Why the renewed upturn in Spanish emigration
to France and the United Kingdom?

Authors: Alberto Capote Lama (University of Granada), Sandra López Pereiro (University of A Coruña) and Belén Fernández Suárez (University of A Coruña).

Since 2008, Spanish emigration flows have resumed. Why are growing numbers of Spanish citizens, including young graduates and experienced professionals, emigrating to France and the United Kingdom? In the latest issue of INED’s monthly bulletin Population & Societies, Alberto Capote Lama, Sandra López Pereiro and Belén Fernández Suárez analyse this new wave of Spanish emigration to Europe, its causes and its impacts. 

A new wave of departures from Spain
For much of the twentieth century, Spain was a country of emigration, mainly towards France, Germany and Switzerland. By 1999, this trend had reversed, and net migration turned positive for the first time. Spain then became a major receiving country until the economic crisis of 2008 that triggered a new emigration wave, towards other European countries especially. 

Between 2008 and 2021, annual departures of Spaniards towards France and the United Kingdom increased considerably, reaching 8,500 and 13,500, respectively, in 2021, according to data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE). These new emigrants have varied profiles, ranging from young graduates looking for better career opportunities to naturalized immigrants affected by the economic crisis. 

International career strategies
For young Spanish graduates, often in the 28–35 age group, emigration provides an opportunity for personal development and career advancement. In 2019–2021, 56% of native-born Spaniards who arrived in France had a university degree. In the French health sector, Spanish physiotherapists are especially numerous (23.4% of all foreign practitioners). They are attracted by the more favourable working conditions in France, where state health insurance covers the cost of patient care. Nurses, for their part, tended to prefer the United Kingdom until the country left the European Union. Demand for these skills is strong in these countries, which offer attractive working conditions. 

Naturalized Spanish citizens, often of Moroccan, Colombian or Equatorian origin, tend to emigrate in response to the persistent economic problems they face in Spain. For these populations, who generally emigrate at older ages (35–49 years), the aim is to find a more stable situation in Europe. 

The share of females among Spanish emigrants is also increasing, especially among native-born Spaniards, although the majority of naturalized Spanish emigrants are males, those of Moroccan origin especially. 

A new emigration wave driven by high unemployment
The economic crisis of 2008–2014 had a lasting impact in Spain, on the job market especially. Unemployment, which peaked at 27% in 2013, was especially severe among young graduates and immigrants. While the situation has improved since then, unemployment remains high, obliging many Spaniards to look for opportunities elsewhere. 

Emigration plans are often flexible, tailored to the realities of the receiving countries. For some emigrants, short-term employment abroad provides an opportunity to develop new skills before returning to Spain to further their career. 

Population & Societies no. 629 presents an in-depth analysis of these migration flows and highlights the social, economic and labour market dynamics at play. It provides essential insights into the factors shaping European emigration today.

Published on: 29/01/2025