EconReads
Donate

Spain's Economy

Immigration and Growth

How immigration from Latin America, Morocco and elsewhere has boosted Spain's workforce and growth, and its role in an ageing society.

Immigration has reshaped Spain.

Scale

Millions of immigrants came since the 2000s, from Latin America, Morocco, Romania and elsewhere.

Language

Latin Americans share Spanish, easing integration.

Growth

Immigration boosted Spain’s workforce and helped growth in 2023-24.

Ageing

Spain has a low birth rate; immigrants help fund pensions.

Regularisation

Spain has periodically regularised undocumented migrants, including in 2005.

Debate

Immigration is politically debated, but Spain has been more open than many European countries.

The care worker

A Colombian woman in Madrid works caring for elderly Spaniards, filling a growing need.

Thinking immigrants slow growth

They boosted Spain's growth.

Key takeaways
  • Millions of immigrants arrived since the 2000s.
  • Shared language eased integration.
  • Immigration boosted recent growth.
  • It helps an ageing society.
1 min read

No recording for this one yet - EconReader can read it aloud for you.

Welcome to EconReads

This site is made for visually impaired learners, so our read-aloud reader is already switched on to help you explore hands-free.

You're in control - turn it off any time using the Reader button at the top of the page.

EconReader Ready