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In Spain, an account seizure — known as "embargo de cuentas” — is a legal mechanism that allows creditors to recover debts by freezing, and potentially confiscating, funds from a debtor's bank account. This process ensures that creditors can enforce their claims through the legal system.

The procedure is governed by the Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil (Civil Procedure Act) and specific tax collection laws, which outline the steps and requirements for initiating and executing an account seizure.

The instruction is sent directly to the bank, usually via the Punto Neutro judicial or direct digital channels, by the following authorities:

• Public authorities: entities such as the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria — AEAT) and Social Security, when a case relates to unpaid taxes or social contributions
• Private creditors: individuals or entities can request seizures through the courts, typically enforced by court-appointed enforcement officers
• Courts: judicial bodies can order seizures as part of civil or criminal proceedings

If your account has been frozen due to a seizure, and you have received a proof of discharge or any official communication confirming that your account can be unfrozen, upload it in PDF format via our in-app chat support.

Our verification team will review the document and take the appropriate steps. If everything is in order, your account will be unfrozen.

If you haven't received proof of discharge yet, we can't restore access to your funds. We need to receive a formal instruction to release them from the authority that issued the seizure.

If your account is subject to a seizure and you receive income such as a salary, pension, or social benefits into this account, a portion of your balance will remain available to you each month. This is a legally protected amount designed to ensure you can still cover essential living expenses.

In Spain, the first part of your monthly income, corresponding to the Salario Mínimo Interprofesional (SMI), is protected from seizure. Amounts exceeding the SMI can be seized on a sliding scale. This protection applies automatically, and there's no need to request it.