’t respond in 20 business days, you win automatically
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Efficient and affordable
🧑⚖️ Ordinary Civil Litigation
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Used for disputed or complex cases
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Suitable for contract breaches, real estate deals, or contested payments
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Requires written pleadings and possible in-person hearings (handled by your lawyer)
📍 Both are handled by the Juzgados de Primera Instancia de San Sebastián.
📑 3. Documents You’ll Need
To proceed with debt recovery or contract enforcement:
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📄 The signed contract, invoice, or agreement
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📧 Email communications or WhatsApp/chat history
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🧾 Bank statements or proof of non-payment
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🪪 Passport and NIE (if available)
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✍️ Power of Attorney (POA)
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📜 Sworn translations if the original documents are not in Spanish
✅ The more supporting evidence you provide, the stronger your case.
🌍 4. Can You Litigate Without Living in Spain?
Absolutely. Most cases are handled fully remotely:
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✍️ You sign a Power of Attorney abroad
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📩 Send your documents digitally
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🧑⚖️ Your lawyer manages all court filings, deadlines, and hearings
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💬 You receive updates in your preferred language
📌 This means you can take legal action from your home country, stress-free.
👨💼 How Borderless Lawyers Helps Foreign Clients
We provide:
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⚖️ Trusted debt recovery and litigation lawyers in San Sebastián
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🌍 Multilingual service (English, French, Dutch, German)
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📝 Remote notarization and POA assistance
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📁 Document review and translation coordination
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🖥️ Digital case tracking and status updates
📩 Conclusion & CTA
If someone owes you money or broke a contract in San Sebastián, you don’t have to accept the loss. With strong legal support, you can enforce your rights and recover what you’re owed — even from abroad.
👉 Need help recovering a debt or enforcing a contract in San Sebastián?
Get in touch with Borderless Lawyers — we’ll connect you with a litigation expert who works with international clients in the Basque region.