Spain’s Social Security system recorded 3,047,089 foreign workers in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, once again consolidating the figure of more than three million employees from other countries. Over the past twelve months, this group has added 197,091 new contributors, representing a 6.9% year-on-year increase. Foreign workers now account for 14.05% of all contributors to the system.
Since the entry into force of the labor market reform, more than 40% of new jobs created in Spain have been taken up by foreign nationals, highlighting their growing importance in the labor market.
Women continue to strengthen their role in the foreign workforce, reaching 1,329,995 affiliates in August, which represents 43.3% of the total.
⏺️ Sectors with the highest presence of foreign workers
A total of 83.9% of foreign affiliates are registered under the General Regime, amounting to 2,575,046 workers. The sectors with the highest concentration of foreign workers in August were:
- Hospitality (30%)
- Activities of Extraterritorial Organizations and Bodies (28.7%)
- Agriculture (24.5%)
- Construction (22.2%)
- Administrative Activities (17.7%)
- Transport and Storage (17.1%)
- Real Estate Activities (14.7%)
- Information and Communications (12.3%)
- Artistic Activities (11.8%)
- Scientific and Technical Activities (10%)
Over the last twelve months, foreign employment has grown above the 6.9% average in several strategic sectors. The strongest increases were observed in:
- Transport and Storage (+30.9%)
- Water Supply (+13.1%)
- Construction (+11.4%)
- Extractive Industries (+10.5%)
- Manufacturing Industry (+9.6%)
Sectors with higher added value also showed significant growth, including: Financial Activities (+8.1%), Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (+5.7%), and Information and Communications (+5.6%).
💡 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
30.5% of foreign affiliates come from EU countries. By nationality, the largest groups are from Morocco, Romania, Colombia, Italy, Venezuela, and China.
⏺️ New record for self-employed foreign workers
Foreign self-employment reached a new historic record in August with 487,601 individuals, representing a 6.5% increase compared to last year.
The rise is particularly notable in highly skilled sectors. In the past year, self-employed foreign workers increased by 28.5% in Information and Communications and by 18.1% 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: agosto 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.