Millions of roles in Spain could be affected as artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday office work Shutterstock/DC Studio
A new economic study by Funcas (Fundación de las Cajas de Ahorros) warns that Spain’s labor market is at a tipping point, with between 1.7 and 3.5 million jobs facing significant disruption from artificial intelligence. While manual labor in construction and hospitality remains safe due to the need for physical presence, “thinking” roles in administration, marketing, and data analysis are highly exposed.
Currently, 20% of Spanish firms have integrated AI into their daily operations, a move that is transforming roles rather than deleting them entirely. For expats and local workers, the consequence is a widening wage gap: those who master AI tools are seeing productivity gains, while those in repetitive digital roles face increasing pressure on long-term career stability.
Which jobs in Spain are most exposed to artificial intelligence?
Unlike earlier waves of automation, which mainly affected factory and manual jobs, artificial intelligence is now targeting tasks that involve thinking, analysing and creating content.
Administrative roles, customer service positions, analysts, marketing professionals and even mid-level managers are among those most exposed. These jobs often involve handling data, writing reports, or processing information, all areas where artificial intelligence tools are advancing quickly.
On the other hand, roles that depend on human interaction or physical presence remain more protected in the short term. Jobs in hospitality, tourism, construction and care services are harder to automate, which is particularly relevant in Spain’s service-driven economy.
How Spain compares with other European countries
Spain’s exposure to artificial intelligence is slightly above the average of countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a group of developed economies that includes most of Europe. This means a relatively large share of jobs could be affected.
However, the risk of full automation is lower than in more industrial or highly digital economies such as Germany or the Netherlands. In those countries, a greater number of roles involve repetitive technical tasks that can be automated more easily. In southern European countries like Spain, Italy and Greece, the economy relies more heavily on tourism and in-person services. This slows down full job replacement, but increases the likelihood that many roles will be partially automated rather than completely removed.
What this means for expats working in Spain
For expats, the impact will vary depending on the type of work they do. Jobs in marketing, content creation, administration and remote digital services are already being reshaped by artificial intelligence. These are common roles among international workers, particularly those working online or across multiple languages.
Meanwhile, expats working in real estate, hospitality or tourism may find their roles more stable for now, as these sectors depend on face-to-face interaction and local expertise. Even so, artificial intelligence is beginning to enhance these jobs rather than replace them, meaning workers are expected to become more efficient and adaptable.
A shift in skills, not just job losses
One of the key insights from current research is that artificial intelligence is not simply eliminating jobs, but changing the skills required to perform them. Across Europe, studies suggest that up to 60 per cent of roles could see some of their tasks automated. This creates a divide between workers who adapt to new technologies and those who struggle to keep up.
In Spain, around one in five companies is already using artificial intelligence in some capacity, and that number is increasing quickly. As adoption grows, so does the demand for workers who can combine technical knowledge with human skills such as communication, creativity and decision-making.
What workers in Spain should do now
The labour market is entering a period of transition, and preparation will be critical. Workers who begin developing digital skills and learning how to use artificial intelligence tools are more likely to benefit from the changes ahead. This does not require advanced technical training, but a willingness to adapt and integrate new technologies into everyday work.
At the same time, roles that rely on human judgement, empathy and interpersonal skills are expected to become more valuable. Artificial intelligence is unlikely to cause an immediate collapse in employment in Spain. However, gradual changes over the next decade could reshape the workforce in a way that rewards adaptability and leaves others behind.
