Moving to Spain is an exciting adventure, full of new experiences and opportunities. But like any major life change, integrating into a new country can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with some of the main pillars of Spanish culture. For expats looking to make the most of their time in Spain, understanding and embracing the culture is key to feeling at home. In this blog, we’ll explore five essential cultural integration tips—from embracing Spanish social norms to navigating the country’s complex bureaucracy—that will help you not only adjust but thrive in your new life.
Contents:
1. Embrace Spanish Cultural Norms in Everyday Interactions
2. Take a Spanish Course
3. Tap into “Bar culture”
4. Understand the Spanish Bureaucracy
5. Build a Support Network
1. Embrace Spanish Cultural Norms: Embracing Spanish cultural norms in everyday interactions means adjusting to a direct, open communication style that might surprise newcomers. Spaniards tend to be straightforward in their opinions and don’t shy away from being loud or expressive, especially during conversations. This isn't considered rude—it's simply a reflection of their lively and passionate approach to life. Physical touch, like a friendly pat on the back or greeting with two kisses on the cheek, is also common in everyday interactions. By understanding and embracing these norms, expats can build more authentic relationships and blend into the vibrant social fabric of Spain.
2. Take a Local Spanish Course: Enrolling in a Spanish class upon your arrival is a must as you make your transition to Spain! Even if you already speak Spanish, consider enrolling in a local language course that teaches you regional dialects or cultural nuances. Another important fact to consider is that if you come from the United States for example, the standard Latin American dialect that is taught in schools differs greatly from Peninsular Spanish from Spain, or as they call it, Castellano. Therefore, enrolling in a local Spanish course is a good way to master Spanish from this region, familiarize yourself with the Spanish accent and also to meet locals and other expats.
3. Tapping into “Bar Culture”: Bars make up perhaps the most significant part of Spanish social culture amongst people of all ages. In Spain, bars are social hubs, not just for drinking but also for grabbing coffee, having breakfast, or a late-night snack. Locals often meet at bars for tapas and cañas (small beers), and this is where much of the informal socializing happens. Start visiting your neighborhood bar regularly, and you’ll soon become a familiar face in your community.
4. Understand the Spanish Bureaucracy: The difference in bureaucracy processes tends to be the greatest culture shock for expats in Spain. Be prepared for the incredibly slow and long bureaucratic processes, especially when dealing with official documents like residency permits, Visas or NIEs (Foreigner’s Identification Number). These procedures often require several in-person appointments for all the different stages of these processes. Missing a document, or having a document filled out incorrectly can lead to cancellations or further delays. Understanding that things move at a slower pace, especially during holidays like Semana Santa (Holy Week or Easter Holiday) or August vacation month, will help you manage expectations and plan your time efficiently. If you would like to stay ahead of these tricky bureaucratic processes and ensure an easy visa application process, feel free to contact us to learn more about our visa services.
5. Build a Support Network: Expats can often feel isolated in their new country. Building a social network through language classes, expat groups, or local clubs can help with integration. Also, making local friends can be invaluable for learning unwritten rules, understanding Spanish life more fully and most importantly, enjoying your time here!
Whether you’re settling in Madrid, Barcelona, or a smaller city, these tips will give you a solid foundation to build meaningful connections and enjoy the vibrant Spanish lifestyle to its fullest.