Spain’s Social Security system recorded an average of 3,088,341 foreign workers registered in September 2025, marking a 7.1% year-on-year increase, with more than 200,000 new contributors compared to the same month last year. Foreign workers now account for 14.2% of total employment, underscoring their key role in the Spanish labour market.
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Foreign employment rises by over 7% in one year, exceeding 3 million Social Security contributors
When adjusted for the calendar effect, the figure stands at 3,067,780 contributors, reflecting a 7.07% rise, significantly above the overall employment growth rate of 2.4%.
Strongest growth in northern regions
The largest increases were recorded in Asturias (+20.8%), Galicia (+14.8%), and Castile and León (+13%) —regions with the oldest average populations according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE).
Although the share of foreign workers in these regions remains below the national average —7.3% in Asturias, 10.4% in Castile and León, and 7% in Galicia— their contribution to local labour markets has been particularly significant.
“Employment among foreign workers is growing faster than average thanks to their age structure, and it’s happening where it’s most needed — a very positive development,” stated Elma Saiz, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
Key sectors for foreign workers
A total of 83.9% of foreign contributors —around 2.59 million people— are registered under the General Social Security Scheme. Their presence is especially strong in:
- Hospitality (29.7%), nearly one in three employees.
- Agriculture (26.2%).
- Construction (22.5%).
- Administrative Activities and Transport (over 17%).
Their participation is also increasing in more diverse and skilled industries such as Transport (+31.6%), Water Supply (+14%), Commerce (+12.1%), Finance (+8.3%), Administrative Services (+7.7%), Healthcare (+7.3%), and Scientific and Technical Professions (+5.7%).
By nationality, the largest groups of foreign contributors come from Morocco (over 350,000), Romania (337,000), and Colombia (253,000).
Record number of self-employed foreign workers
Self-employment among foreign nationals has reached a record high of 490,717, representing a 6.8% increase in the past year, well above the overall growth of 1.1% for self-employed workers.
The strongest gains were recorded in high-skilled sectors such as:
- Information and Communications (+27.9%),
- Energy Supply (+24.3%),
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities (+18.5%).