Historic rise in foreign workers sees Spain reach new milestone as female employment climbs

Spain has recorded a new historic high in foreign affiliation to the Social Security system this April, with the number of foreign women registered surpassing 1.4 million for the first time, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. The figures highlight the increasingly important role migrant workers play within Spain’s economy at a time when many industries continue to face labour shortages and demographic pressures linked to an ageing population and low birth rates.

According to the ministry, total foreign Social Security affiliation reached a record level during the latest reporting period, continuing a trend seen over recent years as immigration becomes increasingly important to employment growth across the country.

Foreign workers increasingly important to Spanish economy

Foreign nationals are heavily represented in sectors including hospitality, agriculture, construction, transport, domestic services, healthcare and social care. Employers across several of these industries have repeatedly warned about recruitment difficulties, particularly in seasonal work and lower-paid positions. Government officials said migrant workers now account for a significant proportion of new Social Security registrations and contribute substantially through taxes and social contributions.

The largest groups of foreign workers registered in Spain currently come from Morocco, Romania, Italy, Colombia and Venezuela. British nationals also remain part of Spain’s foreign workforce, particularly in tourism-related sectors, hospitality, property services and self-employment in coastal regions with established expatriate communities. Migration from Latin American countries has increased considerably in recent years, especially in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. Moroccan workers remain strongly represented in agriculture and construction, while Romanian nationals continue to form one of Spain’s largest European Union labour communities.

Female foreign employment reaches historic level

One of the most notable developments in the latest figures was the rise in the number of foreign women registered with Social Security, which has now exceeded 1.4 million for the first time. Many foreign women are employed in domestic work, hospitality, healthcare support, cleaning services, retail and administrative positions. Economists say the increase reflects both labour market demand and changing migration patterns, with more women arriving independently for employment opportunities rather than solely through family reunification.

The figures also underline the growing importance of migrant women within Spain’s care sector. As the country’s population ages, demand for elderly care workers and support staff has increased significantly, particularly in larger urban areas and regions with older populations. Labour market analysts have said foreign workers are increasingly helping offset demographic challenges facing Spain’s workforce. Without continued immigration, economists warn that labour shortages in several industries could become more severe over the coming decades.

British residents continue to play role in local economies

Although British nationals are not among the largest groups within Spain’s overall Social Security statistics, the British population remains one of the country’s biggest foreign resident communities. Large British communities continue to live in Andalucía, Alicante province, Murcia and the Balearic Islands, where many work in tourism, hospitality, estate agencies, construction, language services and small businesses linked to international residents and visitors.

Others are retired or self-employed, meaning their presence is not always reflected fully in labour affiliation statistics. Since Brexit, British nationals have also been classified administratively as non-European Union citizens within Spanish migration and employment data. Despite changes following the UK’s departure from the EU, British residents continue to contribute significantly to local economies in several coastal regions, particularly in areas heavily dependent on international tourism and foreign property ownership.

Immigration debate remains closely tied to housing and employment

The latest Social Security figures arrive amid wider debate in Spain over immigration, housing affordability and labour conditions. Rising rents in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga have affected both Spanish citizens and foreign workers, while concerns remain over temporary contracts and employment insecurity in some sectors heavily dependent on migrant labour.

At the same time, economists and policymakers increasingly view immigration as essential for sustaining workforce levels and supporting public services as Spain’s population ages. Recent studies have shown that foreign workers account for a large share of employment growth across the country. Businesses in sectors facing labour shortages have repeatedly warned that difficulties attracting or retaining foreign workers could create further economic pressure.

Despite ongoing challenges linked to housing costs and employment conditions, the latest data suggests Spain’s labour market continues to attract growing numbers of international workers, with foreign Social Security affiliation now at its highest level on record.