Spain’s Social Security system registered 3,100,999 foreign workers in October (seasonally adjusted series). For the first time, the number of foreign contributors exceeds 3.1 million, consolidating the steady growth observed in recent months.
Over the past year, the number of foreign workers has increased by 206,837 people, representing an annual growth rate of +7.15%, well above the pace of the system as a whole.
In the original series (monthly average), the number of foreign workers stands at 3,101,500, an annual increase of +7.2%, almost five percentage points higher than the total workforce, which grew by +2.4% over the same period.
⏺️ Autonomous Communities with the strongest growth
The regions with the highest annual increases in foreign worker affiliation are:
- Asturias (+21.7%)
- Galicia (+15.5%)
- Extremadura (+15.4%)
- Castilla y León (+11.5%)
Except for Extremadura, all these regions had the highest average ages in Spain in 2024, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE), highlighting the crucial generational renewal provided by migrant workers.
While foreign workers represent 14.2% of all contributors nationwide, their share in these regions is lower (between 7% and 10.4%). Even so, their role is essential for the economic and demographic sustainability of these territories.
⏺️ Women’s growing contribution
Women now account for 43.1% of all foreign workers, with 1,335,803 female contributors. Their presence continues to increase both in traditional sectors and in higher-skilled occupations.
⏺️ General regime and sectors with the highest foreign worker presence
A total of 83.9% of foreign contributors are registered under the General Regime, representing 2,601,143 workers. Their presence is particularly significant in:
- Hospitality: 29.2%
- Agriculture: 25.4%
- Construction: 23%
- Administrative Activities: ~18%
- Transport: ~18%
Sectoral diversification among foreign workers continues to strengthen. The most notable annual increases are found in:
- Transport: +32.9%
- Water Supply: +14.7%
- Construction: +12.5%
- Agriculture: +10.5%
- Manufacturing Industry: +9.2%
- Financial Activities: +8.7%
- Public Administration: +8.5%
- Healthcare: +7.8%
- Commerce: +7.6%
- Administrative and Support Services: +7.5%
Growth is also strong in higher value-added sectors:
- Financial Activities: +8.7%
- Information and Communications: +5.9%
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities: +5.5%
⏺️ Main countries of origin
The top three countries contributing foreign workers to the Spanish labour market are:
- Morocco: 365,089
- Romania: 340,449
- Colombia: 251,084
⏺️ Record growth among self-employed foreign workers
The number of self-employed foreign workers reached a new high in October: 494,246, an annual increase of +6.6%, far exceeding the overall growth rate of +1.1%.
This increase is especially notable in highly qualified sectors:
- Information and Communications: +27%
- Energy Supply: +23.6%
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities: +18.8%
- Financial and Insurance Activities: +13.8%
The continued rise of foreign entrepreneurship confirms its growing importance in the digital economy and innovation-driven services.
💡 At ARC Legal Abogados, we offer specialised advice for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and foreign professionals who wish to legally establish themselves in Spain and start their activity. We handle:
– Registration of foreign self-employed workers
– Applications for residence permits for self-employment
– Advice on company and business incorporation
– Visa applications under the Entrepreneurs’ Law (Law 14/2013)
– Full support throughout all immigration procedures
If you are considering starting a business or working as a freelancer in Spain, contact our firm and we will help you start your activity legally and safely.
⏺️ How can ARC Legal help you?
The contribution of foreign workers to Spain’s economy is undeniable—not only in quantitative terms but also in terms of quality. Their presence in strategic sectors and growing participation in high value-added activities enhances the country’s growth potential and competitiveness.
At ARC Legal, we advise both companies and workers on all matters related to work permits, residence, and legalisation in Spain. If you are a foreign worker or employer and need legal guidance, we can help you find the best solution for your case.
We provide personalised advice on:
- Work permits for employees or the self-employed
- Spanish nationality by residence
- Status modifications from student stay to residence
- Self-employment registration and company incorporation
- Residence for family members of workers
Contact our firm and we will assist you with all your legal procedures in Spain, regardless of your starting point.
Related publications
- What is the List of Occupations of Difficult Coverage in Spain? (Q3 2025 update)
- How to get a temporary residence authorization with work permit exemption in Spain
- Residence Permits in the EU in 2024: Decline in employment-based permits, Student mobility rises
Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: Datos de afiliación de extranjeros a la Seguridad Social: octubre 2025
The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate data, immigration regulations are subject to change and interpretation by the relevant authorities. For personalised and updated advice, we recommend consulting with a specialised lawyer.