Finding your first clients in Spain as a newcomer

Key rules

• Best first source: Referrals from people who already know your work are the quickest route to a first client.
• Mix of channels: Combine contacts, coworking and events, platforms and Spanish-language presence rather than relying on one.
• Spanish level: Winning local Spanish clients usually needs business-level Spanish; English-only work is realistic in tech, startups and international firms.
• Platform fees: Platforms charge their own fees, which change often, so check current terms before you sign up.

Timings, platform fees and event details are general guidance and change often, so check each platform's or event's current terms before relying on them.

Start with people you already know

Your fastest first client is usually someone who already trusts you. Contact former employers and colleagues, tell them what you now offer, and ask directly for introductions. Referrals and former contacts typically produce a first client within one to three months of active effort.

Cold outreach and platforms often take three to six months. Run them alongside your contacts, not instead of them.

Use a mix of channels

No single channel is enough. Use all four, and give each a regular slot in your week:

1. Your network. Referrals first, then LinkedIn messages to people in your sector in Spain.
2. Coworking and local events. Clients come from repeat contact, referrals from coworking neighbours, and chamber or sector events, not from one-off attendance. Pick two or three places and keep going back.
3. Platforms. They give you visibility and a first review while your network builds.
4. Spanish-language presence. A Spanish profile and a Spanish pitch open doors that English alone does not.

Where to meet people

Coworking spaces such as WeWork, Impact Hub (Madrid, Barcelona), Utopicus and Talent Garden are good places to start. Add Meetup groups, Internations events and Chamber of Commerce events (British, German and American chambers, for example). Startup events such as 4YFN and South Summit suit tech and creative work.

Local autónomo associations, such as ATA and UPTA, also connect you with other self-employed people. This advice fits best in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other large cities.

Choose platforms that fit your work

• Professional services (IT, design, consulting): LinkedIn, Malt and Upwork. Malt charges the freelancer a commission.
• Small, clearly defined jobs: Fiverr suits low-cost creative and digital tasks.
• General global work: Upwork and Freelancer.com, both fee-based.
• Spanish-speaking markets: InfoJobs Freelance and Workana.
• Senior developers and designers: Toptal.

Each platform sets its own fees and changes them often, so read the current terms before you sign up.

How much Spanish you need

Aim for roughly B2 level if you want Spanish-based clients. This matters most with small and medium businesses, public bodies and traditional sectors, where calls, contracts and invoices are in Spanish.

English-only work is realistic in tech, startups, international companies, translation, marketing aimed at foreign markets, and with expat clients. A2 to B1 may be enough there. Many newcomers also serve foreign clients remotely and need little Spanish.

Even if you work in English, put a Spanish version of your LinkedIn profile and a short Spanish pitch in place. It shows you are serious about the local market.

A simple order to follow

1. Message your former contacts this week and ask for referrals.
2. Set up your LinkedIn and one or two platform profiles, in English and Spanish.
3. Join one coworking space or regular event and attend it often.
4. Send a few personal outreach messages each week.
5. Keep working on your Spanish alongside all of this.

The timeline and FAQ below cover timing and common questions.

Timeline and deadlines

• Contact former employers, colleagues and your personal network and ask for referrals: From the first week, with a first client usually within 1 to 3 months of active effort

• Attend coworking and local events regularly and message people on LinkedIn: In the first 1 to 3 months, and keep going

• Set up profiles on platforms such as Malt or Upwork and send cold outreach: Alongside your network work; these often take 3 to 6 months to produce a first client

Frequently asked questions

Does going to networking events actually bring clients?

Yes, but only when you keep showing up, because clients come from repeat contact and referrals rather than one-off attendance. Coworking neighbours, chamber of commerce events and sector events are the best places to build that. Local autónomo associations such as ATA and UPTA are also worth a look.

How much Spanish do I need to win Spanish clients?

You need roughly B2 Spanish for most Spanish-based clients, especially small businesses, public bodies and traditional sectors. Contracts, invoices and calls are usually in Spanish there. English-only work is realistic in tech, startups, international companies and with expat clients, where A2 to B1 may be enough.

Which platforms suit professional services and which suit small jobs?

Malt and Upwork suit professional services, while Fiverr suits small, fixed-price jobs. Malt is strong for IT, design and consulting. Each platform charges its own fees, so compare them before you sign up.

Should I start with platforms or with my own contacts?

Start with your own contacts, because referrals and former colleagues usually produce a first client within 1 to 3 months. Platforms and cold outreach often take 3 to 6 months. Use platforms alongside your contacts, not instead of them.