Spain Breaks Record With 3.15 Million Foreigners Registered as Employed

Foreign Employment Reaches Historic Levels

Foreign employment in Spain has reached historic levels, with Social Security now registering 3.15 million foreign workers. The system gained 230,400 foreign members over the past year, marking a 7.9% annual increase.

Foreign workers now represent 14.4% of all Social Security contributors. Spain's total foreign-born population surpassed 10 million for the first time in early 2026, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE).

Where the Growth Is Coming From

Spain added 74,700 jobs over the last month alone — a 2.4% monthly increase. The largest gains came from:

• Moroccan workers: +11,740
• Colombians: +11,367
• Romanians: +6,789

Notable increases were also recorded among Venezuelans, Italians, and Peruvians.

Over the past year, the biggest employment gains were driven by Colombia (+39,700), Venezuela (+36,400), Morocco (+32,300), and Peru (+16,600).

Filling Labour Shortages

Migrants fill labour shortages in demanding sectors with longer hours, lower protections, and smaller pensions. However, approximately 31% of Spain's foreign population is formally employed — accounting for children, retirees, and others outside the labour market.

According to Raquel Carrasco, Economics professor at the University of Madrid: "There is no evidence to support the claim that immigrants harm employment of native workers."

Government Plans to Regularise 500,000 Migrants

The government plans to regularise over 500,000 migrants already living in Spain. Migration Minister Elma Saiz stated that 42.9% of jobs created since labour reform directly correlate with foreign nationals, calling their contribution "key" to the labour market.

Boom in Foreign Self-Employment

Self-employment among foreign nationals has grown significantly, with over 500,000 self-employed foreigners now in Spain. Of 37,500 new self-employed workers added last year, 76% were foreigners — representing 6% annual growth.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 16, 2026, with data from Spain's Social Security and the INE.