In recent years, Spain has become increasingly attractive to foreign workers, which has a significant impact on the labor market and the country's economy as a whole. Foreign professionals have become key players in the Spanish economy, occupying important positions in various fields.
In this article, we will analyze in which sectors foreigners work, how they affect the employment system and social aspects of Spain, as well as what opportunities open up for them in the future.
As of 2024, there are over 2.8 million foreign workers in Spain, which is a historical maximum. Young professionals of working age prevail among them, which contributes to an increase in economic activity in the country.
It is interesting to note that approximately 80 per cent of migrants arrive in Spain at an age that allows them to work actively, which is significantly higher than that of the indigenous population.
Foreign workers play an important role in balancing Spain's demographic changes, such as low birth rates and an aging society. They help to retain and even increase the number of economically active citizens, which is critical for the stable development of the country. In 2024, migrants contributed to a 2.3% increase in employment after the pandemic, highlighting their significant contribution to the economic recovery.
Services and agriculture
The largest number of foreign workers in Spain work in the service sector and agriculture. In the service sector, they account for almost 29% of the total number of employees, and in agriculture this figure reaches 24.8%. These areas have traditionally been attractive to migrants due to the high demand for labour and the relatively low barriers to entry into the profession.
Although the majority of foreign workers have traditionally been employed in low-skilled jobs, there has been a marked increase in the number of migrants working in highly skilled sectors in recent years. For example, in 2023, the number of foreign employees in the field of information and communications increased by 7.2%, and in professional, scientific and technical fields - by 6%.
Foreign workers also have a significant influence on construction and the household sector. In the construction industry, their share is 20.8% of the total number of employees, while in the household it reaches 45%. These areas continue to be attractive to migrants, especially from countries with low economic indicators, as they provide opportunities for stable income.
Foreign workers play a key role in maintaining and developing the Spanish economy. They occupy important niches in the labor market, which contributes to increasing employment and maintaining social balance. Their contribution to the social security system also remains significant, although there are differences in the levels of contributions compared to local citizens. In the future, we can expect a further increase in the number of foreign workers in Spain, especially in highly skilled industries, which will open up new opportunities both for the migrants themselves and for the country's economy as a whole.