For the second consecutive month, Spain has reached a historic record in the number of foreign nationals affiliated with its Social Security system. In June 2025, the total number of foreign affiliates rose to 3,096,015, representing an increase of 25,184 compared to the previous month (May 2025)—accounting for one third of the jobs created that month. Overall, foreign workers now represent 14.2% of all contributors to the system.
⏺️ Key sectors employing foreign workers
The Spanish economy continues to absorb a significant amount of foreign labor, especially in strategic sectors. According to data from June 2025, the sectors with the highest concentration of foreign affiliates are:
- Hospitality (29.3%), crucial during the tourist season
- Agriculture (26.6%), with high labor demand during harvest periods
- Construction (22.3%), where foreign workers support a large share of residential and infrastructure development
- Administrative Services (17.2%) and Real Estate (14.8%), increasingly diversified
- Information and Communication (12.2%) and Scientific and Technical Activities (10%), reflecting the rising demand for skilled international talent in tech and innovation
- Artistic and Cultural Activities (11.2%), where professional diversity has also gained ground
Beyond these figures, year-on-year growth in specific sectors is notable. Fields such as Transportation and Storage (+26.5%), Water Supply (+12%), Agriculture (+10.5%), Construction (+10.1%), and Manufacturing (+8.9%) stand above the average. Additionally, there is growing momentum in Financial Services (+8.3%), Scientific and Technical Activities (+6.5%), and Information and Communication (+5.5%), confirming the expansion of high-value-added sectors.
💡 At ARC Legal Abogados, we support both foreign workers seeking legal access to the Spanish labor market and companies or startups looking to hire international talent. We manage all legal procedures related to:
– Advising companies on the recruitment of foreign workers
– Residence and work permits for employees
– Authorizations for highly qualified professionals and executives
– Visas and authorizations for researchers, scientists, and technical staff
⏺️ Record high in foreign self-employed workers
Foreign entrepreneurship continues to reach record highs in Spain. In June 2025, the number of self-employed foreign nationals climbed to 486,894, marking a 6.8% increase compared to the same month in 2024 and confirming a steady upward trend.
This growth is not only quantitative but also qualitative. The rise in self-employment has been especially significant in highly skilled sectors, reflecting an increasingly diverse and specialized entrepreneurial profile. Noteworthy examples include:
- Information and Communication, with a +30.6% year-on-year increase, driven by tech professionals, developers, digital marketers, UX/UI designers, and cybersecurity experts
- Scientific and Technical Activities, up by +17.6%, including consultants, engineers, researchers, and other skilled professionals
This group also accounts for 88.3% of the total increase in self-employment recorded in June—further evidence of the vital contribution of foreign entrepreneurship to the Spanish economy.
Spain is rapidly consolidating its status as a top destination for international entrepreneurs, thanks to its growing digital ecosystem, strong connections with Europe and Latin America, and rising demand for professional services in emerging sectors.
💡 At ARC Legal Abogados, we provide specialized legal support to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and foreign professionals who wish to settle legally in Spain and launch their businesses. Our services include:
– Registration of foreign self-employed workers
– Residence permit applications for self-employment
– Company incorporation and legal structuring
– Visa management under the Entrepreneurs Law (Law 14/2013)
– Full legal assistance with immigration formalities
If you’re planning to start a business or work as a freelancer in Spain, contact our firm and we’ll help you begin your activity legally and confidently.
⏺️ Diversity, gender, and origin
The foreign workforce in Spain reflects a reality that is increasingly diverse, inclusive, and balanced, both in terms of geography, gender, and professional background.
Currently, 31% of foreign affiliates come from EU countries, while the remaining 69% are nationals of third countries, confirming Spain’s role as a destination for both intra-European and global mobility.
The countries with the highest number of foreign affiliates are:
- Morocco (the leading country of origin)
- Romania
- Colombia
- Italy
- Venezuela
- China
This group includes both EU and non-EU nationals, with a wide range of professional profiles—from laborers in traditional sectors to highly qualified professionals in tech, consultancy, or entrepreneurship.
There is also a positive gender trend. In June 2025, women made up 43.4% of all foreign contributors. This figure not only shows greater female participation in the Spanish labor market, but also reflects progress toward gender equity in migrant employment. The share has grown steadily in recent years, marking a lasting shift.
This diversity of origin, gender, and qualifications not only enriches the labor market but also strengthens social cohesion and boosts Spain’s economic competitiveness.
⏺️ How can ARC Legal help you?
At ARC Legal Abogados, we understand the opportunities and challenges that foreign nationals face when they seek to work, start a business, or hire employees in Spain. Whether you’re planning to regularize your status, launch a freelance career, or hire foreign staff for your company, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
We offer tailored legal advice on:
– Work permits for employees or self-employed professionals
– Spanish nationality by residence
– Status modifications from stay to residence
– Business creation and freelance registration for foreigners
– Residence permits for family members of foreign workers
Contact our firm and let us support you through every step of the legal process—whatever your starting point may be.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: España supera los 3 millones de afiliados extranjeros a la Seguridad Social por segundo mes consecutivo
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Although we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, immigration regulations are subject to change and interpretation by competent authorities. For personalized legal guidance, we recommend consulting a qualified immigration lawyer.