Spain’s Social Security system registered 3,067,780 foreign affiliates in September (seasonally adjusted). Once again, the number of foreign workers contributing to the system remains above three million, after adding more than 200,000 workers over the past twelve months (+202,694), representing a 7.07% year-on-year increase.
In the original series (average affiliation), the total number of foreign workers reached 3,088,341, a 7.1% annual increase, nearly five points higher than the overall system’s growth (+2.4%) in the past year.
The autonomous communities leading this growth are Asturias (+20.8%), Galicia (+14.8%), and Castilla y León (+13%), which also recorded the highest average ages in Spain in 2024, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). In these regions, the share of foreign workers represents between 7% and 10% of all affiliates, compared to 14.2% nationwide.
Meanwhile, women now represent 43.2% of all foreign workers, with 1,333,863 women registered in the system.
⏺️ Sectors with the highest presence of foreign workers
A total of 83.9% of foreign affiliates are registered under Spain’s General Regime, accounting for 2,591,246 workers. Their presence is particularly significant in key sectors of the Spanish economy:
- Hospitality (29.7%)
- Agriculture (26.2%)
- Construction (22.5%)
- Administrative Activities (17%)
- Transport (17%)
The diversification of occupations among foreign workers continues to grow, with notable increases in:
- Transport (+31.6%)
- Water Supply (+14%)
- Commerce (+12.1%)
- Financial Activities (+8.3%)
- Administrative Activities (+7.7%)
💡 At ARC Legal Abogados, we support both foreign workers who wish to legally join the Spanish labour market and companies or startups looking to attract international talent. We provide comprehensive management of all procedures related to:
– Legal advice for companies wishing to hire foreign workers
– Work and residence permits for employees
– Authorisations for highly qualified professionals and executive staff
– Visas and permits for researchers, scientists and technical personnel
⏺️ Origin and nationalities
Morocco remains the leading country of origin, with over 350,000 contributors, followed by Romania (337,000) and Colombia (253,000).
⏺️ New record for self-employed foreign workers
Self-employment among foreign nationals reached a new record high in September, with 490,717 self-employed individuals, a 6.8% increase compared with last year. This growth is far above the overall rate for all affiliates, which stands at +1.1%.
The increase is particularly relevant in highly skilled sectors, where self-employed foreign workers have grown by 27.9% in Information and Communications, 24.3% in Energy Supply, and 18.5% in Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities.
💡 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: septiembre 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.