Spain Self-Employed: Foreign Workers & Jobs 2024
- Spain has seen a notable shift in its self-employment sector, with foreign nationals accounting for 96.5% of new registrations over the past four years, according to the National...
- From March 2021 to March 2025, 104,338 out of 108,155 new self-employed workers registered under the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) were foreign.
- The number of foreign self-employed workers has nearly doubled since 2015, marking a 92% increase. This growth spans across most regions,with Valencia,catalonia,and Andalusia leading in the number of...
Foreign nationals are fueling Spain‘s self-employment boom,accounting for a staggering 96.5% of new registrations in recent years. This surge, driven by factors such as the Digital Nomad visa and easier business setup, indicates a meaningful shift in the Spanish economy. Regions like Valencia, Catalonia, and Andalusia are experiencing the moast growth in this area. The professional, scientific, and technical sectors, among others, are seeing significant gains.Understand the impact of this trend on Spanish demographics and the labor market. News Directory 3 offers insights into the evolving self-employment landscape. Discover what’s next for foreign workers and job opportunities in Spain, and what strategies are likely to be implemented for integration and long-term growth.
Foreign Nationals Drive Spain’s Self-Employment Growth
Spain has seen a notable shift in its self-employment sector, with foreign nationals accounting for 96.5% of new registrations over the past four years, according to the National Federation of Self-Employed Workers (ATA). This influx highlights the increasing role of foreign entrepreneurs in the Spanish economy.
From March 2021 to March 2025, 104,338 out of 108,155 new self-employed workers registered under the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) were foreign. ATA President Lorenzo Amor emphasized the vitality and dynamism these entrepreneurs bring to spain.
The number of foreign self-employed workers has nearly doubled since 2015, marking a 92% increase. This growth spans across most regions,with Valencia,catalonia,and Andalusia leading in the number of foreign self-employed individuals.
Conversely, nine regions have experienced a decline in the number of Spanish self-employed workers: Aragon, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, Navarra, The Basque Country, and La Rioja. However, the overall number of registered self-employed has increased due to the rise in foreign entrepreneurs.
The construction, hospitality, professional, scientific, and technical sectors have seen substantial growth in foreign self-employment. These professional fields include accounting, architecture, engineering, consulting, research, advertising, and more.
“It is indeed foreign self-employed workers who are helping to offset the declines in conventional sectors such as commerce and agriculture and who are driving growth in activities such as construction, hospitality, and professional services,” said the president of ATA.
Spanish authorities acknowledge the crucial role foreign self-employed workers play in addressing the country’s aging population and depopulation issues. Eduardo Abad, President of Spain’s Union of Professionals and Self-Employed Workers (UPTA), estimates that Spain will need 200,000 more foreign “autónomos” in the next five years.
Several factors contribute to this trend.Spain’s growing population, largely due to immigration, naturally leads to a higher number of foreign self-employed workers.The introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in 2023 has also been a significant driver, enabling remote workers to gain residency in Spain.
Many foreigners find it easier to start their own businesses in Spain due to challenges in the local job market, such as high unemployment and language requirements. Some also underestimate the complexities of self-employment in Spain, including high social security payments and intricate tax regulations.
A survey by Emprendedores revealed that only 29.7% of Spaniards would recommend self-employment, highlighting the perceived difficulties of the system. Despite these challenges, self-employment offers access to public healthcare, paternity/maternity pay, and sick pay, making it an appealing option for some foreigners seeking to live in Spain.
What’s next
As Spain navigates its evolving economic landscape,the contribution of foreign self-employed workers is expected to remain vital. The government may explore further measures to support and integrate these entrepreneurs, addressing challenges and fostering enduring growth in the sector.