The province of Castellón gained on average 675 foreign self-employed workers per year, while simultaneously losing Spanish self-employed workers. This phenomenon reflects a migratory and economic trend that has been transforming the business fabric of the region.
Among the thousands of foreigners who arrived in the province in recent years to start businesses and make a living is Olena Parshakova, a thirty-year-old woman from Ukraine. She emigrated to Spain with her son one year after the start of the war in her country of origin, which continues to devastate the region.
Before settling in Castellón, Olena worked as a nurse in Ukraine. She currently manages a store in Castelló specialized in typical Ukrainian products, having shared her experience in an interview with the newspaper Mediterráneo.
Olena Parshakova's case represents just one among thousands of examples of foreigners who chose the Spanish province to start business activities, highlighting the growing role of immigration in local economic dynamism.
