From March 2021 to March 2025, a total of 108,155 new autónomos (self-employed workers) registered in Spain. Of these, 104,338 were foreigners — meaning that 96.5% of the country’s new small business owners during this period were immigrants, according to data from ATA.
An increase in foreign autónomos was recorded in all 17 autonomous communities, except Ceuta and Melilla. In 9 regions — including Galicia, Navarre, and Castile and León — the total number of self-employed workers actually fell, due to a drop in registrations by Spanish nationals.
The largest gap was seen in the Valencia region, with 22,391 new foreign entrepreneurs compared to just 2,134 Spaniards.
The rise in foreign autónomos has been particularly notable in the following sectors:
⤴️ Construction: +17,446
⤴️ Professional and technical services: +13,906
⤴️ Hospitality (hotels and restaurants): +12,670
⤴️ IT and communications: +11,115
An increase in foreign autónomos was recorded in all 17 autonomous communities, except Ceuta and Melilla. In 9 regions — including Galicia, Navarre, and Castile and León — the total number of self-employed workers actually fell, due to a drop in registrations by Spanish nationals.
The largest gap was seen in the Valencia region, with 22,391 new foreign entrepreneurs compared to just 2,134 Spaniards.
The rise in foreign autónomos has been particularly notable in the following sectors:
⤴️ Construction: +17,446
⤴️ Professional and technical services: +13,906
⤴️ Hospitality (hotels and restaurants): +12,670
⤴️ IT and communications: +11,115