Spain recorded a historic increase in foreign employment in 2025, with more than 3.1 million foreign workers registered with the country’s social security system. The figures, released on January 16 by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, show the highest number ever recorded.
According to the data, Spain ended 2025 with over 3.1 million foreign employees, representing an increase of 208,000 workers over the past 12 months. Compared to December 2021, the number rose by 815,671 workers, following the introduction of a new labour reform that helped stabilise employment growth.
The ministry said growth remained steady throughout the year, with the number of foreign workers staying above three million since August 2025. In December alone, foreign worker registrations increased by 13,578, even after adjusting for seasonal changes.
Since December 2019, employment among foreign workers has grown by 45 percent. For the third year in a row, the number increased by more than 200,000 workers, highlighting the growing role of migrants in Spain’s labour market. Overall, foreign workers now account for 14.1 percent of Spain’s total workforce registered with social security, up by 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous year.
Commenting on the figures, Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz said the data confirms that foreign workers play a structural and essential role in Spain’s economy. She noted that their contribution is key to employment growth, the sustainability of the pension system, and the country’s shared prosperity.
Out of the total foreign workforce, around 1.8 million are men, while more than 1.3 million are women. Female foreign employment has grown by nearly six percent since 2014, with women now making up about 43 percent of all foreign workers in Spain.
By nationality, Venezuelans were the fastest-growing group in 2025, with 215,735 registered workers. This represents an increase of 40,614 compared to December 2024, a rise of 23.2 percent. They were followed by workers from Colombia, which saw an increase of 28,929, and Morocco, with an additional 26,839 workers.
Morocco remains the country with the largest number of foreign workers registered in Spain’s social security system, with 373,436 people. Romania follows with 336,530 workers, then Colombia with 250,248, Venezuela with 215,735, Italy with 204,700, China with 128,113, Peru with 101,144, and Ukraine with 78,456.
Foreign workers continue to play a major role in key sectors of the Spanish economy. They make up 28.8 percent of registered workers in the hotel sector, 26 percent in agriculture, 23.2 percent in construction, and 17.7 percent in transport and administrative services.
Transport and storage recorded the highest annual increase in foreign worker registrations, rising by 26 percent compared to the previous year. Other sectors with strong growth included water supply, construction, and agriculture. At the same time, the presence of foreign workers is also increasing in higher-skilled roles in finance, healthcare, and scientific, technical, and professional activities.
Question: Why is foreign employment rising in Spain?
Answer: The increase is linked to labour reforms, economic recovery, and growing demand for workers across key sectors where foreign workers play an essential role.