Canary Islands Employment Subsidies Regulations (2025)

Overview

On July 11, 2025, the Canary Islands government officially approved new indefinite regulations to channel subsidies aimed at boosting employment for vulnerable groups. These subsidies are part of the European Social Fund Plus (FSE+) 2021-2027 initiative and target the integration of at-risk individuals into the workforce.

Goals and Targeted Outcomes

The primary goal is to combat high poverty levels—Canary Islands had a social exclusion rate of 33.8% in 2023, well above the national average. The program aims to facilitate access to sustainable employment through grants to social economy companies, especially those that serve vulnerable populations, by covering wages and social security costs for up to three years.

Funding and Support

The funding supports:

• employment in social companies
• the transition to regular job markets, including indefinite contracts, self-employment, or becoming part of social enterprises

Particular emphasis is placed on:

• inclusive hiring practices
• gender equality
• promoting employment among seniors

Application Process

Requests for funding must be:

• submitted electronically
• within the set deadlines

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• transparent, competitive criteria

Policy Alignment

The measures align with:

• the Spanish Employment Strategy 2021-2024
• the European Pillar of Social Rights

"This reflects a commitment to social inclusion and economic sustainability."

Significance

Overall, this regulation marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to reduce social inequalities in the Canary Islands by expanding employment opportunities for those facing the greatest barriers to employment, backed by European Union funds and national policies.