Barcelona is one of the most international cities in Spain — and with that comes a steady flow of legal disputes involving expats, digital nomads, investors, and foreign companies. If you’re involved in a civil or commercial conflict, this guide explains how litigation in Barcelona works and how foreigners can assert their rights in Spanish courts.
🏛️ 1. Who Can Use the Courts in Barcelona?
You don’t need to be a Spanish citizen to file or defend a lawsuit in Barcelona. Foreigners can:
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Sue individuals or companies in Spain
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Be sued and respond in local courts
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Enforce foreign judgments in Barcelona
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Access legal remedies through civil, commercial, or administrative courts
📌 Requirements:
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NIE number (or passport + POA)
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Legal representation (abogado + procurador)
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Court jurisdiction must be appropriate (location or contract clause)
📝 2. Types of Litigation Cases in Barcelona
Foreigners most commonly face litigation in Barcelona involving:
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🏠 Real estate disputes – developer issues, hidden defects, arras problems
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📄 Contract disputes – business deals, personal loans, service contracts
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💼 Business litigation – shareholder conflicts, unpaid invoices, unfair competition
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👪 Inheritance & family disputes – wills, forced heirship, marital property
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💶 Debt recovery – suing for unpaid amounts or enforcing a judgment
🧭 3. Step-by-Step Litigation Timeline
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Legal consultation | Case analysis and legal strategy |
| Filing the claim | Lawsuit (demanda) submitted to court |
| Defendant response | 20 business days to reply |
| Preliminary hearing | Evidence accepted or rejected |
| Trial and ruling | Typically 6–12 months later |
Court delays may vary depending on the type of court and complexity of the case.
👨⚖️ 4. Where Are Lawsuits Heard in Barcelona?
Depending on your case type:
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Juzgados de Primera Instancia – Civil courts (property, contracts)
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Juzgados de lo Mercantil – Commercial disputes
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Juzgados de lo Contencioso-Administrativo – Claims against public authorities
Barcelona’s courts are concentrated in areas like L’Hospitalet and Ciutat de la Justícia.
🌍 5. Why Foreigners Need a Local Litigation Lawyer
The Spanish legal system requires:
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An abogado (lawyer to present arguments)
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A procurador (court liaison)
Foreigners benefit from:
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Bilingual legal representation
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Help understanding deadlines and procedures
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POA-based representation (no travel needed)
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Defense against strategic delays or misfilings
📌 Borderless Lawyers specializes in connecting expats with trusted litigation experts in Barcelona.
📩 Conclusion & CTA
If you’re facing litigation in Barcelona — whether suing or being sued — don’t go in blind. The Spanish court system is accessible, but also complex. Having the right legal team by your side will protect your rights and increase your chances of success.
👉 Need help with litigation in Barcelona?
Contact Borderless Lawyers for expert legal support tailored to foreigners and international businesses.