A new study by the Inter-sectoral Confederation of the Self-Employed (CIAE) highlights the entrepreneurial clout of Spain’s migrant population. Presented on 23 October 2025, the report counts nearly 400,000 self-employed foreign nationals—about 10 percent of all freelancers in Spain—who together generate 12 percent of national employment.
Sectors with the highest immigrant entrepreneurship include hospitality, care services, logistics and small-scale retail. The research follows case studies such as Moroccan-born physician Sandra Said, who progressed from domestic work to opening her own medical practice once her qualifications were recognised.
The findings challenge narratives that migrants ‘take jobs’. Instead, foreign-run firms are plugging service gaps in depopulating rural areas and revitalising urban neighbourhoods. CIAE president Lorenzo Amor urged the government to speed up professional-qualification recognition and maintain flexible self-employment visas to maximise economic gains.
For employers and relocation consultants the message is clear: Spain’s ecosystem is increasingly conducive to migrant-led start-ups, offering opportunities for spousal employment and dual-career programs in assignment policies. However, high social-security contributions and complex municipal licensing remain hurdles that policymakers must address if they wish to sustain the momentum.
The report arrives amid heated political debate over immigration quotas, giving advocates fresh data to argue that regularisation and support for immigrant entrepreneurs can boost GDP and tax revenue.
Sectors with the highest immigrant entrepreneurship include hospitality, care services, logistics and small-scale retail. The research follows case studies such as Moroccan-born physician Sandra Said, who progressed from domestic work to opening her own medical practice once her qualifications were recognised.
The findings challenge narratives that migrants ‘take jobs’. Instead, foreign-run firms are plugging service gaps in depopulating rural areas and revitalising urban neighbourhoods. CIAE president Lorenzo Amor urged the government to speed up professional-qualification recognition and maintain flexible self-employment visas to maximise economic gains.
For employers and relocation consultants the message is clear: Spain’s ecosystem is increasingly conducive to migrant-led start-ups, offering opportunities for spousal employment and dual-career programs in assignment policies. However, high social-security contributions and complex municipal licensing remain hurdles that policymakers must address if they wish to sustain the momentum.
The report arrives amid heated political debate over immigration quotas, giving advocates fresh data to argue that regularisation and support for immigrant entrepreneurs can boost GDP and tax revenue.
