Spain has for decades been one of the most popular destinations in the world for migrants from all countries due to its mild climate, quality of life and employment opportunities. Spain’s migration policy has undergone significant changes in recent years, which directly affects the labor market and social infrastructure of the country.
According to the National Institute of Statistics of Spain, in 2024, the number of foreign nationals in the country exceeded 7 million people, which is about 15 percent of the total population. Among the main groups of migrants can be distinguished:
Moroccans. One of the largest migrant groups in Spain. Many migrants from Morocco are employed in agriculture, construction and services. They number about 1 million people.
Romanians. Romanian citizens are the second largest migrant group, reaching more than 700 thousand people. The main areas of employment are construction, logistics and services.
Britons. About 400 thousand British citizens live in Spain, most of them retirees, concentrated in the provinces of Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Young people, in turn, most often work in the tourism industry.
Italians. Over 300 thousand Italians live and work in Spain, mainly in large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Employment in this group is split between technology, education and gastronomy.
Latin Americans. Migrants from Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru make up a significant proportion of the foreign population. They work in elderly care, home care, and retail.
Ukrainians. In 2024, the number of Ukrainians in Spain exceeded 200,000. Many of them are involved in construction, logistics and agriculture, as well as working in the IT sector.
Spain provides migrants with access to a number of social and economic programs. The main aspects of the assistance system include – registration and legalization. Migrants have the opportunity to obtain temporary or permanent residence permits. The main criterion is the presence of a work contract or proof of independent income.
Health care. All officially registered migrants are entitled to free health care. This is especially important for families with children and pensioners.
Education. Migrant children have access to public schools, and adults can take advantage of language courses and vocational training programs.
Housing programs. The state and municipalities offer rental support, especially for low-income families.
Social benefits. Temporary payments are provided to migrants who find themselves in a difficult life situation, for example, when they lose their jobs.
Migrants play a key role in the Spanish economy, especially in agriculture, construction, hospitality and services. About 60 percent of migrants are employed in low-skilled sectors, while 20 percent work in high-tech industries. For example, EU nationals are more likely to be employed in IT and education, while migrants from Latin America and North Africa are more likely to be employed in construction and elderly care.
Over the past ten years, Spain’s population has shown moderate growth due to migration flows. While the population was around 46.5 million in 2013, this figure rose to 48 million by the end of 2024. The growth has been driven by an increase in the number of migrants, who are compensating for the natural population loss caused by the decline in the birth rate. In particular, nationals from Latin America and Eastern Europe have played a significant role, as well as a steady influx of Maghreb nationals.
Spain continues to be one of the leading countries in Europe in terms of the number of migrants. Their integration into the country’s economy allows it to maintain growth in key sectors despite demographic challenges. Increased competition in the labor market is expected in the future, especially in low-skilled sectors. However, thanks to a balanced migration policy, Spain has a good chance of maintaining stable population and economic growth.
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