Balearics: foreign self-employed drive 56.1% of growth
Foreign self-employed people make up 5,229 of the 9,316 extra workers registered across the Balearic Islands since July 2022. That means they account for 56.1% of the growth in the RETA register for self-employed workers. The figures were released on Wednesday by the Union of Professionals and Self-Employed Workers (UPTA).
The total number of self-employed workers in the Balearics rose from 100,839 in July 2022 to 110,155 in July 2026. Foreign membership climbed from 25,540 to 30,769, while the number of Spanish self-employed workers increased by 4,087 to 79,386.
Foreign ranks grow faster
Foreign self-employed membership rose 20.5% over the four years, compared with 5.4% among Spanish workers. Their share of all self-employed workers in the Balearics has risen from 25.3% to 27.9%.
Nearly three in ten self-employed workers in the islands are now foreign nationals. UPTA says many work in retail, hospitality and construction, as well as professional and service activities.
Call for more support
UPTA says foreign entrepreneurship must be included in Balearic policies for self-employed workers, particularly plans to secure generational change and keep viable businesses running.
The organisation wants stronger advice and support programmes for people starting on their own, easier access to finance and fewer administrative barriers to opening or continuing a business. UPTA Spain president Eduardo Abad said foreign entrepreneurs create economic activity and, in many cases, help businesses continue.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com