Country Profile

Spain, is situated in the southwestern europe on iberian peninsula. Since 1986, spain is an active participant of european union. Spain has the total area of 504,782 sq km which makes it as the second largest country in western europe. The nation has an average altitude of 650m, which recognize it as the second highest country in europe. Spain has the parliamentary monarchy with the ninth largest economy in the world. The spanish economy has registered a booming growth with GDP of $1.362 trillion at 3.8% growth rate. Spain has a huge industrial hub comprising textile, food & beverages, metal, chemical, automobile, pharmaceutical and medical equipment, which is growing at 3% growth rate. Spain has earned $248.3 billion with an export of machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical and foodstuffs.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• The economy boomed between 1986 and 1990.
• Agricultural sector mainly contributes to the growth (fruits, vegetables and olive oil).
• Developed manufacturing industry, mainly textiles, food-processing, iron and steel, mechanical building and naval engineering sectors.
• Second most favoured tourist destination in the world.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Machinery, Motor Vehicles, Foodstuffs, Pharmaceuticals, Medicines, Wine (3rd largest producer in the world), Fruits, Vegetables and Olive Oil (world's top producer).

Main Destinations of Exports
France, Germany, Portugal, UK, Italy, US

Major Import Items
Machinery and Equipment, Fuels, Chemicals, Semi Finished Goods, Foodstuffs, Consumer Goods, Measuring and Medical Control Instruments.

Main Origins of Imports
Germany, France, Italy, UK, Netherlands

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules
The allowable activities of business visitors are limited to the following:

• To attend any business meetings or discussions;
• To attend any sales calls to potential client in Spain;
• To attend any seminars or "fact-finding" meetings.

The following are the requirements for Business Visitors:

• Business Visitors must have a residence and an employer outside of Spain, he/she must not be in any manner subordinate to the management of the entity doing business in Spain, and he/she must be traveling to Spain for a limited and pre-set time period.
• Business Visitors must not receive any compensation from sources within Spain; however, incidental expenses like accommodation, travel, and meals may be paid by the host.
• Business Visitors must have evidence of adequate funds to defray expenses while on the business visit.
• Business Visitors must have a specific, realistic and pre-determined plans for his or her stay in Spain.
• The period of intended stay of the visitor must be consistent with the intended purpose of the trip.

Note :-

• Business Visitors from countries where a visa is required must present supporting letters and other documents as evidence of the purpose and intended duration of their trip before they may be granted a Business Visitor Visa to enter Spain.
• The validity of the visa is 90 days within given 180 days period. Usually extension is not granted.
• No special visa category to allow foreigner to perform technical activities. It requires a work permit.

Business Hours
9.00 am to 2.00 pm & 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm - Shops (Monday to Saturday).
Note :- Office hours are generally the same as the shops but they do not open on Saturdays.

Public Holidays