25 business ideas to start as an expat in Spain - SpainDesk (2023)

Are you stationed in Spain and want to start your own business and make your mark on the vibrant Spanish market?Spain offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, and with the right ideas and strategies, you can succeed in this exciting environment. In this article, we will explore 25 business ideas to start as an expat in Spain that will help you enter the local market and fulfill your business dreams.

Spain: The ideal destination

Spain is an attractive destination for expats who want to start their own small business. As it has a vibrant tourist culture, many retail establishments have sprung up around popular areas to cater to holidaymakers and locals alike. From food-related businesses to clothing stores or souvenir shops, there are plenty of opportunities to tap into local scenes while enjoying a rewarding expat experience in Spain.

1. Designer clothes

If you are creative, clothing design is a great business opportunity in Spain.Fashionable clothes are in high demand, so if you like the style, take advantage of it. You can open your store or sell online to take advantage of the Spanish market and more. Customers pay a lot for unique jewelry, so it's a great way to make your mark in the fashion world.

2. Create online courses

Creating online courses is probably the biggest source of passive income for an expat in Spain. This allows you toshare your expertise, knowledge and skills with the world through digital technologyand generate passive income. You can do this through your own subscription page or go to Udemy and create an online course. There are thousands of topics you can start teaching and you have unlimited options to go as deep as you need to learn the right topic.

3. Business travel guide

The Spanish coast, let's sayCosta del Sol, is a popular tourist destination and offers the opportunity to open a travel guide business. You can make an offerguided tours, city tours or historical toursto make the Spanish experience even more pleasant for guests. You can also provide transportation services and give tourists a more comfortable experience while exploring the country.

4. Create a content site

If you are looking for an affordable business idea and the possibility to work from home, look no further than a content website in Spain! To start, choose a niche that is not too crowded with blog posts from other sites. Frombe creative about topics that will bring value and apply some SEO techniques.With enough effort, your website will attract more traffic on a daily basis, which means it's time to start making money. Consider using Google Adsense or offering advertising space directly to partner companies that can benefit from your site's partnership.

5. Laundry service business

This is one of the simplest business ideas to start in Spain as an expat and it can be very profitable. You just need a few washing machines, a dryer and some Spanish-speaking staff to get started. Once your business is up and running, you can bidadditional services such as ironing or even door-to-door service.The idea is to give your customers convenience, making them more likely to remain loyal.

6. Become a language teacher

Although English is still the main language that Spanish people try to learn, there are many todaypeople want to learn more languages.In this case, if you are an expert in German, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Hindi, French or Italian(or other language), then there will be no shortage of enthusiastic students who want to learn from you.

7. Enterprise Polytechnitis

Every Spaniard needs a handyman at some point and this is a good company to start in Spain if you are handy with DIY projects. You can make an offerplumbing, painting, carpentry and electricity.The Spanish market is always looking for reliable, high quality craftsmen.

8. Café in café

In Spain, cafes are more than just places to grab a quick cup of coffee, and they areplaces where people gather to relax, read and chat with friends. Opening your own cafe or coffee shop is a great way to bring Spanish culture into your home.

9. Souvenir shop

Thousands of tourists undoubtedly flock to Spain throughout the year. There is something for everyone: Barcelona and Madrid, walking tours or food tours. However, one activity is constant among them all: souvenir shopping. If you plan strategically andchoose a suitable location that is central but also affordable for rental prices,then your demand as a shop owner will be high. Finding this balance between accessibility and financial cost can successfully promote your business to both the Spanish population and tourists.

10. Food truck

This is a great business opportunity for expats with a passion for cooking. You can do that by setting up a food truckbring your traditional meals to different places.You can easily adapt the menu to Spanish tastes and local specialties.

11. Open a travel agency

Everyone loves to travel and Spain is a great destination for Spaniards and foreigners alike. If you're passionate about helping people plan the perfect Spanish vacation, opening a travel agency could be your ticket to success in Spain. If a business idea is worthwhile,it should be about selling experiences, not products or services.As an expat in Spain, you are in a unique position to take advantage of this and offer travel packages that specifically cater to the needs and wants of visitors from around the world. You know exactly what impressed you while you were exploring Spain. now share the same unforgettable experiences with others. You can arrange everything from flights, accommodation and car hire to excursions and local activities.

12. Ice cream shop

Because of the heat, ice cream is a favorite Spanish treat, so starting an ice cream shop in Spain can be very profitable. It is a relatively cheap business to start and fixed costs are low. If you choose to make your ice cream from scratch,you can customize flavors that use Spanish ingredients like olive oil, almond milk or churros crumbles. You can even offer vegan options for those with dietary restrictions. With a little creativity and hard work, you can create an ice cream shop that is popular with locals and tourists alike.

13. Spa-service

Spas offer services to improve health and beauty through personal care treatments. Spa services range from manicures to pedicures and massages to facials. You can start a spa business in Spain that caters to locals and tourists.With the right marketing strategy, you can set your spa business apart from the competition.

14. Translator

Spain is known for its tourism and attracts travelers from all corners of the world every year. Since visitors prefer to communicate in their native language, this creates a great opportunity for translators.You can serve as a translator during any travel-related activity or explore other exciting opportunities for you.

Choosing the path of a freelance translator opens up countless possibilities. Whether it's website content or promotional material, your skills can be used to create multilingual publications and deliver messages around the world. Since Spain has many languages, you can specialize in Spanish translations, Spanish-English translations or even Spanish-French and Spanish-German. If you are multilingual with experience in more than one language, then this could be the perfect business opportunity for you to explore.

15. Organic Meals Coffee/Rest

Healthy eating is no longer a trend – it's an international craze, especially in Spain. If you have the ambition and vision to make a difference in the health market, open a restaurant or cafe specializing in healthy cuisine. You are sure to create your own niche by providing people with nutritious food options to enjoy. Organic ingredients are now widely available, but it is necessarymake sure you understand Spanish food laws and regulations as wellSpanish taste in food.

16. Digital Marketing Agency

This is one of the most prosperous companies in the world. Spain is no exception. As the Spanish economy grows, Spaniards are turning to digital marketing to help them reach their desired target audience.If you have a background in social media and digital marketing, this could be the perfect business opportunity for you.You can offer services such as web design, search engine optimization, content creation, social media management and blogging to Spanish companies to improve their online visibility and brand recognition. The Spanish market is still relatively new, so there is a great opportunity for you to create your own niche in the digital marketing industry.

17. Start a destination wedding service

Spain has some amazing destinations where couples can get married.You can help couples decide on their wedding while on holiday in Spain or even organize the wedding yourself.For this type of business, you need to be good at Spanish, know local laws and regulations, and know how to communicate with local professionals such as florists and photographers. You should also get all the necessary documents, such as the execution of the event.

18. Driver

Do you know all the hidden gems in Spain?As an expat, why not use your knowledge to help tourists explore the country further?You can start your own tour guide business and take people of different nationalities to the most beautiful places in Spain.You can arrange walking, cycling or motorbike tours - whatever suits your customers best. With the right business setup, you can help tourists experience Spain like a local and make money at the same time.

19. Start a hotel business

Every state with a tourist destination needs a hotel. If you have the necessary resources and experience, this could be your chance to become a hotelier in Spain.By adding breakfast to an offer, you can attract more businessbecause most people prefer hotel meals, especially in the morning.

20. Become a personal trainer

Another good business idea to start as an expat in Spain is to become a personal trainer. As more and more people become health conscious,there is a growing demand for personal trainers.You can offer services like exercise sessions, personal training, nutritional advice and so on to help peoplekeep fit and healthy.

21. Start a car rental service

If you are looking for a profitable business idea to start as an expat in Spain, consider starting a car rental service. As more and more people travel to Spain, there is great potential for business in this area. You can offer luxury cars or budget cars for rent to tourists.You must have a valid business license and a fleet of vehicles(or a partnership with an existing car rental company)to make this business a success.

22. Start a trading company

Another good business idea to start as an expat in Spain is to set up a trading company. You can import or export goods from abroad to other countries, depending on the demand in Spain.This is a lucrative business opportunity and requires some initial investment.You must know the applicable laws and regulations for establishing a commercial business in Spain and be familiar with the local market.

23. Become a Freelance Social Media Manager

Social media is now an essential part of any company's marketing strategy, and many companies are now looking to outsource their social media management tasks. As an Expat, you can use your skills and knowledge to become a freelance social media manager for Spanish companies.You must be proficient in using various social media platforms and have some marketing experience to make this business work.

24. Become an AI consultant

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way companies operate today, and there is huge potential for AI consultants in Spain. As an AI consultantYou should help companies understand and implement AI solutions to improve their business processes.You need a good understanding of the latest AI technology trends and knowledge of the Spanish market. This is a great online business to start and make money in Spain as an expat.

25. Cleaning company

The best business ideas to start as an expat in Spain include a cleaning company. Cleaning is always in demand, especially with the busy lifestyle many of us lead.You can offer various services such as washing windows, carpets, upholstery, cars etc.You can also offer laundry or cleaning services. This is an affordable business to start and you don't need a lot of capital or experience to get started.

A word from SpainDesk

Starting a business in Spain as an expat can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. With a wide range of business ideas to explore, from entering the tourism industry to opening a restaurant, starting a language school, starting a freelance career or creating an e-commerce business, there are many opportunities for success. By combining your unique skills, passion and deep understanding of the local market, you can pave the way for a thriving business venture in Spain. So take the plunge, unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and embark on a remarkable journey to the land of opportunity.

Disclaimer:The information on this page may be incomplete or out of date. The information provided should under no circumstances be considered professional legal or financial advice. We strongly recommend that you seek the advice of a legal or financial expert if you do not have extensive knowledge or experience in dealing with any of the procedures described in these articles.