Debt Collection Portugal

1. Is a court judgment needed in your country to enforce debts?	No. Many notarised documents are enforceable to minimise course proceedings.
2. On average, how much does it cost, (court fees) to issue debt collection proceedings?	It is proportional to the amount of the debt
3. Is there a procedure for claims that are not defended?	Yes
4. What is the average time from issue of proceedings to judgment, if not defended?	6 to 8 weeks
5. What is the average time from judgment to the first enforcement method by the court?	Depends when requested by the plaintiff
6. Are any special procedures required to enforce judgment?	Yes, simple procedures
7. Can you recover legal costs from the Defendant (in whole or in part)?	No, only the court fees. Lawyers; costs are recovered only when the defendant acted in ‘bad faith’
8. Can assets of the Defendant be seized to enforce judgment?	Yes
9. If Yes how much does this cost (eg court fees)?	Depends on the amount of debt
10. Are these costs recoverable (from the assets seized)?	Yes