Are you looking to participate in the over 312 billion dollars (US) imported to the Spanish market last year? If so, keep reading. Spain is an incredibly dynamic country, which is divided into 17 autonomous regions, and while Spanish is the official language, three other languages are spoken: Catalan, Gallego, and Basque.

Getting on top of details like these will make you successful from day one. And the process does not have to be overwhelming, let’s have a look.

 

Be smart, legally set up your business for export to Spain

 

First things first, and it’s a lot to take in – import / export paperwork.

We can start by taking a look at Spain’s Chamber of Commerce website, the EU European Commission Trade website, and Spain’s Special registry for Foreign Trade Operators (“REOCE”).

Notice that these sites are only available in Spanish. Also, government documents will have to be submitted in the official language. Now (early on) is a good time to befriend the Spanish language, because it will be a huge part of your business in the Spanish market.

These websites reveal legal obligations, controls and licenses, and customs duty and tax charges specific to the European Union that may require a local specialist. For example, if you are exporting from a European Union country and importing to Spain, most goods can be circulated without customs controls or charges leaving the EU country. If the transfer, alternatively, is overseas it will be subject to more stringent proceedings.

It is advisable to hire a local import / export law firm to help, or at least seek a consultancy to weigh the costs & benefits. Bureaucracy can be time consuming, and you don’t want to make any errors in the paperwork (even in Spanish). Specialists will also know how to navigate some of the government-run web pages, again saving time and money.

 

Be smart, engage in Spanish business culture

 

Have a fair grasp on what’s expected legally?

If so it’s time to dive into the culture, and the business culture! In Spain, you’ll encounter people walking the streets at all hours, packed cafes, banks that close at 2pm, and if it’s a business situation a handshake will do just fine – customary two kisses can be reserved for friendly acquaintances. Perhaps you will make one key initial contact through hiring a local import / export lawyer, or through another primary vendor. Regardless, the important thing is that you start making contacts.

The best way, of course, to see how your business is going to develop in Spain is to visit the country and establish relationships face to face. Building trust is a two-way street. An excellent way to introduce your business to the market is through participating in, or visiting trade fairs in Spain, see Association of Spanish Fairs.

Trade fairs can be very insightful events for gathering industry, market, and distributor information, and luckily there are many in Spain. If you would like to communicate in Spanish, and do not feel comfortable with the language, you can always hire a professional interpreter for the day.

 

Be smart, adapt your content for the Spanish consumer

 

With a legal foothold, and solid local partners you can begin to get the message out to consumers. Naturally, most companies depend greatly on their website, PR, advertising, direct marketing, and a whole host of content that will have to be adapted for the Spanish consumer. So be smart when choosing your professional translator. It’s another chance to build an advantageous relationship, and maximize a long-term, successful agreement.

You’ll want to focus the following when selecting a professional translator. Make sure your translator is a native Spanish speaker from Spain, they are an expert in your product or service, are a certified translator if the job requires it, are able to translate in the correct format required i.e. html for websites, and ask their availability or words per day they translate to coordinate deadlines.

You want your message to really resonate in Spain, so make it count. Hello Translator puts you in touch with professional translators, quickly and simply.

Smartly export to the Spanish market by maintaining legal documentation, engaging in business culture, and adapting messages for your Spanish audience. You will just keep building momentum from there!