Statute of limitations for debts in Spain

General information only, not legal advice.

General rule

Personal actions with no special period prescribe after five years.

Starting point

The period runs from the day the claim could first be brought, usually the day after maturity.

Interruption

A court claim, an extrajudicial demand by the creditor or an acknowledgement of debt by the debtor interrupts prescription, and a fresh period then begins.

Special periods

Some obligations have shorter or different periods under sector legislation, so check before relying on the general rule.