Local culture in Spain

Local culture in Spain comes with both rich traditions and modern attitudes that’ll shape your daily life as an international professional. You’ll receive a warm welcome from locals, but several aspects of Spanish culture require adjustment for successful integration.

Time in Spain

Time in Spain follows a distinctive rhythm that might take some adjustment for international business professionals. You’ll soon realise that Spain maintains a more relaxed approach to time than many other countries. 

Rushing is generally frowned upon, and patience is expected in daily interactions. When asking for a bill in a restaurant, for instance, expect to wait – this reflects the Spanish preference for taking time rather than any rudeness. Evening activities start notably later, with business dinners often beginning around 9pm or later.

That said, the traditional siesta is increasingly rare in major business centres, with many companies in Madrid and Barcelona now operating standard 9am to 4pm schedules rather than the split workday. Smaller towns and rural areas still observe this midday break between 2pm and 5pm, when shops close and people return home for lunch and rest.

Business Culture in Spain

Language barrier in Spain

You might assume that learning Spanish isn’t necessary since Spain is a Western European country where everybody speaks English. This attitude often irritates Spanish people and is a complete misconception. English proficiency in Spain actually ranks below other EU countries like the Netherlands or Sweden, with levels varying greatly across regions and age groups.

Catalan has co-official status in the northeastern region of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona. Professional opportunities may require basic Catalan knowledge in certain sectors, particularly public administration and education.

Learning Spanish and Catalan remains one of the best ways to ease cultural adaptation and build professional relationships. Master at least basic phrases before you arrive.

Women in Spain

Expat women in Spain may face adjustment challenges, particularly if they come from countries where street harassment is uncommon. Rural Spain still holds some traditional attitudes – commenting on passing women remains common among certain groups of men, although this varies significantly by region and urban versus rural settings.

Spain has strong legal protections for gender equality in the workplace, ranking second globally for gender equality measures. Anti-discrimination laws protect women in the workplace, and Spain actively promotes female advancement in business and leadership positions. Professional environments and major cities show the most progressive attitudes.

Diversity, Inclusion and Women in Leadership in Spain

Religion in Spain

Religion in Spain has changed dramatically over the past few decades. You’ll see the Catholic Church’s influence everywhere – in stunning cathedrals and religious festivals that anchor community life. 

While Spain is historically Catholic, only 55 percent of the population now identifies as such – a significant drop from over 90 percent in the 1970s, marking one of Europe’s most rapid secularisation processes. The generational split is striking: just 32 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds call themselves Catholic, while 77 percent of over-70s do.

LGBTQ+ in Spain

LGBTQ+ expats will find Spain among the world’s most welcoming destinations, with strong legal protections and widespread social acceptance. Spain legalised same-sex marriage in 2005, becoming only the third country globally to do so, and consistently ranks among the top nations for LGBTQ+ rights.

Spain shows overwhelming public support for LGBTQ+ equality, with 91 percent of Spaniards believing gay and bisexual people should enjoy equal rights. Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia host significant Pride celebrations – Madrid’s Pride attracts over two million participants annually.

The 2023 ‘Ley Trans’ law allows individuals over 16 to change their legal gender through self-identification, and anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ people in employment, housing, and public services.

LGBTQ+ in Spain

Bureaucracy in Spain

The country’s 17 autonomous regions each govern themselves differently, making bureaucracy in Spain a headache for international professionals. What works in Madrid might not fly in Barcelona – laws, procedures, and even cultural expectations shift from region to region.

Spain has poured money into digitising government services, so you can handle many tasks online that used to mean endless office visits. You’ll still need patience and good preparation though. Spanish businesses take their time with contracts – expect long discussions where every detail gets hammered out before anyone signs anything.

Visas in Spain
Work Permits in Spain
NIE Number and Residency in Spain