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Debt Collection Barcelona:
recover your debts in Spain
Are you doing business in Barcelona? And does your client refuse to pay? Or do you have another outstanding claim in the Spanish city? Collection Company specializes in debt collection in Barcelona. With a well-thought-out debt recovery strategy and the assistance of local specialists such as Spanish attorneys and legal experts, Collection Company can recover any outstanding claims for you.
- Nationwide coverage throughout Spain
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Proven track record
- Tailor-made services for each case
- Expert advice and a transparent process
- 24/7 online access
Specialized in debt collection in Barcelona
After Madrid, Barcelona is the largest city in Spain. It’s no surprise that there is a lot of international business going on in Barcelona. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to foreign entrepreneurs dealing with unpaid invoices.
How can you collect those if your debtor is based in Barcelona? You probably aren’t familiar with the local laws and regulations. You may also not speak the language (in Barcelona, both Spanish and Catalan are official languages).
Fortunately, Collection Company specializes in collecting debts abroad. As an international debt collection agency, we have a team of legal experts, attorneys, and bailiffs in Barcelona who know your rights and the most effective ways to collect your debts. Together with these debt collection specialists, we’ll start a debt collection process and recover your money.
We can trace your debtor in Barcelona and collect your debts. As a creditor, you will communicate with one dedicated English-speaking contact. In your own Online Cockpit, you can monitor the progress of the process 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Would you like more information about your debt collection case? Then request a free and non-binding consultation.
Why Collection Company for debt collection in Barcelona?
- Global coverage
- One dedicated English speaking contact
- Experienced debt collection specialists with knowledge of Spanish legislation
- Broad network with local lawyers and bailiffs
- Seamless connection from extrajudicial to judicial action
- Effective local approach
- 24/7 tracking through your own Online Cockpit
Submit your claim now?
Do you have money owed by a delinquent payer in Barcelona? Submit your details and we will contact you shortly to discuss your case.
How does debt collection work in Barcelona?
Collection Company specializes in debt collection in Spain. The debt collection procedure consists of two stages: an extrajudicial phase and a judicial debt collection. The extrajudicial or amicable procedure is the stage in which we attempt to collect your debt claim outside of court. In about 9 out of 10 cases, this is sufficient to recover your money. If that doesn’t work, we move on to a judicial procedure. In that case, we summon your debtor to court. With a court ruling, we can then enforce a lien against your debtor in Barcelona.
- Upload your invoice online
- We'll start your case
- We'll start with the debt collection process
- Together we decide the best strategy for collecting your debts
- Monitor the status of your case 24/7
- Any questions? Your personal accountmanager will answer them all!
- Your invoice is payed
Extrajudicial debt collection
Although it is not mandatory to first initiate an extrajudicial process in Spain, we do recommend it. An extrajudicial or out-of-court debt collection is the most efficient way to recover an outstanding invoice or other claim. Moreover, many judges in Spain expect that you, as a creditor, initially try to collect the claim amicably before resorting to the legal system.
During the extrajudicial procedure, we first send your debtor a formal notice of default. With this, we officially demand the owed amount. Then, we get in touch with your debtor through phone calls, emails, and WhatsApp or SMS.
If necessary, there will be 16 points of contact with your debtor. We gradually increase the pressure. Ultimately, we will inform your debtor in a final notice that we will proceed to court if payment is further delayed.
Judicial procedures
If it is not possible to collect the money through an extrajudicial procedure, we can initiate a legal procedure against your debtor. During a judicial debt collection we present the case to the judge. The nature of the judicial phase depends on the amount of the claim and whether your debtor contests the claim.
Uncontested claims
If your debtor in Barcelona does not contest the claim but simply ignores your payment requests, we can initiate a payment order procedure (procés monitori). In this case, we will have a debt collection lawyer submit a request to the court in Barcelona to issue a payment order. This order will then be sent to your debtor via registered mail.
The debtor has 20 days to respond. If they do not respond, we can initiate enforcement procedures against your debtor based on the payment order. If your debtor contests the payment order, a substantive procedure will automatically follow.
Claims under 6,000 euros
For claims up to 6,000 euros we can ask the judge for an oral judgment (Judici Verbal ). This procedure begins by filing a summons with the court. The court then gives your debtor 10 days to respond to the claim. If they do not, the judge will issue a default judgment immediately. If your debtor does respond, the judge will review all submitted evidence. Both parties may also request a hearing to present their positions.
Ultimately, the judge will issue a ruling. With this judgment from the judge, we can initiate a lien.
Claims of more than 6,000 euros
If your claim exceeds 6,000 euros, ordinary civil proceedings (Judici Ordinari) will follow. During this legal process, both parties have the opportunity to submit evidence and can support their positions during a hearing. Witnesses may be heard, and experts may be called upon.
Ultimately, the judge will issue a ruling. Based on this judgment, we can place a lien on your debtor.
Alternatives to a lawsuit
Within the European Union (EU), there are several other options available for collecting cross-border claims. These simplified procedures make it easier to recover money when your debtor is located abroad. Spain is part of the EU, so these procedures are also applicable if your debtor is in Barcelona.
European Small Claims Procedure
For cross-border claims of €5,000 or less, there is a European Small Claims Procedure within the EU. If you officially reside in another EU-country than Spain and your debtor is in Barcelona, you can use this procedure, which is completely digital.
To do this, we need to file your claim with the court in your country. The court will notify your debtor, who will then have the opportunity to respond. If necessary, the court can schedule a digital hearing. Ultimately, the judge will issue a ruling.
This judgment from the judge is enforceable throughout the EU (except Denmark).
European Payment Order (EPO)
Another option is to apply for a European Payment Order (EPO). This procedure is intended for undisputed claims.
If your debtor in Barcelona does not respond to your payment requests and fails to pay, it constitutes an undisputed claim. If that is the case, we can submit some standard forms to the designated court in your country.
The judge will then issue a payment order. If your debtor does not contest this within the specified timeframe, we can enforce this payment order by placing a lien on your debtor’s assets.
How does the debt collection procedure work in Barcelona?
Step 1
With our smart debt collection strategy, we are able to collect your outstanding claims in a quick and efficient manner. It starts with an amicable procedure. We put your debtor in default and then attempt to reach out to them in various ways. In total, there are 16 points of contact over a period of 3 weeks.
Step 2
Gradually, we increase the pressure. If your debtor refuses to pay, we send a final reminder in which we announce potential legal action. We make it clear to your debtor that this could lead to rising costs for them.
Step 3
If payment still does not occur, you can decide for yourself whether you really want to initiate legal proceedings. Our debt collection lawyers will discuss with you which procedure has the best chance of success.
Interim measures
Waiting for the outcome of a legal case, it is possible to take preliminary measures in the form of a prejudgment attachment. A prejudgment attachment is a provisional seizure pending a court ruling. The purpose of this is to prevent your debtor from disposing of parts of their assets, which would result in you being unable to recover anything once the lawsuit is concluded.
In Spain, a preliminary injunction is possible if there is a risk that the debtor’s assets might disappear during the process and if the measure is proportional.
Enforcement procedures
If we have a payment order or a court ruling and your debtor fails to pay voluntarily, we can initiate an enforcement procedure.
If we want to enforce a court ruling, we must demand payment through the court. The court will then assign a bailiff (agutzils), who will proceed with seizure (confiscació) against your debtor. The bailiff may seize income, bank accounts, or other assets of your debtor. You, as the creditor, will be paid from these seized assets.
File for bankruptcy
If your debtor cannot pay the debt (or claims that they cannot), you have the right in Spain to file for your debtor’s bankruptcy. When a creditor requests a debtor’s bankruptcy, this is referred to in Catalan as a concurs necessari.
Filing for your debtor’s bankruptcy is a strong pressure tactic. Your debtor will lose everything if they go bankrupt. In practice, we see that most delinquent payers eventually settle their debts when we file for bankruptcy.
The assistance of a lawyer and a prosecutor is always required to file for bankruptcy (read more about this in the frequently asked questions). Collection Company works with the best lawyers and prosecutors in Barcelona, so we can also handle the bankruptcy application for your debtor.
Advice about your case?
Fill in your details, and we will contact you immediately for a free consultation!
Legal fields of debt collection
Collection Company, as a specialist in debt collection in Spain, collects debts across various legal fields. We carry out business collections but can also collect personal claims.
For example, we recover compensation, ensure you get your money back if a product is not delivered, or make sure you receive what you are entitled to if a dispute arises regarding the rental or purchase of a home.
We are active in the following legal areas:
- Construction law
- Rental and leasing
- Buying and selling
- Labor law
- Agency agreements
- Transport
- Damages and unlawful actions
Our specialists work directly for clients as well as for intermediaries such as law firms and accounting offices.
Other debt collection services
- Reliable advice on contracts and terms
- Credit information about companies in Barcelona
- Disputes including issues like Retention of Title and right of recourse
- Mediating in reaching private settlements and agreements
Free consultation
You can submit your debt collection cases directly to us via our debt collection registration form. Would you like to consult with a collection specialist first? Leave your details or call us at 070 – 762 0330.
Submit your claim in Barcelona
Submit your personal information and start collecting your invoices.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about debt collection in Barcelona
FAQ: What do we need to collect a debt in Barcelona?
If you submit a debt recovery request to us, we would like to receive as many documents related to the claim as possible. This may include sent invoices, payment reminders, signed contracts, or correspondence related to the agreement.
As debt collection specialists, we understand that you may not always have all the documents readily available. That’s not a problem. Even if certain documents are missing, you can still submit your claim to us. Together with our debt collection specialist, you can review what evidence you do have to support your claim.
If you have them, we would appreciate receiving the following documents:
- A copy of the agreement
- Email correspondence with confirmation
- A fax confirmation
- Your summary of what has been agreed upon
- Invoices
- Reminder letters
- A copy of your terms and conditions
- Possibly a proof of delivery
FAQ: Do you need a lawyer for a debt collection procedure in Barcelona?
Whether a lawyer is required depends on the amount of the claim. For claims up to 2,000 euros, hiring a lawyer is not mandatory. If the claim exceeds 2,000 euros, we need a lawyer to file the summons with the court.
FAQ: What is the role of a prosecutor in Spain?
The administrative actions required to initiate a lawsuit (such as drafting the summons) and representation during the substantive hearing are in Spain carried out by a lawyer.
In Spain the tasks of legal representatives are divided into two distinct roles: that of the lawyer and the attorney.
The lawyer handles the substantive preparation of the case, while the attorney represents in court.
Collection Company works with both the best lawyers and the best attorneys in Barcelona. This way, we can manage the entire collection process for you.
FAQ: What is the statute of limitations for claims in Spain?
There is a statute of limitations for monetary claims in Spain. In Spain, there is a general statute of limitations of 15 years, which begins on the day your invoice is due.
For certain industries, there are shorter statutes of limitations. For example, in the transportation sector, the statute of limitations is only 1 year.
The statute of limitations only applies if your debtor invokes it.
FAQ: What if I can't cash a check or money order?
In Spain (including Barcelona), checks and promissory notes are still quite commonly used. If a check or promissory note is not honored by the issuer, there is a special procedure for that (judici canviari ). During this procedure, the judge issues a payment order. If your debtor does not pay within 10 days (or files an objection), we can request the court to impose a lien.
FAQ: Why hire a debt collection agency for your debt collection in Barcelona?
If you are looking for a collection agency to recover a debt in Barcelona, you have come to the right place with Collection Company. As an international collection agency, we have legal professionals and lawyers in Barcelona who are well-versed in the Spanish legal system. Together with them, we will recover your debt.
As a creditor, you will communicate with our English-speaking collection specialist. This means you have a clear point of contact and do not need to maintain contact with local specialists such as bailiffs and lawyers. Therefore, you won’t have to deal with a language barrier if you do not speak Spanish or Catalan. You can monitor the progress of your case 24/7 through our Online Cockpit.
Why 40.000 customers tried our services
- The #1 collection company in the Netherlands and abroad
- Regional & local specialists
- Years of experience with international invoices
- Your own personal contact
- Extensive advice on the legal process
- Monitor the status of your case 24/7
Meet our specialized legal team
Joost Konings LLMLaw expert- May Leung LLMLaw expert
- Wesley Boeters LLMInterim lawyer
