Although currently impacted, Spain continues to be one of the leading growth countries in Europe in 2024. While recognizing that political discussions on managing the recent floods will occur, Sánchez's immediate priority is on "restarting economic and social activities." The recovery strategy will significantly rely on an open immigration policy.
Economic growth fueled by immigration
As Spain joins the ranks of high-growth EU nations like Malta (4.2% growth), Poland (4%), Cyprus (3.7%), and Croatia (3%), it solidifies its position as a key player within the European Union. The OECD projects that Spain's economy will grow by 2.8% by year's end. Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE) also ranks it as the fourth-largest economy in the eurozone. However, unemployment remains a stubborn challenge. Despite a slight decline, Spain's unemployment rate is the highest in the EU at 11.2%, significantly above Poland and the Czech Republic, which have the lowest rates at 2.9% and 2.6%, respectively.
Nevertheless, a noticeable reduction in unemployment throughout the year underscores the country's economic resilience. According to the INE, the workforce increased to 21,823,000 by the end of the third quarter of 2024, up by 138,300 from the previous quarter.
For Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, these are promising signs of Spain's robust economic growth, primarily fueled by immigration. Unlike its European counterparts and other global powers, Spain is capitalizing on foreign labor to bolster its economy. In a recent parliamentary address, Sánchez emphasized immigration as critical for tackling demographic challenges and sustaining economic growth. He introduced a "plan for integration and cultural coexistence" designed to attract not only highly skilled but also diverse foreign workers.
Policies to attract foreign workers
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stands out among European leaders for his positive stance on immigration. During a press conference on October 23 in Faro, Portugal, at a bilateral summit, he emphasized this view, highlighting that Spain currently has 150,000 job vacancies awaiting suitable candidates. To further his vision, Sánchez has nearly finalized an immigration reform aimed at attracting non-European foreigners—Europeans already enjoy the freedom to work and reside in Spain. This initiative underscores his commitment to integrating international talent into Spain's workforce.
Facilitating access to the labor market
The government is taking steps to streamline the process for entering the workforce by addressing prolonged waiting periods. The proposed reform aims to significantly reduce the time it takes to secure work permits and residency. This change is set to benefit a wide range of applicants, including students, workers, families, and asylum seekers whose regularization requests were previously denied, ensuring a quicker transition into the labor market.
Easing the transition for non-European international students
The proposed legislation simplifies the process for international students, making it easier to transition from study permits to work permits upon securing employment. This change is designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers, facilitating a smoother entry into the workforce for international students.
Family reunification
As many major expatriation destinations tighten restrictions on family reunification, Spain is moving to make this right more accessible. The reform seeks to revitalize the law to ensure that all families, including those of immigrants, have equal access to essential public services such as healthcare and education.
Regulations for undocumented foreign workers
The government plans to simplify the regularization process for undocumented workers. The proposed law would allow eligible individuals to apply for residency or work permits after two years of irregular stay, reducing the current requirement from three years.
Naturalization of families
To support family reunification, a law permits children and grandchildren of Spanish parents born abroad to apply for Spanish nationality. Recently, the government extended the application deadline to October 2025, providing families with additional time to submit their applications.
Immigration agreements with African countries
In early September, Prime Minister Sánchez undertook a tour of West Africa to finalize new legal migration agreements. Existing agreements with Senegal, Morocco, and Mauritania have been augmented by extending these strategic partnerships to Gambia. Sánchez's initiative promotes "circular migration," enabling expatriates to work temporarily in Spain in sectors like agriculture. This approach also includes provisions for hiring these workers directly in their home countries, aiming to curb illegal immigration to the Canary Islands, a primary entry point for migrants from Mauritania, Gambia, and Senegal. However, critics of the plan argue that these temporary employment opportunities can lead to exploitation. Concurrently, the Spanish government seeks to enhance its commercial and educational ties with these African nations.
What do these reforms mean for prospective expats in Spain?
For the far-right and traditional right-wing parties, the government's reforms are seen as a gateway to mass and illegal immigration. However, Prime Minister Sánchez views these changes as part of a broader "national plan for integration and intercultural coexistence." He reminds us that Spain itself was once a nation of immigrants. Sánchez extols the virtues of immigration and cultural exchanges, providing a positive and empathetic alternative to the security-focused narratives prevalent in Europe and globally. He is dedicated to issuing permits to eligible undocumented workers and supports initiatives to curb illegal immigration.
For potential expatriates, the reforms announced by the Spanish government open up new opportunities. Facing local workforce emigration and an aging demographic, Spain urgently needs labor. Critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, engineering, technology, logistics, and transportation are actively seeking workers. Moreover, industries like finance, real estate, energy—especially renewable energy—and consumer goods and services are gearing up to recruit extensively in 2025.
Useful links:
Spain: Work permits
Working in Spain: EUROPASS
