Best Places To Work or Start a Business in Spain

It’s very important to note that outside of Spain’s urban centres, the main economic drivers are not that diverse. In rural areas, it’s primarily agriculture, and in coastal areas, the main drivers are Tourism and Hospitality, Real Estate and Construction, and Agriculture.
The vast majority of work opportunities will be found in these sectors, both in the cities and on the coast. Most expats who have relocated to Spain, and who are successful, usually work in these sectors. More about that later.

Regions nearer to vital corridors, such as those leading to major ports like Barcelona, Valencia, and Alicante on the Mediterranean coast, experience increased economic vibrancy. These areas benefit from enhanced trade opportunities and logistics networks that link Spain to various European markets. Industries like logistics, shipping, manufacturing, and international trade flourish in these regions, bolstering the overall economic strength.

Moving inland towards cities like Madrid, you encounter the influence of key transportation networks and logistical hubs that serve as critical connections between Spain and the broader European economic framework. These regions often witness a higher concentration of financial institutions, technological innovation, services, and business activities, fostering a more robust and diverse economic environment.

There are Cities in Spain that are making significant strides in several key technological areas, positioning themselves as dynamic and progressive regions. They focus on innovation, fostering a digital-first approach, and establishing themselves as attractive destinations for startups and digital nomads.
They have been actively forging ahead in various aspects, contributing to their reputation as vibrant hubs of culture, innovation, and quality of life.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a renowned tech hub and hosts numerous tech events, innovation hubs, and startup incubators. It’s home to thriving tech communities, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture and supportive ecosystem for innovation.
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is a growing centre for startups and tech companies. The city offers a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs, with co-working spaces, accelerators, and government-backed initiatives supporting tech innovation. Madrid’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, along with its economic and cultural vibrancy, appeals to a range of professionals seeking tech opportunities.
Seville has been gradually emerging as a tech-driven city, fostering an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. It hosts technology parks, incubators, and initiatives promoting digital transformation. Seville’s rich historical heritage combined with a growing focus on technology makes it an attractive destination for those looking to relocate to the South of Spain.
Bilbao, known for its transformation into a modern city, is investing heavily in technological initiatives and innovation. The city is fostering a tech ecosystem with a focus on digital transformation, supporting various startups, and offering opportunities for tech professionals.
Granada has been actively promoting technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The city hosts technology centres, research institutions, and initiatives supporting startups. Its cultural heritage combined with a growing tech scene makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a blend of history and technology.

Valencia has been actively nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. The city hosts various tech events, accelerators, and co-working spaces that facilitate collaboration and growth for tech startups. Moreover, Valencia’s commitment to technological innovation is visible in its smart city initiatives, utilizing technology to enhance urban infrastructure, sustainability, and citizen services.
Malaga, known for its cultural richness, has also been strategically diversifying its economy by embracing technological innovation. The city has been fostering a conducive environment for digital entrepreneurship, with the development of tech parks, innovation centres, and initiatives supporting tech-driven industries. The establishment of research and development hubs, coupled with investment in high-speed internet infrastructure, has further solidified Malaga’s position as an appealing destination for tech startups and digital professionals.
Alicante, in its pursuit of technological advancement, has been making efforts to attract angel investors, digital nomads, and start-ups. The city’s promotion of a digital nomad-friendly environment includes co-living spaces, networking events, and initiatives aimed at facilitating remote work. Additionally, Alicante’s focus on innovation hubs and technological research facilities has attracted professionals seeking a conducive environment for technology-driven endeavours.

The cities in Spain attracting the most tech investment: Madrid and Barcelona are clear leaders, followed by Valencia, Malaga, Bilbao, and Seville.

These cities attract expats from around the world due to their cultural richness and welcoming atmosphere. The presence of an international community can offer a support network, making the transition to life in Spain smoother.
Expats often engage in social gatherings, language exchanges, and community activities, facilitating integration into the local lifestyle.

Spain’s main cities are varied and offer a very diverse lifestyle. That said, if your Spanish is not at a good standard, then it will limit your employment options.
In that case, you may want to consider the coastal areas as they have a much higher percentage of spoken English (1st and 2nd language), and communities of Dutch, Belgian, German, and French.

Summary of the main areas of COASTAL Spain with a large expat community, stronger economy, and better prospects for work or entrepreneurship.

a) The areas south of Malaga including Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and Marbella.
b) The areas including Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa. (Vilamartin, Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, San Miguel de Salinas, Campoamor, and Torrevieja City.)
c) The areas north of Torrevieja. (Quesada, Rojales, Guardamar, Torre la Mata, Los Montesinos, and Torrevieja City.)
d) The northern residential areas of Alicante City including Playa San Juan, Cabo de las Huertas, Muchavista, and El Campello.
e) The Northern Costa Blanca, from Benidorm in the South to Denia in the North.
f) The areas south of Barcelona City including Sitges, Castelldefels, Gavá, and Viladecans.
g) The central Costa Brava including Palafrugell, Begur, and Palamós. (A smaller area with a focus on Quality rather than quantity.)
h) The areas near Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera (on the Seville corridor).

You will want to get to the coastal areas a few months before the busy season starts (from Easter). If you leave it too late, much of the real estate will be tied up in holiday rentals, making it difficult to find long-term accommodations. From October to March, there are usually more long-term rental properties available, and a few more purchase options.

In addition, you will also want to acclimatize and understand how the area works through the various seasons. You will want to understand how the economy works, and which areas present the best opportunities.

Madrid
As Spain’s capital and financial hub, Madrid offers the most opportunities for foreign workers, especially in industries like finance, consulting, technology, and media. The city is home to many multinational corporations and boasts a vibrant expatriate community.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a hub for tech startups, digital marketing, and design, with a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Additionally, major international companies in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and e-commerce are based here. English is widely spoken in professional settings, which adds to the appeal for non-Spanish-speaking workers. Companies like Amazon, Nestlé, and Facebook have established operations here. The city’s global trade shows, such as the Mobile World Congress, draw international attention and create many opportunities for foreign professionals within multinational corporations.
Valencia
Valencia offers an expanding market for foreign workers, and good job opportunities in sectors like tourism, healthcare, education, logistics, agriculture, and energy, where Valencia is a national leader. With a lower cost of living than Madrid and Barcelona, it’s an attractive option for expats seeking quality of life.
Málaga
Málaga is recognized for its Andalusian Technology Park, which has become a home base for hundreds of international companies in the IT and telecommunications sectors. Global companies like Oracle and Google are establishing a presence in Málaga, and bolstering international business. There is a demand for skilled foreign workers in tech, research, IT and digital marketing, especially for English-speaking professionals. Tourism and real estate are also major industries in the region, making it ideal for expatriates interested in these fields.
Bilbao
Bilbao has a strong economy driven by the industrial, engineering, and energy sectors. It has drawn significant international investment, particularly from companies specializing in renewable energy, automotive, and manufacturing. There is an increased presence of multinational corporations and foreign workers, and the city has seen an influx of foreign investment, which has expanded job opportunities for international professionals.
Seville
Seville offers a blossoming tech scene and opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable development, and engineering. The city’s strategic position in southern Spain allows companies to leverage connections with both the European and African markets. As a result, foreign professionals in engineering, environmental science, and project management are increasingly finding opportunities here. The cost of living is more affordable than in many larger cities in Spain, and the quality of life is high.
Alicante
Alicante has emerged as a popular city for digital nomads and expats working remotely, with a supportive infrastructure for freelancers. Its lifestyle appeal is complemented by opportunities in tourism, real estate, and international education. It’s also a growing hub for tech startups, making it ideal for foreigners interested in startup environments in a smaller coastal city.

Work culture and professional etiquette vary significantly across different countries and regions.

In Spain, several key aspects define its work culture and professional norms:
Building relationships and fostering trust is crucial in Spanish work and business culture. Personal connections often play a significant role in business interactions. Spaniards value building rapport before delving into business matters.
This can involve first socializing outside of work. Dinners or gatherings are common and provide the best opportunities for informal discussions and relationship-building. Once you develop rapport Spanish customers tend to be a lot more loyal than is perhaps the culture in many other European countries.

Spanish workplaces often have hierarchical structures. Respect for seniority and authority is essential. Titles and formalities are valued, and it’s customary to address colleagues and superiors with proper titles and surnames.
Spaniards prioritize a healthy work-life balance. Lunch breaks are relatively long, allowing time for a leisurely meal and a brief rest, known as “siesta.” Family and personal time are highly respected.

In the south of Spain, the siesta is commonplace and can stretch from 14:00 to 17:00. The heat can be stifling in summer, and it’s a lot more pleasant being indoors and resting during those times. It can be a bit confusing at first when you keep finding most places closed in the afternoon.
As you venture further north, the siesta changes from a 3-hour rest to a normal lunch hour.

Spaniards tend to be expressive and value direct communication. Discussions can be passionate and animated, and interruptions during conversations are common. Non-verbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions, are often used when conveying messages.

While punctuality is valued in professional settings, it’s also acceptable for meetings and gatherings to start a bit later than scheduled, especially in more casual or social settings.
In the south, 10:00 will often mean 10:30 or even 10:45. When making appointments, for example with trades, it’s often important to stress that you mean that exact time.

Work attire in Spain varies depending on the industry and region. Generally, business attire tends to be formal, especially in corporate environments. However, in some sectors or regions, a more relaxed dress code is acceptable.

Meetings in Spain may involve lengthy discussions and consensus-building. Decisions might take time as they are often made collectively. Patience and open-mindedness are essential during discussions.

Giving direct feedback or criticism might be approached more tactfully in Spanish culture. It’s often conveyed indirectly to preserve harmony and avoid causing embarrassment.

Understanding and respecting these cultural nuances are vital for successful professional interactions in Spain. Adapting to local customs and demonstrating cultural sensitivity can significantly enhance your working relationships and business outcomes.