LEGAL INSIGHTS

Is the family home an attachable asset?

Yes. The law allows the family home to be seized. However, it must be deemed the last resort, with special attention given to the household members’ situation (minors, the elderly and the sick) when seizing this type of asset.

Are goods essential to the economy and domestic life seizable?

These assets cannot be seized. For example, the refrigerator, the bed and the stove cannot be seized. The Courts have started to consider other assets as non-seizable as well, such as sofas and televisions. However, as this is an vague legal concept, this issue must be analysed according to each specific case.

Are bank balances seizable?

Yes, they are subject to seizure. Not only the checking account balance, but also other types of bank accounts. The law determines, however, that the amount equivalent to one national minimum wage (€ 920/month in 2026) must always be unseizable.

Are alimony payments seizable?

Yes, these types of credits are also subject to seizure. The law determines, however, that the amount equivalent to the full social pension of the non-contributory scheme (at least 262.40/month in 2026) must always be unseizable.

Are salaries and allowances seizable?

Yes, the net values of these payments can be seized. But not in full, to safeguard a person's minimal livelihood. Consequently, the law has set the exempt limit at an amount ranging from one to three times the national minimum wage, depending on the individual’s income.

Is there any legal defence mechanism against seizures?

In fact, there are several ways to act in the event of seizures of income and other assets. The most common are the request to reduce the amount of the attachment or the request for a partial exemption from the attachment.