Learning Spanish in Spain: Tips To Improve Your Spanish Skills
Moving to Spain often comes with exciting opportunities: a new role abroad, a career change, or simply the choice to enjoy a better work-life balance in Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia.
But one question remains the same: do you really need to learn Spanish? The answer is yes.
Even if many international companies operate in English, speaking Spanish will accelerate your integration, both professionally and personally. It makes daily life easier, builds trust with colleagues, and helps you feel at home faster.
And the good news? Spanish is accessible, practical to learn, and rewarding to use in everyday life.
Here are our recommendations for professionals arriving in Spain.
1. Make Spanish part of your daily routine
Instead of treating Spanish as “homework,” integrate it into your habits:
Switch your news apps or podcasts to Spanish.
Follow Spanish LinkedIn or Twitter accounts in your sector.
Read local newspapers (El País, La Vanguardia, El Mundo) during your commute.
This way, you don’t just learn the language, you also stay informed about the business and cultural context around you.
2. Start speaking early, even at work
Your Spanish won’t be perfect, and that’s fine. Ordering lunch in Spanish, greeting your colleagues with a few sentences, or making small talk in the elevator are low-pressure ways to practice. In a professional context, people value the effort, even if you mix English and Spanish.
3. Take structured courses adapted to professionals
If you’re working full-time, you probably can’t commit to 20 hours a week. Instead, look for semi-intensive evening or weekend classes in cities like:
Barcelona: Linguaschools, Don Quijote, International House
Madrid: Tandem Madrid, AIL Madrid
Valencia: Españolé International House, Taronja School
These schools often cater to professionals, with flexible schedules and small groups focused on communication.
4. Use real-life situations as practice
Unlike students, you already have countless natural contexts to learn:
Speaking with HR during onboarding.
Discussing utilities, bank accounts, or rentals.
Networking at afterwork events or conferences.
These everyday interactions will boost your vocabulary and give you confidence faster than memorizing grammar rules.
Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia all have vibrant expat communities, but don’t stay in an international bubble. Join:
Professional associations (Círculo de Economía, chambers of commerce).
Local meetups or afterworks (Internations, Meetup, LinkedIn events).
Sports or cultural activities (sailing in Barcelona, hiking around Madrid, paella workshops in Valencia).
Friendships with Spanish colleagues and locals will push you to use the language in authentic situations.
6. Use media strategically
Instead of bingeing Netflix randomly, pick content close to your interests:
Business podcasts like Lunes Inspiradores or Hoy en el País.
Spanish editions of international media (Forbes España, Expansión).
Series like La Casa de Papel or Élite for casual listening, mixed with news broadcasts for professional vocabulary.
7. Be patient, but consistent
As a working professional, you may not progress as quickly as a student. That’s normal. Aim for regular, realistic practice: 3–4 hours a week can make a huge difference in 6–12 months.
Our Final Recommendations for Newcomers
If you’re moving to:
Barcelona: learn both Spanish and a bit of Catalan. Spanish is enough for daily life and work, but Catalan opens doors socially.
Madrid: expect fast-paced conversations and excellent networking opportunities.
Valencia: a slightly slower rhythm, but a strong mix of Spanish and local traditions. Great city for combining career and lifestyle.
Learning Spanish as a professional in Spain isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about making life smoother, relationships richer, and careers stronger. Your colleagues will appreciate it, your clients will trust you more, and your experience in Spain will be far more rewarding.
Invest in Spanish. It’s not just a language skill, it’s your integration tool.
❓ FAQ: Moving to Spain and Learning Spanish as a Professional
Do I need Spanish to work in Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia? Not always, many international companies hire English-speaking professionals. But Spanish is essential if you want to grow your career long term, manage teams, or work with local clients.
How much Spanish do I need for daily life in Spain? Even basic Spanish will help enormously. Everyday tasks like renting an apartment, opening a bank account, or setting up utilities often require at least beginner-level Spanish. Colleagues and locals also appreciate the effort.
Is Catalan necessary if I live in Barcelona? Spanish is enough to live and work in Barcelona. However, learning some Catalan is a great gesture of respect and will help you connect more deeply with locals, especially outside international environments.
How long does it take to learn Spanish for work? With 3-4 hours of regular practice per week, most professionals reach conversational level in 6-12 months. If you take an intensive course and use Spanish daily, you can progress even faster.
What are the best ways to practice Spanish as a working professional?
Take semi-intensive evening or weekend courses.
Use Spanish in real-life contexts: colleagues, shops, networking events.
Mix professional content (Spanish podcasts, business news) with cultural media (series, films).
Join expat + local groups in Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia to practice socially.
