In October 2026, Catalonia recorded an increase of 175,040 Social Security affiliations compared to the same month last year, reaching a total of 3,845,150 people, according to provisional data from Idescat. This represents a 4.8% year-on-year increase. Affiliations grew in all regions, with notable rises in Alta Ribagorça (7.7%), Tarragonès (6.1%), and Alt Camp, Baix Penedès, Alt Empordà, and Aran (6.0% each). Moianès saw the smallest increase at 1.0%.
Regarding municipalities, 9 out of 10 (844) have seen an increase or stable number of affiliations. In municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants, the growth has been widespread. The most significant relative increases were observed in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (9.0%), Santa Coloma de Gramenet (7.7%), Tarragona (6.6%), Manresa (6.3%), and Lleida (6.0%).
Compared to September, the number of affiliations in Catalonia grew by 33,875 people (0.9%). The highest monthly increases were recorded in Ribera d’Ebre (2.3%) and Terra Alta (1.9%). Aran and La Selva showed the most significant relative decreases (-2.5% and -1.9% respectively).
By gender, the year-on-year increase in female affiliations was 72,605 (4.2%), and for male affiliations, it was 102,435 (5.3%). Alta Ribagorça (8.1%), Tarragonès (5.8%), and Baix Penedès (5.6%) led the rise in female affiliations. For men, the main increases were in Alta Ribagorça and Aran (6.8% each).
By age groups, the under-30s category saw the largest growth (9.4%), followed by the 30-44 age group (4.3%). The 45-54 age group showed more moderate growth (1.8%), while those aged 55 and over increased by 5.7%.
Affiliations of foreign nationality grew by 20.5% year-on-year, with increases exceeding 30% in Alta Ribagorça, Lluçanès, Berguedà, Aran, and Ribera d’Ebre. Barcelonès saw the largest absolute increase (+52,505). The rise in Spanish national affiliations was 1.3%.
By sector, services led the increase with 151,545 more affiliations (4.9%), followed by industry (2.3%), construction (4.8%), and agriculture (7.3%). The new Catalan Classification of Economic Activities (CCAE-2025) may affect construction data.
In October, 19.4% of employee affiliations were part-time, with 25.9% for women and 13.0% for men. The rate of temporary employment stood at 10.3%.
In municipalities with over 50,000 inhabitants, the most significant relative increases were in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (9.0%), Santa Coloma de Gramenet (7.7%), and Tarragona (6.6%). L'Hospitalet de Llobregat also led the increase in foreign affiliations (29.5%).
