Canary Islands reaches 945,000 affiliates, adding 3,175 companies this year

The Canary Islands recorded the highest percentage increase in per‑capita GDP in Spain, an average of 80 new Social Security registrations and eight new self‑employed each day, while tourism remains the archipelago’s economic engine, generating six out of every ten euros of total economic activity. According to the regional government, the islands led national economic growth in 2024, assessed Manuel Domínguez.

According to macro‑economic data presented on Tuesday by the Government of the Canary Islands, the autonomous community posted the largest year‑on‑year rise in per‑capita GDP in the country and the steepest drop in unemployment nationwide over the past month. These figures, unveiled by Vice President and Minister of Economy, Industry, Trade and Self‑Employment Manuel Domínguez, indicate that the archipelago topped Spain’s economic growth in 2024.

“These data show that the Canary Islands are on a growth path,” Domínguez (People’s Party) said, adding, “we do not want to be triumphalist because we are aware that an uncertain future lies ahead, which will bring slower growth for our economy.”
He referred to President Clavijo’s forecast announced the day before, which predicts a slowdown in Canary Islands’ growth from 2026 onward.

Affiliations, Tourism, Self‑Employment and the Creative Industry

• 80 new Social Security registrations per day on average between 2023 and September 2025, reaching a record 945,251 affiliates in September 2025.
• 3,175 new companies created in the first eight months of 2025; in August alone, roughly ten firms opened daily.

Tourism continues to be the main economic driver, accounting for six out of every ten euros of total activity. The commercial sector also posted a 3.7 % increase in retail sales compared with 2024, outpacing the national average, according to a ministry statement.

The number of self‑employed workers keeps rising thanks to the zero‑contribution bonus, with 6,000 additional freelancers over the past two years—equivalent to eight new self‑employed per day. Meanwhile, SMEs recorded their highest hiring rate in 2024, adding 100 new employees.

The creative industry boosted its investment by 40 % between 2023 and 2024 versus the previous period, helping diversify production and strengthen the local business fabric.

During the presentation, Manuel Domínguez emphasized that “to stay on the growth path and maintain a more dynamic and robust economy it is absolutely necessary to defend the Canary Islands’ Economic and Fiscal Regime.”

“The REF gives us a competitive advantage that no other European territory has, allowing us to diversify our economy and attract foreign investment into productive goods.”

He added that the special regime is “the perfect tool for the internationalisation of our companies and the promotion of high‑value‑added sectors that can generate quality jobs, improve purchasing power and raise living standards for Canary Islanders.” Consequently, he warned:

“It is vital to defend our regime tooth and nail, because without it the Canary Islands have no future.”