With the rise of European immigration, Spain has gradually become one of the most popular countries for Chinese investment immigration. Consequently, how to live in Spain has become a matter of concern for many. Below, we provide some insights that we hope will be helpful to our fellow investment immigration clients.
Spanish women seem to have a special fondness for earrings; they must wear them when going out, feeling as though they are not fully dressed without them.
During the New Year, Spaniards must hold a gold coin in their hand to be considered blessed. Those who are less fortunate often use a copper coin instead. They believe that children fighting, swearing, or crying on New Year's Day is an omen of bad luck; therefore, adults will almost always satisfy any request a child makes on this day to ensure they remain happy.
Spaniards are passionate about bullfighting and football. During Easter, there are also religious processions and other celebratory ceremonies held in various regions.
Spaniards are friendly and enthusiastic, rarely harbor racial prejudice, and enjoy dancing, music, and drinking. They place great importance on the preservation of art and culture. However, due to their optimistic nature, they may sometimes be overly indulgent in comfort, leading to a preference for leisure over hard work and a lack of ambition.
Appointments should be made in advance, typically between 10:00-13:00 and 16:00-18:00. Attire should be formal and conservative. During meetings, avoid discussing the main topic immediately; it is best to engage in small talk first before transitioning to the subject at hand. Interviews must be arranged in advance and confirmed via phone or fax. While it is customary that a scheduled appointment does not necessarily require re-confirmation, it is best to confirm once more before going. In principle, Spaniards are punctual, so it is advisable to arrive 5 minutes early for an appointment.
There is a one-month vacation period centered around August in the summer. Government agencies and offices are essentially empty, so it is best not to schedule meetings in August.
Spanish names usually consist of two surnames, with the last one being the mother's maiden name.
When visiting local businesses, bringing a small gift or souvenir with unique national characteristics from your home country will surely win their favor. This is especially true during the Christmas season, when the custom of exchanging gifts is very popular; generally, 1-2 bottles of whiskey are sufficient. If a Spaniard invites you to their home for a meal, unless they insist repeatedly, it is often just a polite gesture; do not accept immediately. It is better to test the sincerity of the invitation or simply respond with the Spanish phrase "Muchas Gracias" (Thank you). If they show you a prized possession and offer it to you, this is also just a polite cultural custom. When visiting a business associate's private residence, it is appropriate to bring chocolates or flowers.
On New Year's Eve, Spanish families gather together. At midnight, signaled by the church bells, they compete to eat grapes. For every chime of the bell, one must eat a grape; eating all twelve signifies a smooth and prosperous year ahead.
Spaniards usually go on vacation during July and August, so it is not advisable to conduct business travel during this period. Additionally, it is best to avoid traveling around Easter and Christmas.