Spain is a more complicated country than you might know, with 17 autonomous regions, each with its own laws and cultures. In addition, Spain has four different languages: 

1. Castellano, which is best known as Spanish in the rest of the world. 

2. Catalan, which is spoken in the autonomous regions of Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, Aragon and Murcia. 

3. Basque, which is spoken only in the Basque Country. 

4.  Galicisk, som kun tales i Galicien. 

Selv om Spanien er et meget mangfoldigt og kulturelt rigt land i mange henseender, har der også været konflikter i de nationalistiske regioner som Baskerlandet og Catalonien. I disse autonome områder er der nogle gange en større præference for deres sprog og kultur end den spanske kultur og sprog. Dette skyldes at lokal befolkning i disse områder er for selvstændighed.  

What you need to know before expanding your business to Spain.

As highlighted, Spain can be tough to navigate, through not only culturally but also language-wise. 

Therefore, we have five tips for your internalization process.    

1. Have a partner that speaks the language and knows the culture

Only 27.7% of the Spanish population are fluent in English, and therefore, you should be prepared for the business discussions being conducted in Spanish.

2. Lær din forretningspartner at kende på et personligt plan.

Spain is a very relation-based society; therefore, exchanging personal information about your family and your background is essential for building trust. 

3. Wear business attire with conservative colors 

Spain is more conservative in some aspects than the Nordic countries. Therefore, proper business attire should be worn to fit into the setting.

4. Never discuss business during mealtimes unless…

Mealtimes are sacred in Spain and should not be used to discuss business but rather to get to know each other personally unless your Spanish peers initiate it..

5. Always arrive on time to business meetings 

Spanish people are usually not very punctual in social settings; however, this is not the case in a professional setting.