Quick reference table
| Action | Period | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Personal actions (general) | 5 years | Art. 1964 CC |
| Breach of contract | 5 years | Art. 1964 CC |
| Tort liability | 1 year | Art. 1968.2 CC |
| Defamation | 1 year | Art. 1968.1 CC |
| Real actions on movable property | 6 years | Art. 1962 CC |
| Real actions on real property | 30 years | Art. 1963 CC |
| Mortgage action | 20 years | Art. 1964 CC |
| Alimony claim | 5 years | Art. 1966.1 CC |
| Filiation (challenge) | 1 year | Art. 137 CC |
| Dismissal | 20 business days | Art. 59.3 ET (20 días hábiles) |
| Wage claim | 1 year | Art. 59.1 ET |
| Work accident | 5 years | Art. 59 ET + LGSS |
| Unfair competition | 1 year | Art. 35 LCD |
| Land transport | 1 year | Art. 79 LCTTM |
| Insurance contract | 2 years | Art. 23 LCS |
| Patent infringement | 5 years | Art. 74 LP |
| State liability | 1 year | Art. 67.1 LPAC |
| Minor offenses | 1 year | Art. 131.1 CP |
| Less serious offenses (<=5 years) | 5 years | Art. 131.1 CP |
| Serious offenses (>5 years) | 10 years | Art. 131.1 CP |
| Penalty >=15 years | 20 years | Art. 131.1 CP |
| Tax debt (general) | 4 years | Art. 66 LGT |
| Tax fraud | 5 years | Art. 131 CP + 305 CP |
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Try Lexiel freeStatute of limitations FAQ
What is the general limitation period under the Civil Code?
The general limitation period for personal actions is 5 years (Art. 1964 CC, as amended by Law 42/2015). Real property actions prescribe after 30 years and chattels after 6 years.
How long do I have to challenge a dismissal?
The dismissal action expires after 20 business days from notification (Art. 59.3 ET). This is a forfeiture deadline, not a limitation period, so it cannot be interrupted.
What is the difference between prescription and forfeiture?
Prescription can be interrupted (by judicial or extrajudicial claim, or debt acknowledgment) and the period restarts. Forfeiture cannot be interrupted and operates automatically.
Questions about limitation periods or expiry?
Lexiel explains the difference between limitation and expiry, timeframes under Civil Code, ET, LGT and Criminal Code, and interruption of limitation with Supreme Court case law.
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