Doing Business in Spain

Expats will find that doing business in Spain – 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 is a relatively easy place to do business. 

Fast facts

Business hours

Offices typically open at 9am and close mid-evening, with a two-hour lunch break in early afternoon. Spain is transitioning to a 37.5-hour working week as of December 2025. Many companies offer summer hours (9am to 3pm) and hybrid working arrangements.

Business language

Speaking Spanish is essential for business success. Compared to many other European countries, English proficiency in Spain is limited. Some multinationals in Madrid and Barcelona operate bilingually, but a translator is recommended for important negotiations if your Spanish isn’t fluent.

Greetings

Handshakes are the standard formal greeting in Spanish business settings for all genders. Men and women typically shake hands when meeting for the first time or in formal situations. 

While social cheek kissing is common in Spain, it’s best to let your Spanish counterparts initiate this in business contexts, as some prefer to maintain professional boundaries with handshakes only.

Business dress

Business attire in Spain is formal, conservative and of high quality. Men wear dark or linen suits with white shirts and ties. Women opt for modest dresses, tailored suits or pantsuits.

Gifts

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

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

Gender equality

Spain ranks second globally for workplace gender equality. Women hold about 40 percent of senior management positions, presenting dramatic progress from 14 percent in 2004. The gender pay gap stands at approximately 13 percent. Expat businesswomen generally receive respectful treatment, particularly in major cities and international companies.

Business culture in Spain

Business culture in Spain is strongly rooted in tradition, and expats from some business backgrounds may find some practices old-fashioned. The younger generation in Spanish companies increasingly favours more egalitarian management styles, but for now, hierarchy still matters. Once you adapt to these cultural nuances, it’s relatively straightforward to build successful business relationships in Spain.

Communication

Spanish business communication tends to be more indirect than Anglo styles. Building personal relationships takes precedence over getting straight to business. Spaniards value courtesy and may soften direct criticism. Face-saving is important, so avoid public disagreement or embarrassing colleagues in meetings.

Punctuality and time

Punctuality is valued in Spanish business, although there’s more flexibility than in Northern European cultures. Arriving 5 to 10 minutes late is generally acceptable. Relationship building often takes priority over rigid scheduling, and meetings may run longer than planned to ensure proper discussion.

Hierarchy

Spanish business maintains strong hierarchical structures. Managers typically make decisions with limited input from subordinates. Those in junior positions should show respect for seniors and avoid challenging authority publicly. Younger generations are gradually adopting more collaborative approaches.

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 Spanish 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. Anticipate engaging on this level with your clients rather than in writing or by telephone. Keep these interactions personal but formal. While digital communication has increased post-pandemic, in-person relationship building is still paramount in Spanish business culture.

Attitude to foreigners

With increased unemployment and competition for jobs, some resentment exists towards employed foreigners from certain sections of Spanish society. That said, most Spaniards are welcoming and courteous in their professional interactions with international colleagues. Strong Spanish language skills and genuine openness to local business customs will significantly improve your reception.

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.
• Do 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 diminished. Spaniards like to stand close, and moving away can be taken as offensive.