Reliable Local Service Providers

Living in Spain

New to Spain? Here’s How to Find Reliable Local Service Providers

Moving to Spain is an exciting adventure—sunshine, culture, cuisine, and a slower pace of life. But whether you’re buying a home, starting a business, or just settling into your new life, one of the first real challenges many newcomers face is:
“How do I find trustworthy local service providers?”

Whether you need a plumber, electrician, lawyer, accountant, cleaning service, or even a fitness coach, knowing where and how to find reliable professionals is crucial for avoiding stress, saving money, and settling in smoothly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the smartest ways to find reputable service providers in Spain, especially as a foreigner unfamiliar with the local systems.

🧭 The Unique Challenge for Expats and Newcomers

Spain has a very different service culture than many other countries. Most professionals work as self-employed individuals (autónomos) or in small, informal businesses, and word-of-mouth is still a major way people find help.

As a newcomer, you may face:

  • Language barriers
  • Legal and regulatory confusion
  • Lack of transparency in pricing
  • Informal networks that are hard to access

But with the right tools and local know-how, you can quickly build a network of trusted service providers.

🔑 Step-by-Step: How to Find Reliable Local Services in Spain

✅ 1. Understand the Type of Service You Need

Start by clearly identifying the service and scope:

  • Is it technical (e.g. plumbing, electrical)?
  • Professional (legal, tax, architecture)?
  • Personal (cleaning, tutoring, fitness)?
  • Ongoing or one-time?

Knowing what you need will help you search more effectively and ask the right questions.

🔍 2. Use Trusted Local Platforms

There are now several digital platforms where you can find pre-vetted professionals in Spain:

🇪🇸 ServiceHero.es

Built specifically for Spain’s Costa del Sol region, ServiceHero lets you:

  • Post your job in English or Spanish
  • Get multiple offers from verified local pros
  • Read reviews from other users
    Perfect for anything from renovations to pet sitters.

🔧 Habitissimo

A national platform focused on home improvement. Many reviews, but mostly in Spanish.

👥 Facebook & WhatsApp Groups

Look for local expat communities like:

  • “Expats in Marbella”
  • “Costa del Sol Property Services”
    Ask for recommendations—but always verify credentials before hiring.

📱 Google Maps + Reviews

Search for services near you and read reviews. Be sure to check if the reviews are authentic and not just tourist-focused.

🗣️ 3. Ask the Right Questions

When you contact a service provider, ask:

  • Are you a registered autónomo or company?
  • Do you have liability insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil)?
  • Can you issue official invoices (facturas)?
  • Do you have references or reviews?

Professionals who hesitate to answer these questions are best avoided.

📑 4. Get Everything in Writing

Even for small jobs, always ask for:

  • A written quote (presupuesto)
  • Agreed scope of work
  • Expected delivery timeline
  • Payment terms
  • Invoice after payment

This protects you legally and improves communication—especially if there’s a language barrier.

🔁 5. Start Small and Build Trust

If you’re unsure about someone, start with a small task. See how they handle:

  • Communication
  • Punctuality
  • Quality of work
  • Transparency in pricing

Once trust is established, you can feel confident hiring them for bigger jobs or recommending them to others.

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For

  • No written quote or invoice
  • Cash-only deals (without documentation)
  • Vague descriptions of services
  • Pushy or evasive communication
  • Very low prices (often a sign of cutting corners)

If it feels off—walk away.

💡 Bonus: How to Deal with the Language Barrier

Many newcomers worry about not speaking fluent Spanish. Here’s how to manage:

  • Use platforms like ServiceHero that support bilingual communication
  • Hire bilingual professionals where possible
  • Use tools like Google Translate or DeepL for emails/texts
  • Bring a Spanish-speaking friend to meetings or calls
  • Learn basic vocabulary for the service you need (e.g. “electricista,” “fontanero,” “limpieza”)

Over time, this becomes easier—and locals often appreciate the effort.

🧾 Why Invoices and Legality Matter

Always request a factura (official invoice). Here’s why:

  • It proves the work was done professionally
  • It may be tax deductible for home improvements or self-employed individuals
  • It’s required if you want to file a complaint or claim a warranty
  • It protects you in case of accidents or disputes

Working with legal professionals also ensures compliance with Spanish laws and regulations.

🏁 Final Advice: Build a Local “Go-To List”

As you settle in Spain, build your own list of trusted local professionals:

  • Cleaner
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Painter
  • Lawyer
  • Accountant
  • Handyman
  • Translator or gestor

You’ll save time, reduce stress, and become more confident navigating life in Spain.

🤝 Find Reliable Services on the Costa del Sol with ServiceHero

If you’re living in or moving to Andalusia, especially the Costa del Sol, you don’t have to search alone.

At ServiceHero.es/en/, we help new residents connect with:

  • Verified, rated service providers
  • Clear pricing and timelines
  • Bilingual professionals
  • Help in English or Spanish

👉 Post your service need today and let the right professionals come to you.