Verbal Proceedings in Spain: Fast and Effective Route for Commercial Debt Recovery
Does your company need to recover a debt under €15,000 in Spain? Verbal proceedings are the fastest and most efficient judicial procedure for commercial debt collection. Our specialist lawyers guide you through every stage, from filing to judgment, with timeframes of 1-1.5 years and the possibility of direct action against directors for corporate liability.

Does your company need to recover a debt in Spain? If the amount owed is under €15,000, the verbal proceedings is the appropriate legal procedure to initiate debt recovery in Spain quickly and efficiently.
At Lawants, as specialist debt recovery Spain lawyers, we guide our clients through every stage of the process, ensuring the highest level of efficiency and the best chance of success.
What is a Verbal Proceedings?
The verbal proceedings Spain is a judicial procedure governed by the Spanish Civil Procedure Act, designed to resolve certain civil and commercial disputes in a fast and simplified manner.
It is a strategic tool for commercial debt collection in Spain, as it avoids the formalities and delays of more complex procedures such as the ordinary proceedings.
When Does Verbal Proceedings Apply?
This procedure applies to claims of up to €15,000, making it the ideal procedural route for:
- Unpaid invoices
- Commercial debts between companies
- Services rendered but not paid
- Breach of contract involving smaller amounts
How Does the Verbal Proceedings Work in Spain?
The debt recovery process through verbal proceedings follows these stages:
1. Filing the Claim
The process begins with a well-founded written claim. Our commercial debt collection lawyers handle the drafting of a solid claim that includes all necessary elements for successful recovery.
2. Response
Once the claim is admitted, the defendant has 10 business days to file a defence.
3. Hearing (Optional)
The court may convene a hearing if deemed necessary, and both parties can also request it if they consider it appropriate.
4. Judgment
Issued by the judge after reviewing the evidence and arguments presented by both parties.
Duration of Verbal Proceedings
The verbal proceedings usually takes between 12 and 18 months from the date the claim is filed, depending on the court’s workload, making it considerably faster than ordinary proceedings.
Liability of Directors in Spanish Companies
When the debtor is a Spanish company, Lawants evaluates whether legal action can be brought directly against its directors, provided the requirements under Spanish law are met.
This action can be decisive in ensuring effective recovery, especially in cases involving:
- Asset stripping
- Negligent management
- Irregular dissolution
Why Choose Lawants for Your Verbal Proceedings?
At Lawants, we offer comprehensive legal services to foreign companies seeking to recover debts in Spain efficiently, securely and professionally.
Our team offers expertise, procedural experience and client-focused service:
- ✅ In-depth legal knowledge and procedural expertise.
- ✅ Realistic assessment of your case and strategic planning.
- ✅ Full representation throughout the court proceedings.
- ✅ Operations across all Spanish jurisdictions, including enforcement proceedings.
We have solid experience in commercial debt recovery and specific expertise in verbal proceedings for international companies.
Do You Want to Initiate Verbal Proceedings to Recover a Debt in Spain?
Contact our team of specialist debt recovery lawyers in Spain. At Lawants, we will help you claim what is rightfully yours, with full legal assurance and strategic support from day one.
Don’t let an unpaid debt affect your company’s cash flow. Start your verbal proceedings Spain with the best specialized legal advice.






