31-country business-culture briefs — customs stated as common practice, backed by our data.
Handshakes are standard in business settings; a two-cheek air kiss may occur between mixed-gender acquaintances but is less common in formal first meetings. Follow the Spanish party's lead rather than initiating a cheek greeting yourself. Business card exchange carries no specific ritual, though receiving one with a brief glance is considered polite.
Use formal titles — 'Señor' for men and 'Señora' for women — followed by the surname until invited to use first names. Hierarchy is respected, so greet the most senior person in the room first. Switching to first names is common once a relationship is established and the other party initiates it.
Avoid making light of regional political tensions, particularly around Catalonia or the Basque Country. Cultural topics such as bullfighting and flamenco can be sensitive depending on the individual — do not treat them as universal jokes. Expressing visible impatience with the later meal schedule or siesta culture is considered discourteous.
Expect a period of friendly small talk at the start of any meeting before business topics are raised; jumping straight to the agenda can feel abrupt. Meetings may start 10–15 minutes late, particularly in southern regions, and schedules often run flexibly. Providing materials in Spanish where possible signals commitment to the partnership.
Building personal trust is a prerequisite for doing business in Spain; early meetings often focus on relationship-building rather than closing deals. Decision-making can move slowly due to internal consultation processes — avoid applying aggressive pressure. Demonstrating long-term commitment to the relationship tends to be more persuasive than leading solely on price.
Business lunches commonly begin around 2:00 PM, and dinners rarely start before 9:00 PM — plan your schedule accordingly. The host typically covers the bill, though offering to reciprocate or split is acceptable and appreciated. Sharing multiple tapas dishes is a common and enjoyable social dining format; embrace it rather than ordering individually.
Spanish business hours often extend until 7:00–8:00 PM, with a longer midday break in some regions. Schedule important meetings between 10:00 AM–1:00 PM or after 4:00 PM for best availability. August is a major holiday month across Spain when many businesses operate with reduced capacity — avoid scheduling critical meetings then.
Key national public holidays include January 1 (New Year's Day), Good Friday (date varies in April), October 12 (National Day), and December 25 (Christmas Day). Each autonomous region observes additional local holidays, so verify regional calendars before travel to cities like Barcelona or Bilbao. Avoid scheduling critical business activities around Easter week and the month of August.