Alicante continues to function as an autonomous community with a labor market that shifts as closures outpace new openings. In recent times, more self-employed workers have entered the workforce, drawn by opportunities in fields such as construction, renewable energy, professional and administrative services, and even health-related activities. This evolution helps explain why the province sustains a self-employment rate near 20 percent — roughly one in five Social Security contributors — a level about three points above the national average.
In April, the province registered an average of 139,728 members under the Special Regime for Self-Employed, marking an increase of 1,651 from the previous year. Although the rise is steadier than pre-pandemic years, when annual gains ranged from 2,500 to 3,500, it remains a meaningful development, especially in comparison with broader national trends.
Across Spain, the total number of self-employed professionals has risen by 2,558 over the past year, while declines appear in 37 provinces, including notable regions such as Barcelona, Vizcaya, and Zaragoza. On the bright side, increases are observed in 15 provinces, with Malaga showing a gain of 3,155, the Balearic Islands 2,377, Madrid 2,259, Tenerife Santa Cruz 2,176, and Alicante adding 1,651 new participants.
Sectors that traditionally rely on a strong tourist footprint in other areas do not mirror that pattern in Alicante. The latest figures show that growth does not center on the hospitality sector here. Instead, many new self-employed entrants come from other domains, including a robust pool of professionals in the structural and technical fields who joined the ranks at a rapid pace. Among them, a notable surge consists of workers such as electricians, plumbers, and solar panel technicians who are recognized for benefiting from incremental reforms. The UPTA-PV association emphasizes the role of these professionals in driving the province’s entrepreneurial ascent under the guidance of figures like the association’s general secretary, Xavier Pastor.
Explosion in electricity self-consumption has driven a related trend with an impressive increase: in a short span of months, 2,067 new installations were added, reflecting a strong push toward energy independence and new business opportunities for qualified self-employed professionals.
The second-largest group embracing growth features professionals in scientific and technical activities. This segment added 431 participants, including lawyers, architects, consultants, and economists. An additional 286 self-employed individuals come from administrative activities and ancillary services. Healthcare professionals also chose to launch independent practices, and a revival in housing sales after the pandemic contributed to more real estate initiatives. The overall effect is a broadening of the entrepreneurial base beyond traditional trades.
There is a clear sense among the younger cohort of a more entrepreneurial mindset. The flat-rate regime is cited as a significant incentive, offering relief from fixed costs as new entrants establish clientele and stabilize their businesses, according to Pastor.
In contrast, the trade sector is experiencing a tougher period. A decline in trade-related self-employment accompanies a broader shift in which the sector still houses the largest share of participants in the regime, totaling around 34,400. The situation reflects structural changes in consumer behavior and rising operating costs that include electricity and rental expenses, leading to closures and fewer active businesses.
Alicante’s merchants’ association highlights several factors behind the decline. A generational relaxation gap reduces interest in the trade sector among younger entrants who perceive it as less stable and more demanding. In addition, higher costs for electricity and rents are squeezing margins, prompting many storefronts to shutter their doors.
Lack of relief is also felt in Alicante’s traditional commerce as the digital shift accelerates. Business leaders stress the need for omnichannel strategies to stay competitive and relevant in a marketplace that increasingly blends online and offline experiences. The new self-employment regime that took effect in January has been broadly flat in impact, with most freelancers paying the same or lower taxes than under the previous framework, according to the UPTA analysis. This suggests a smoother transition for many independent workers, even as the landscape of opportunities continues to evolve.