Business in Spain


Doing business in Spain involves navigating a unique economic, cultural, and regulatory landscape. Here are specific considerations for businesses operating in Spain:

  1. Business Culture:
    • Relationship Building: Establishing personal relationships is crucial in Spanish business culture. Business decisions often depend on trust and mutual understanding.
    • Hierarchy: Respect for hierarchy is common. Ensure proper protocol is followed in business interactions.
  2. Language and Communication:
    • Spanish Language: While English is often used in business, having proficiency in the Spanish language can be beneficial for effective communication.
  3. Legal and Regulatory Environment:
    • Company Registration: Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business and register it according to Spanish laws.
    • Taxation: Familiarize yourself with Spanish tax laws and ensure compliance with local tax obligations.
  4. Local Partnerships:
    • Partnerships and Alliances: Forming local partnerships can help navigate the market and build credibility.
    • Networking: Attend industry events and network with local businesses to establish connections.
  5. Consumer Behavior:
    • Local Preferences: Understand and adapt to local consumer preferences and behaviors.
    • Quality Focus: Spanish consumers often value quality over price.
  6. Workforce Management:
    • Labor Laws: Comply with Spanish labor laws, including regulations related to working hours, leave policies, and employee rights.
    • Work-Life Balance: Spanish culture places importance on work-life balance. Be mindful of this in workforce management.
  7. Cultural Awareness:
    • Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to navigate business and social interactions effectively.
  8. Customer Service:
    • Personalized Service: Provide personalized and attentive customer service. Building strong customer relationships is essential.
    • After-Sales Support: Offer robust after-sales support to enhance customer satisfaction.
  9. Marketing and Advertising:
    • Localized Marketing: Customize marketing campaigns to resonate with the local audience.
    • Digital Marketing: Utilize digital marketing channels, including social media, to reach a broad audience.
  10. Financial Practices:
    • Payment Terms: Be clear about payment terms and invoicing practices. Spanish businesses often appreciate transparency in financial transactions.
  11. Environmental Sustainability:
    • Green Practices: Spain places increasing importance on environmental sustainability. Consider incorporating green practices into your business operations.
  12. Tourism and Hospitality:
    • Tourism Opportunities: If applicable, explore opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector, which is a significant part of the Spanish economy.
  13. Technology Adoption:
    • Digital Transformation: Leverage technology for operational efficiency and customer engagement.
    • E-commerce: Consider e-commerce strategies to tap into the growing online market.

By considering these specific factors and aligning your business strategies with the cultural and economic landscape of Spain, you can enhance your chances of success in this diverse and dynamic market. Building strong local relationships, adapting to local practices, and demonstrating a commitment to the Spanish market are key elements of a successful business venture.

​Reach out to us, and we will:

  • Undertake market research on the business climate, customer behavior, market trends, and other factors that are important for the success of your business in Spain
  • Create a business plan for your establishment in Spain
  • Develop a market entry strategy for Spain 

General information

Capital: Madrid

Population: 47,420,000

Official language: Spanish

Main religion: Christianity

Currency: Euro

Time zone: UTC+1

Economy of Spain

GDP per capita: $30,103

Economic growth: 5.5%

Unemployment: 10.01%

Inflation: 6.4%

FDI Inflow: $36.6 billion

Business in Spain

Popular type of legal entity: Sociedad Limitada (SL)

Minimum number of shareholders: 1

Terms of company registration: 1-2 weeks

Minimum share capital: €3,000

Restrictions for foreigners to start a business: No

A local director required: No, but a registered address in Spain is required
Corporate tax: 25%

VAT: Standard rate is 21%, reduced rates of 10% and 4% apply to some goods and services

Benefits and challenges

Benefits: strategic location, strong tourism industry, rich cultural heritage, skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and access to EU market

Challenges: bureaucracy, high unemployment rate, language barrier for non-spanish speakers, limited access to funding for startups, economic volatility, and high corporate tax rate

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