In July, Spain’s Social Security system recorded a total of 3,096,015 foreign affiliates, confirming that for yet another month, the number of workers from other countries exceeds three million. Over the past twelve months, this group has added nearly 200,000 jobs, consolidating its role as a key pillar of the Spanish labour market.
Compared to July 2018, the number of foreign contributors has increased by 1,069,456 people, now accounting for 14.2% of all affiliates in the system. Since the labour reform came into effect, over 40% of all new jobs created have been filled by foreign workers.
In seasonally adjusted terms, the number of foreign affiliates is just shy of three million (2,999,225), up by 7,602 from the previous month, representing 14% of all contributors. Women now account for 43.4% of foreign workers, with 1,337,730 female affiliates.
⏺️ Sectors with the highest presence of foreign workers
Eighty-four percent of foreign affiliates are enrolled in the General Regime, with 2,597,825 workers. The sectors with the highest concentration of foreign employment are:
- Hospitality (29.9%)
- Activities of Organisations and Extraterritorial Bodies (28.3%)
- Agriculture (25.2%)
- Construction (22.3%)
- Administrative Activities (17.6%)
- Transport and Storage (17.4%)
- Real Estate Activities (14.7%)
- Information and Communications (12.2%)
- Artistic Activities (11.2%)
- Scientific and Technical Activities (10%)
Foreign employment has grown by 6.9% over the past year. Sectors showing the strongest increases include Transport and Storage (30.2%), Water Supply (12.6%), Construction (10.8%), Manufacturing (9.3%) and Extractive Industries (9.2%). High value-added activities have also seen notable growth: Financial Activities (8.1%), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (6.3%), and Information and Communications (5.7%).
💡 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
Thirty-one percent of foreign affiliates come from European Union countries. By nationality, Morocco tops the list, followed by Romania, Colombia, Italy, Venezuela and China.
⏺️ New record for self-employed foreign workers
The number of self-employed foreign workers reached a historic high in July, with 486,905 individuals—6.4% more than a year ago. Growth is particularly significant in highly skilled sectors: Information and Communications (29.7%) and Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (17.7%). In the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers, foreigners accounted for more than 88% of employment growth last month.
💡 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
- Spanish Nationality by residency – Second quarter 2025 overview
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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.