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Health Services

Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers in Spain have access to the public healthcare system under the same conditions as Spanish nationals while their application is under examination. Access is regulated under Real Decreto-ley 7/2018, which guarantees universal healthcare coverage. Asylum seekers accommodated within the State Reception System (SAI) are supported in accessing primary care, specialised medical services, sexual and reproductive health services, and mental health care.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have full access to the Spanish National Health System (Sistema Nacional de Salud – SNS) under the same conditions as nationals. This includes primary healthcare, hospital care, sexual and reproductive health services, HIV prevention and treatment, and gender-affirming healthcare.
  • Migrants: All registered migrants residing in Spain have access to universal healthcare under Real Decreto-ley 7/2018. Irregular migrants are also entitled to healthcare under the universal access framework, including emergency care, primary care, maternal healthcare, and care for minors. Access may require registration in the municipal register (empadronamiento), depending on regional administrative procedures. In the Comunitat Valenciana, healthcare access is provided through the regional public health system under the same universal principles. Additionally, Law 8/2017 of the Generalitat Valenciana guarantees the rights of transgender and gender-diverse persons, including access to gender-affirming healthcare within the regional health system.
  • Asylum Seekers:
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (State Reception System – SAI)
    • Spanish National Health System (SNS)
    • Office for Asylum and Refuge (OAR)
    • CEAR
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
  • Refugees:
    • Spanish National Health System (SNS)
    • Ministry of Health
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Regional Health Services
    • CEAR
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
  • Migrants:
    • Spanish National Health System (SNS)
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Regional Health Services
    • Red PANGEA (municipal migrant assistance network)
    • Oficina ORIENTA (guidance and referral for LGBTQI+ persons)
    • NGOs providing HIV prevention and sexual health services
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers in Spain have access to mental health services through the Spanish National Health System (SNS) under the principle of universal healthcare established by Real Decreto-ley 7/2018. In addition, applicants accommodated within the State Reception System for International Protection (SAI) receive psychological support, including trauma-informed care, counselling, and referral to specialised services when needed. Vulnerable applicants, including LGBTQI+ persons and survivors of violence, may receive additional tailored support.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees have full access to public mental health services under the same conditions as Spanish nationals. This includes primary mental healthcare, psychiatric services, psychological counselling, and referral to specialised services. Refugees may also continue receiving psychosocial support through NGOs participating in the reception and integration system.
  • Migrants: Migrants residing in Spain have access to public mental health services through the SNS under the universal healthcare framework. Access may require prior registration in the municipal register. Irregular migrants are entitled to healthcare services, including mental health support, under universal access provisions. Additional psychological support may be provided by civil society organisations and local integration services. In the Comunitat Valenciana, mental health services are delivered through the regional public health system. Law 8/2017 of the Generalitat Valenciana guarantees the rights of transgender and gender-diverse persons, including access to appropriate healthcare and psychosocial support. The regional service Oficina ORIENTA provides specialised guidance and psychological support for LGBTQI+ persons, including migrants and refugees.
  • Asylum Seekers:
    • Spanish National Health System (SNS)
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (SAI)
    • CEAR
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
    • ACCEM
  • Refugees:
    • Spanish National Health System (SNS)
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Regional Health Services
    • CEAR
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
  • Migrants:
    • Spanish National Health System (SNS)
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Regional Health Services
    • Red PANGEA
    • Oficina ORIENTA (LGBTQI+ support and counselling)
    • NGOs providing psychosocial support and victim assistance
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers may access basic social assistance primarily through the State Reception System for International Protection (SAI), which provides accommodation and essential material support during the reception phases. Access to mainstream social benefits depends on administrative status, residence registration (empadronamiento), and the specific eligibility criteria of each programme. Asylum seekers may also receive support through local social services and civil society organisations.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection can access public social welfare services under similar conditions to nationals, subject to the eligibility criteria of each scheme. This may include minimum income schemes, social inclusion programmes, and municipal social support services. Refugees may also receive integration support through organisations involved in the reception and integration system.
  • Migrants: Migrants residing in Spain may access social welfare services and benefits depending on their residence status, registration, and socio-economic eligibility criteria. The national minimum income scheme (Ingreso Mínimo Vital – IMV) may be accessible to eligible residents under the general rules. In addition, regional schemes such as the Renta Valenciana de Inclusión and municipal emergency assistance programmes may provide financial support, material aid, and social services, subject to administrative requirements. At local level, municipal social services (e.g., in Alzira) typically provide case management, emergency aid, referrals, and support for accessing regional and national benefits, including for vulnerable groups.
  • Asylum Seekers:
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (State Reception System – SAI)
    • Municipal Social Services (e.g., Alzira)
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Social Services
    • CEAR
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
    • ACCEM
  • Refugees:
    • Municipal Social Services
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Social Services
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration
    • NGOs supporting integration (CEAR, Cruz Roja Española, Fundación Cepaim, ACCEM)
  • Migrants:
    • Municipal Social Services (including emergency assistance and referrals)
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Social Services (Renta Valenciana de Inclusión)
    • Social Security / competent public bodies (Ingreso Mínimo Vital – IMV)
    • Red PANGEA (orientation and social support)
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers may access accommodation through the State Reception System for International Protection (SAI), coordinated by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration and implemented by accredited NGOs. The system provides temporary accommodation, basic material support, and social assistance during the reception phases. Accommodation is typically managed by organisations such as CEAR, Cruz Roja Española, Fundación Cepaim, and ACCEM.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees may continue receiving housing support during the integration phase of the reception system, subject to programme eligibility and duration limits. After completion of the reception phase, access to housing is subject to general housing market conditions and eligibility for public housing or social support schemes at regional or municipal level.
  • Migrants: Migrants do not have automatic access to reception accommodation but may access municipal or regional emergency housing services depending on vulnerability and availability. In the Comunitat Valenciana, emergency accommodation and humanitarian support may be provided through municipal social services and organisations such as Cruz Roja Española. Access to public housing programmes is subject to residence status and administrative requirements. Emergency shelters and temporary housing resources may be available for persons in situations of social exclusion or vulnerability, regardless of nationality, subject to eligibility criteria.
  • Asylum Seekers:
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (State Reception System – SAI)
    • CEAR
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
    • ACCEM
  • Refugees:
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Social Services
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration
    • NGOs supporting integration (CEAR, Cruz Roja Española, Fundación Cepaim, ACCEM)
  • Migrants:
    • Municipal Social Services
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Social Services (Renta Valenciana de Inclusión)
    • NGOs supporting housing and social inclusion
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers accommodated within the State Reception System (SAI) have access to Spanish language courses, integration programmes, and educational support services delivered by accredited NGOs. These programmes aim to facilitate social inclusion and access to employment. Asylum-seeking children have full access to compulsory public education under the same conditions as nationals.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees have access to public education and vocational training under the same conditions as Spanish nationals. This includes compulsory schooling for minors, adult education, and access to higher education subject to general admission criteria. Refugees may also participate in integration and language courses provided by NGOs and public institutions.
  • Migrants: Migrant children have the right to access compulsory public education in Spain regardless of their administrative status. Adult migrants may access public adult education programmes, including Spanish language courses, subject to administrative requirements such as municipal registration (empadronamiento). In Alzira, adult education services (Escuela de Adultos) provide language and basic education programmes accessible to registered residents. At regional level, the Comunitat Valenciana promotes integration services through the Red PANGEA, a regional network of municipal offices providing guidance, orientation, and support for migrant integration, including referral to language training opportunities.
  • Asylum Seekers:
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (SAI)
    • CEAR
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
    • ACCEM
    • Public Education Authorities
  • Refugees:
  • Migrants:
    • Public Education System (national and regional authorities)
    • Escuela de Adultos de Alzira
    • Generalitat Valenciana – Education Services
    • Red PANGEA
    • Municipal Social Services
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers in Spain are authorised to work six months after the formal registration of their asylum application, provided that a decision has not yet been issued. Once authorised, they may access public employment services, vocational training programmes, and job placement services under the same conditions as other authorised residents. Within the State Reception System (SAI), NGOs provide employment orientation, training, and integration support.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees have full access to the labour market under the same conditions as Spanish nationals. They may register with public employment services and participate in vocational training and employment programmes at national and regional level.
  • Migrants: Migrants with valid residence and work permits may access public employment services, vocational training, and job placement programmes. Migrants without authorisation to work cannot formally register with public employment services but may receive orientation and support from civil society organisations. In the Comunitat Valenciana, the regional employment service LABORA provides job placement and vocational training services to eligible residents authorised to work. Access is subject to administrative requirements. NGOs such as Cruz Roja Española and Fundación Cepaim provide employment counselling, skills development, and labour market integration programmes for migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers accommodated within the State Reception System (SAI) have access to social integration programmes, community activities, and orientation services delivered by accredited NGOs. These activities aim to promote social inclusion, language acquisition, and participation in local communities. Access to community-based organisations and civil society initiatives is generally open regardless of nationality.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees may access community integration programmes, cultural activities, mentoring initiatives, and social support networks under the same conditions as nationals. Integration services are provided both through public systems and civil society organisations at national, regional, and local levels.
  • Migrants: Migrants residing in Spain may access integration and community support services depending on local availability and administrative requirements. In the Comunitat Valenciana, integration and orientation services are provided through the Red PANGEA Civil society organisations play a key role in facilitating community participation and peer support. LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees may also access support networks and community activities through specialised LGBTQI+ associations operating at local, regional, and national level.
  • Asylum Seekers:
  • Refugees:
  • Migrants:
    • Red PANGEA (Comunitat Valenciana)
    • Municipal Social Services
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
    • Local LGBTQI+ associations (e.g., Gailes)
    • Regional and national LGBTQI+ federations and associations
    • Victim Support Services (all statuses): Offices for Assistance to Victims of Crime (Ministry of Justice); Regional victim support services; Prosecutor’s Office specialised units for hate crimes
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers in Spain may access specialised support through civil society organisations working on LGBTQI+ rights, migrant support, and international protection. Within the State Reception System (SAI), vulnerable applicants, including LGBTQI+ persons, may receive tailored support measures. Access to LGBTQI+ associations and community networks is generally open regardless of nationality or administrative status.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees may access LGBTQI+ community organisations, advocacy groups, and peer support networks under the same conditions as nationals. National legislation, including Law 4/2023 on the real and effective equality of transgender persons and for the guarantee of LGTBI rights, provides a legal framework protecting the rights of LGBTQI+ persons and promoting equality and non-discrimination.
  • Migrants: LGBTQI+ migrants, regardless of status, may access support and community organisations operating at local, regional, and national levels. In the Comunitat Valenciana, services such as Oficina ORIENTA provide guidance and support for LGBTQI+ persons, including migrants and refugees. Civil society associations offer counselling, peer support, awareness activities, and referrals to specialised services when necessary. Regional legislation, including Law 8/2017 of the Generalitat Valenciana, reinforces protections and support mechanisms for transgender and gender-diverse persons at regional level.
  • Asylum Seekers: Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (SAI)
    • Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration (SAI – vulnerability framework)
    • CEAR (LGBTQI+ asylum cases)
    • Cruz Roja Española
    • Fundación Cepaim
    • LGBTQI+ civil society organisations (local, regional and national)
  • Refugees:
    • Fundación Cepaim
    • LGBTQI+ associations and federations (regional and national level)
    • Oficina ORIENTA (Comunitat Valenciana)
    • CEAR
    • Regional Equality Departments
  • Migrants:
    • Oficina ORIENTA (Comunitat Valenciana)
    • Local LGBTQI+ associations (e.g., Gailes)
    • Regional and national LGBTQI+ federations
    • NGOs providing migrant support (CEAR, Cruz Roja Española, Fundación Cepaim)
Accessibility (per status):
  • Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers have access to emergency services under the same conditions as nationals. This includes emergency healthcare through the public health system and access to police protection and victim support services. Individuals accommodated within the State Reception System (SAI) may receive additional support and referrals in situations of crisis or vulnerability.
  • Refugees: Recognised refugees have full access to emergency services, including healthcare, police assistance, and victim support services. They may also access specialised assistance mechanisms in cases of violence, discrimination, or hate crimes.
  • Migrants: All persons in Spain, regardless of administrative status, have access to emergency healthcare and urgent medical assistance. Emergency services (112) are universally accessible. Victims of crime, including migrants in irregular situations, have the right to report incidents and access victim support services. Spain provides several crisis and emergency support mechanisms, including the national emergency number 112, the national helpline 016 for victims of gender-based violence (available regardless of nationality or residence status), and public Offices for Assistance to Victims of Crime. Hate crimes, including those motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity, are addressed under Spanish criminal law, and specialised units within law enforcement and the Public Prosecutor’s Office handle such cases.
  • Asylum Seekers:
    • National Emergency Service (112)
    • Spanish National Health System (emergency care)
    • National Police and Guardia Civil
    • Offices for Assistance to Victims of Crime (Ministry of Justice)
    • Public Prosecutor’s Office – specialised hate crime units
    • 016 National Helpline (gender-based violence)
    • Municipal Social Services
  • Refugees:
    • National Emergency Service (112)
    • Spanish National Health System (emergency care)
    • National Police and Guardia Civil
    • Offices for Assistance to Victims of Crime (Ministry of Justice)
    • Public Prosecutor’s Office – specialised hate crime units
    • 016 National Helpline (gender-based violence)
    • Municipal Social Services
  • Migrants:
    • National Emergency Service (112)
    • Spanish National Health System (emergency care)
    • National Police and Guardia Civil
    • Offices for Assistance to Victims of Crime (Ministry of Justice)
    • Public Prosecutor’s Office – specialised hate crime units
    • 016 National Helpline (gender-based violence)
    • Municipal Social Services