Spain Jobless Rate Lowest since Q2 2008

Spain’s unemployment rate fell to 9.93% in the fourth quarter of 2025 from 10.45% in the third quarter, marking the lowest level in 18 years and coming in below market expectations of 10.6%. It was the first time the jobless rate dropped below 10% since the first quarter of 2008. Employment rose by 76,200 to a record 22.46 million, while the number of unemployed declined by 136,100 to 2.48 million. The total labor force decreased by 59,900 to 24.94 million. The private sector accounted for 92% of the jobs created in 2025, Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said, adding that the figures point to a stronger and more stable labor market with higher-quality employment supporting continued welfare growth.

Spain’s unemployment rate rose to 10.45% in Q3 2025, up from 10.29% in Q2 and above expectations of 10.2%, even as employment hit a record high. The increase reflected a larger workforce, with more people actively seeking jobs. Employment grew by 118,400 to 22.39 million, marking a new record, while the number of unemployed rose by 60,100 to 2.61 million. The total labor force expanded by 178,500 to reach 25 million. The Economy Ministry said the data “corroborate the dynamism of the labor market,” highlighting continued job creation despite a modest rise in unemployment as participation increased.

Spain’s unemployment rate fell to 10.29% in the second quarter of 2025, down from 11.36% in the previous quarter, marking the lowest level since 2008 and below market expectations of 10.7%. The number of unemployed decreased by 236,100 to 2.5531 million, while employment rose by 503,300 to 22.27 million. Meanwhile, the working population grew by 267,200, reaching 24.82 million. Unemployment fell for both genders, with 107,000 less unemployed men and 129,100 less unemployed women. The female unemployment rate went down by 1.22 percentage points to 11.50%, and the male rate by 0.94 points to 9.20%. By nationality, unemployment fell by 203,200 among Spaniards (including dual nationals) and by 32,900 among foreigners. Job increases were recorded across all sectors: services (+364,800), industry (+90,300), construction (+45,400), and agriculture (+2,800).