Doing Business in Spain

Expats and businesspeople moving to Spain will find that business here – much like Spanish culture as a whole – is entrenched in tradition. It also may take time and patience to establish a firm foothold in the Spanish business environment. Nevertheless, Spain remains a relatively easy place in which to do business. 

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Fact facts

Business hours

Business hours are highly variable. Generally, offices open at 9am and close mid-evening, with two hours set aside for lunch in the early afternoon. This is slowly changing, though, as the traditional siesta is becoming a thing of the past.

Business language

Spanish is the main language of business, although some multinationals in the main cities may do business in both English and Spanish. 

Business dress

Business attire is usually formal, conservative and of high quality. Dark or linen suits with white shirts and ties for men, and modest dresses and tailored suits (including pantsuits) for ladies.

Gifts

Gifts aren't expected, but are appropriate after successful negotiations and at Christmas. The recipient of a gift typically opens it in front of the giver. Gifts should be of excellent quality.

It is wise to check the gift-giving policy of a company, as some corporations in Spain have particular protocols or forbid their employees from accepting gifts. 

Gender equality

Although men and women share equal rights, Spain is traditionally a male-dominated society. Only recently have women started to assume mid to senior-level management positions in anything but family businesses.

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Business culture in Spain

Spain's business culture is strongly rooted in tradition, and some business practices may seem old-fashioned to expats. Nevertheless, once they adjust to this, expats should find it relatively easy and pleasant to do business in Spain.

Greetings

While greeting someone with a kiss on each cheek is common in Spain, it may be best for expats to allow their Spanish counterparts to initiate this in the business setting, since some people may prefer to shake hands. It's important to note that, should an expat be greeting anybody in the traditional Spanish way, the cheeks of the other person are usually not directly kissed. Rather, people tend to touch cheeks and make a kissing sound. It is generally accepted that kisses take place on the right cheek first, and then the left.

When speaking Spanish in business circles, it's common to use the formal form 'usted' when addressing a superior. 

Business structure

Hierarchy is paramount to business in Spain. Spanish managers are autocrats of a sort, having the authority to make important decisions without consulting their employees or receiving input from their colleagues.

Those in mid- and lower-level positions should show the utmost respect for their seniors, and count on remaining quite separate from their superiors.

Expats coming from countries where personal initiative is expected and rewarded shouldn't put an end to this behaviour, but should nonetheless be wary of being perceived as undermining authority.

Control is a central part of the Spanish business ethos. Locals prefer to avoid uncertainty, even at the cost of longer periods of deliberation and less frequent decision-making.

Keep in mind, however, that Spain's business culture is slowly evolving. Those of a younger generation may uphold slightly different ideals and subscribe to more egalitarian practices.

Making an impression

Strong emphasis is placed on personal pride, social status and character attributes. These factors carry as much weight as an individual's technical excellence and professional experience. A successful businessperson will not only be well-dressed, dignified and honourable, but will also be good company and entertaining.

Meetings

Face-to-face meetings in Spain form the foundation of business relationships. As such, expats should anticipate engaging on this level with their clients, rather than in writing or by telephone. Keep these interactions personal, but formal.

Attitude to foreigners

With increased unemployment and competition for jobs and business, there has been a certain amount of resentment towards employed foreigners from certain sections of Spanish society. That said, the majority of Spaniards aren't xenophobic and are courteous in their interactions with foreigners. 

Expats are far more likely to get a positive reception if they try to speak some Spanish and display an openness to the Spanish way of doing things.

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Dos and don'ts of business in Spain

• Have business cards printed, with one side in English and the other in Spanish. Present cards Spanish side up, along with a handshake, eye contact and a warm greeting.

• Don't expect to start negotiating at the beginning of a meeting. The Spanish like to establish a formal, but personal, environment before engaging in business transactions. Similarly, when dining with associates, only speak business if invited to do so or if it has been established that the purpose of the meal is to discuss work.

• Try to schedule appointments for mid-morning. Business hours vary in Spain, and this is the time slot when people are most likely to be available.

• Don't be surprised if you find your personal space compromised. Spaniards like to stand close, and moving away can be taken as offensive.