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Short answer
On average, 21 months in civil justice.
In 2025, civil cases closed at first instance took 21 months on average, the lowest figure in 23 years. An ordinary declaratory action is usually faster (about 10 months). An enforcement action to collect a debt can take several years.
Average duration by type of case
Months from filing to final decision at first instance. Appeals are not included.
Dashed bars show a range. Labour and family: first half of 2023 (latest figure published for each area). Enforcement actions: range of the 2007–2023 quarterly series.
Are Portuguese courts getting faster?
Average duration of closed civil cases (months). The drop since 2021 coincides with the expansion of electronic case handling and the clearing of old backlogs.
No comparable annual figure for 2024 was published in the sources consulted.
How long will your court case take?
Pick the situation closest to yours to see a reference timeframe and the route that usually makes sense.
Court, Peace Court or arbitration: which route is fastest?
Not every dispute can follow every route. The choice depends on the amount, the subject matter and what was written into the contract.
| Route | Average duration | When it is possible | Starting cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary court | ≈ 10–21 months | Any dispute. The only route for family, succession, employment and enforcement matters. | Court fee, calculated on the value of the claim |
| Peace Court (Julgado de Paz) | ≈ 6 months | Civil declaratory actions up to €15,000, except family, succession and employment. Only in the municipalities covered. | €70 (single fee) |
| Arbitration | 12-month legal deadline unless agreed otherwise | Requires an arbitration agreement: a contract clause or a later agreement between the parties. | Arbitrators' fees and centre costs |
Peace Courts have no judicial holidays and favour settlement through mediation. In voluntary arbitration, Law 63/2011 sets 12 months for the award, counted from the last arbitrator's acceptance, and this can be extended.
What makes a court case drag on in Portugal
- Service: finding the other party. If the defendant is not found at the known address, service can take months.
- Pleadings: defence and reply. Each filing opens response deadlines. A well-prepared case from the start reduces incidents.
- Evidence: experts and witnesses. Technical expert reports, especially in construction and property cases, are among the slowest stages.
- Calendar: scheduling the trial. It depends on the workload of the court division and district where the case runs.
- Appeal: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The figures above stop at first instance. An appeal adds time.
- Enforcement: collecting what was decided. Winning is not the same as being paid. If the debtor does not pay, an enforcement action follows.
Court case duration in Portugal: frequently asked questions
Why are there different figures for civil justice?
The 21 months include all civil cases, including enforcement and insolvency proceedings, which are long. The roughly 10 months refer to civil actions without those proceedings, such as declaratory actions, divorces and interim measures.
Is a pending case a delayed case?
Not necessarily. A pending case is simply one that has no final decision yet, even if it is running within the legal deadlines.
Can I go to a Peace Court if the contract provides for arbitration?
As a rule, an arbitration agreement obliges the parties to resolve the dispute that way. The clause should be reviewed before you proceed.
Is there a way to get an urgent decision?
Yes. Interim measures (procedimentos cautelares) protect a right while the main action is undecided and are handled as urgent proceedings.
Is a Peace Court faster than an ordinary court in Portugal?
Usually yes. On the figures above, Peace Court cases take about 6 months, against roughly 10 to 21 months in the ordinary courts. They only cover civil declaratory actions up to €15,000, outside family, succession and employment matters, and only in the municipalities they serve.
How long does it take to collect a debt through the courts?
First you need a judgment, which for an ordinary civil action takes about 10 months on average. If the debtor still does not pay, an enforcement action follows, and enforcement cases have ranged from about 38 to 54 months. If you already hold an enforceable title, you can often go straight to enforcement.
Every case has its own timeline
Averages give you an idea, but they do not predict your case. In a first consultation we review the facts, the available evidence and the most efficient route, including the option of resolving the dispute without going to court.
Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar, 183, 1.º Esq., 1050-014 Lisboa · info@cscadvogada.com
Sources
- DGPJ, Annual Statistical Highlight no. 106 (April 2026), via Ministry of Justice press release of 30-04-2026.
- DGPJ, Quarterly Statistical Highlight no. 143, Civil actions 2007–2025 (November 2025).
- DGPJ, highlights on civil enforcement actions (2023–2024) and Statistical indicators 2007–2022.
- Justiça.gov.pt and Peace Courts Council, Annual Report 2024.
- Pordata, Justice and Security: Cases.
Average values of a statistical nature, with no predictive value for specific cases. General information that does not replace legal advice. CSC Lawyers · Clara Silva da Costa, lawyer, Bar licence no. 45229L.