Spain’s Social Security system has once again recorded a historic high in the number of foreign workers affiliated with the system. According to the latest figures published by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, the average number of foreign workers affiliated in May reached 3,359,548, representing an increase of 111,301 compared to the previous month and 288,717 more than in May 2025.
These figures highlight an increasingly evident reality: foreign workers play a fundamental role in Spain’s economic growth and job creation. Their presence extends across virtually all sectors of the economy and is particularly significant in strategic industries that support the country’s development.
⏺️ More than 900,000 new Foreign Affiliates since 2022
The data reflects a sustained trend over recent years. After adjusting for seasonal and calendar effects, Spain’s Social Security system currently records 3,251,519 foreign affiliates, following the addition of more than 279,000 contributors over the last twelve months.
Since May 2022, the number of foreign workers affiliated with the Social Security system has increased by more than 900,000 people. This growth has positioned the foreign workforce as one of the main drivers of Spain’s labor market.
In fact, 43.4% of all jobs created in Spain since the implementation of the labor market reform correspond to foreign workers, demonstrating their growing contribution to the country’s economic development.
⏺️ Morocco, Romania, and Colombia lead Foreign Affiliation figures
In terms of nationality, Morocco remains the country with the highest number of foreign workers affiliated with Spain’s Social Security system, exceeding 420,000 contributors.
The main nationalities by number of affiliates are:
- Morocco: 420,939 affiliates
- Romania: 355,087 affiliates
- Colombia: 291,371 affiliates
- Venezuela: 231,635 affiliates
- Italy: 220,474 affiliates
- China: 130,777 affiliates
- Peru: 114,264 affiliates
- Ukraine: 83,049 affiliates
Approximately 30% of foreign affiliates come from European Union Member States, while the remaining workers are nationals of third countries.
⏺️ Sectors where Foreign Workers play a critical role
Although foreign workers now account for more than 15% of all Social Security affiliates in Spain, their presence is particularly significant in several economic sectors.
Notable examples include:
- Hospitality: 30.4% of affiliates
- Agriculture: 28.8%
- Construction: 25.1%
- Administrative activities: 18.1%
- Transportation and storage: 17.9%
Foreign workers also represent a substantial share of contributors in special Social Security schemes:
- Household Employees Scheme: 44.22%
- Agricultural Scheme: 42.4%
These figures clearly demonstrate the importance of labor migration in addressing workforce needs across key sectors of the Spanish economy.
⏺️ Greater job stability and lower temporary employment rates
The data also shows a continued consolidation of stable employment among foreign workers.
Currently, 88.5% of foreign workers affiliated with the Social Security system hold permanent contracts, a figure significantly higher than that recorded before the labor market reform.
At the same time, the temporary employment rate among foreign workers has fallen to a historic low of 11.5%, even below the rate recorded among Spanish nationals.
This evolution reflects greater job stability and an increasingly solid integration of foreign workers into the Spanish labor market.
⏺️ Foreign entrepreneurship continues to grow in high-skilled sectors
The contribution of foreign nationals to Spain’s economy extends beyond traditional employment relationships.
The number of self-employed foreign workers has now reached 519,137, representing a 7.25% increase compared to the previous year.
Particularly noteworthy is the growing presence of foreign entrepreneurs in highly qualified and high-value-added sectors.
Among the industries with the highest representation are:
- Telecommunications and computer programming: 32.4%
- Household activities: 27%
- Hospitality: 25.5%
- Administrative activities: 18.6%
- Real estate activities: 18.4%
- Construction: 18.1%
The growth of foreign entrepreneurship, together with the increasing arrival of highly qualified professionals and digital nomads, highlights Spain’s ability to attract international talent and strengthen its position as a leading destination for investment, innovation, and business development.
⏺️ An increasingly relevant reality for Spain’s immigration system
The sustained growth in foreign worker affiliation underscores the close relationship between immigration policies and the needs of the Spanish labor market.
The incorporation of foreign workers, entrepreneurs, international students, highly qualified professionals, and digital nomads will continue to be essential in addressing the demographic and economic challenges Spain is expected to face in the coming years.
The latest Social Security figures confirm that the foreign population continues to play a key role in job creation, the sustainability of the social protection system, and Spain’s overall economic growth.
⏺️ Do you need advice on Residence and Work Authorization in Spain?
At ARC Legal, we assist foreign workers, international students, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, digital nomads, and companies seeking to hire international talent in Spain.
If you require information regarding residence and work permits, visas, the hiring of foreign workers, or any other immigration-related procedure, our team can help you assess your situation and identify the most suitable strategy for your project in Spain.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: La Seguridad Social suma más de 3,35 millones de afiliados extranjeros en mayo de 2026
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, immigration regulations may change and may be interpreted differently by the relevant authorities. For personalized and updated legal advice, we recommend consulting with a specialized immigration lawyer.