Review of commercial documents
Assessment of contracts, proposals, invoices, purchase orders, emails and proof of delivery or provision of services.
Debt Recovery
Unpaid Invoices and Commercial Debts in Portugal
Legal support for companies, professionals and creditors with overdue invoices, services provided, goods supplied or commercial amounts outstanding in Portugal.
When to contact
When a commercial debt should be reviewed
When an invoice remains unpaid, timely legal intervention can help assess the most appropriate way to claim the outstanding amount.
Your company issued invoices that remain overdue and unpaid.
Services were provided or goods were delivered without full payment.
The client acknowledges the amount due but repeatedly delays payment.
There is a contract, proposal, purchase order or email exchange documenting the payment obligation.
There is a commercial relationship in Portugal that requires local and documented follow-up.
You need to assess whether formal contact, a payment order or court action should be considered.
Legal support
How we can assist with unpaid invoices and commercial debts
The review should focus on evidence of the commercial relationship, the overdue amount, existing communications and the best way to turn the available information into practical next steps.
Formal contact with the debtor
Preparation of appropriate communication to request payment, obtain a clear response or support subsequent steps.
Business-to-business debts
Support with claims arising from supplies, services, consulting, commercial contracts or B2B relationships.
Choice of the appropriate route
Assessment of whether a pre-litigation approach, payment order, court action or another route may be suitable in the specific case.
Documents useful to review an unpaid invoice
The clearer the initial documentation, the more focused the review of the debt and possible next steps can be.
- Issued invoices and due dates
- Contract, proposal, quote or purchase order
- Proof of delivery of goods or provision of services
- Emails, messages or communications about payment
- Debtor identification details, address or registered office
- Statement of account, if available
- Proof of partial payments or promises to pay
- Information on any dispute, complaint or return raised by the debtor
Debt collection should start with a practical review
Not every overdue invoice requires the same response. Before taking action, it is important to assess the strength of the evidence, the debtor’s position, the age of the debt and the route that is proportionate to the amount involved.
- total amount due and invoice due dates;
- existence of a contract, proposal or purchase order;
- proof of delivery, performance or acceptance of the service;
- responses, promises or silence from the debtor;
- possibility of a structured pre-litigation approach;
- suitability of a payment order, court action or another route.
How it works
A process focused on decision-making
01
Submission of commercial information
The creditor indicates the overdue amount, identifies the debtor and summarises the commercial relationship that gave rise to the debt.
02
Initial document review
Invoices, contracts, communications and other relevant elements are reviewed to understand the available evidence.
03
Assessment of possible routes
Formal contact, payment demand, negotiation, payment order, court action or another suitable route may be considered.
04
Next steps
After the review, the missing elements, need for consultation and most appropriate form of legal intervention can be identified.
Related services
Other debt recovery support
Debt recovery may involve different stages. These services help frame the situation, prepare the first step and identify the most appropriate route, always subject to review of the specific case.
Main page
Debt recovery in Portugal
Overview of legal support for overdue claims, unpaid invoices and debtors connected with Portugal.
View main pageDebt collection
Debt collection in Portugal
Support in reviewing overdue debts, available documents, formal communication and possible routes to claim payment.
View debt collectionInternational clients
Debt recovery for foreign companies
Support for companies outside Portugal with debtors, contracts, invoices or claims connected with Portuguese territory.
View foreign companiesPre-litigation stage
Payment demand letter in Portugal
Preparation of formal communication to the debtor, where appropriate, to request payment or obtain a clear position.
View demand letterPayment order
Payment order for debt recovery
Assessment of whether a payment order may be appropriate where the legal and documentary requirements are met.
View payment orderCourt action
Court action for debt recovery
Review of judicial routes when the debt is disputed, complex or not resolved through pre-litigation steps.
FAQ
Common questions about unpaid invoices and commercial debts
What should I do when an invoice is not paid in Portugal?
The first step is to gather the invoice, contract or proposal, proof of service or delivery and communications with the debtor. These elements allow the appropriate route to claim payment to be assessed.
Which documents help with collecting a commercial debt?
Invoices, contracts, proposals, purchase orders, emails, messages, proof of delivery, statements of account and any acknowledgement or promise of payment are usually useful.
Can an unpaid invoice be handled without going to court?
In some cases, it may be appropriate to start with formal contact, a payment demand or negotiation. The suitability of that approach depends on the debtor’s behaviour, the documents available and the urgency of the case.
When might a payment order or court action be considered?
These routes may be reviewed where the debt is sufficiently documented, where the debtor does not respond or where pre-litigation steps do not move the matter forward. The choice depends on legal requirements and the evidence available.
What if the client acknowledges the debt but still does not pay?
An acknowledgement of debt or payment promises may be relevant elements. It should be assessed whether to formalise the position, request payment in writing or prepare the next route.
Can foreign companies collect unpaid invoices in Portugal?
Yes. Where the debtor is in Portugal or the commercial relationship has a relevant connection with Portugal, local support may be needed to review documents, communicate with the debtor and define the appropriate route.
How is the viability of collecting a commercial debt assessed?
The review considers the overdue amount, documentary evidence, debtor identification, existing communications, any dispute and the proportionate route for claiming payment.
Does submitting information automatically confirm a consultation or service?
No. Sending information allows an initial triage. A consultation or service depends on validation, availability and subsequent confirmation.
Do you have commercial invoices outstanding in Portugal?
Send the essential information about the debt, invoices, debtor and available documents. The team will review the request and indicate the appropriate next steps.