Country guide
Spain Business etiquette and meeting customs
Europe/Madrid
What kind of meeting?
Moderate punctuality
A few minutes late is tolerated, but let people know if you'll be later.
Meeting Culture
Recommended duration60-90 min
Communication StyleWarm, personal
Greeting StyleHandshake in business; two cheek kisses socially
Daily Schedule
Work Hours09:00 – 19:00
Breakfast08:00 – 09:00
Lunch14:00 – 16:00
Dinner21:00 – 23:00
Sleep00:00 – 07:00
Tips for Meetings
For the kind of meeting you chose above.
Dress Code
Business formal
Tone
Warm but professional
- ·Relationship-building precedes any serious negotiation
- ·Business lunches are long and important
- ·Avoid scheduling between 14:00-16:00 — lunch runs long
General Tips
- ·Be punctual — arriving late to business meetings is considered rude
- ·Build personal relationships first
- ·Lunch is the main meal — never schedule over it
- ·Sobremesa (after-meal conversation) is important
Cultural Notes
- ·Long lunch break is valued
- ·Late dinner culture
- ·Work often extends to 19:00-20:00
Meeting someone from Spain?
Find the best timeCultural information is for general guidance only and may not reflect every individual's practices.
See something inaccurate? Let us know