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Social Security affiliation: Spain tops 22.4 million workers in 2026

Spain's labour market hits a new affiliation record, with more than 22.4 million people in work. What these figures mean, how employment breaks down and what they imply for your working life.

GovEasy Team8 July 20265 min read
Social Security affiliation: Spain tops 22.4 million workers in 2026

Quick summary

Affiliation to Spanish Social Security has hit a new all-time high, topping 22.4 million workers. More than 620,000 affiliates were added in the first half of the year and the temporary-contract rate has fallen to around 12.3%. Employment grows especially among women, young people and workers over 55, and the self-employed exceed 3.4 million. Affiliation figures are published monthly and may vary.

A new employment record

Spain's labour market has hit a new all-time affiliation high: more than 22.4 million workers registered with Social Security. It is good news for the economy and for your daily life too: more affiliation means more contributions, which fund pensions and benefits.

TL;DR: more than 22.4 million workers. In six months over 620,000 affiliates were added, with a year-on-year change of around +2.8%. The temporary-contract rate has fallen to close to 12.3%.

The key figures

  • Workers in employment: more than 22.4 million, a record.
  • Growth in the half-year: over 620,000 affiliates.
  • Year-on-year change: around +2.8%.
  • Temporary rate: about 12.3%, well below previous years.
  • Self-employed: more than 3.4 million freelancers.

How employment breaks down

Growth is not uniform; some groups stand out:

  • Women: around 47.3% of all affiliates, growing faster than men.
  • Young people: employment among under-30s is rising strongly.
  • Over-55s: one of the fastest-growing groups in recent years.
  • Foreign workers: a very dynamic share of affiliation.

Stable employment is also consolidating: more permanent contracts and fewer temporary ones mean more rights and better conditions.

What these figures mean for you

  • Sustainability of benefits: more contributors per pensioner strengthens the Social Security system.
  • Your working life: every period of registration counts towards your future pension, unemployment benefit and more. Review it regularly.
  • Self-employment: the growth in freelancing confirms it remains a route into work.

Review your work history (free)

You can download your Work History Report (Vida Laboral) from the Social Security e-office or the Import@ss portal with Cl@ve, a digital certificate or by SMS. It proves all your registration and contribution periods: review it to spot gaps or errors that could affect future benefits.

We do it for you

At GovEasy we help you download and understand your work history, check your contribution periods and prepare related procedures (self-employment registration, benefits, retirement) without getting lost in the e-office.


Guidance based on Social Security affiliation statistics. Figures are published monthly and may vary; always check the official databases for the latest data.

Last updated: 8 July 2026

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