Migrations allocates more than 52 million euros in 2025 to the social and community protection of Spaniards living abroad

The Ministry of Inclusion, through the General Directorate of Spanish Citizenship Abroad and Return Policies, last year allocated more than 52 million euros (52,017,855.50 euros) to benefits, extraordinary aid, health care abroad and grants to community entities. This investment represents the consolidation of a strategy that prioritizes social protection, community cohesion and attention to the most vulnerable groups of the Spanish diaspora.

The General Directorate of Spanish Citizenship Abroad and Return Policies, in its Activity Report 2025, collects the different services that are provided to citizens abroad (economic benefits, pensions and health care), in the return process (Return Office) and once they have been installed again in our country (certificate of returned emigrants, economic benefits, pensions and Social Advisory Service to Returned Emigrants).

15,658 beneficiaries: a global support network

The balance sheet for the year 2025 shows that 15,658 Spaniards living abroad were beneficiaries of the different benefits managed by the General Directorate. This data summarizes the direct impact of public policies aimed at Spanish citizens dispersed throughout the world, especially in countries in which social protection systems present limitations, or those in which the Spanish community has greater aging or economic vulnerability.

The most relevant benefits, in figures:

Benefit due to necessity

The main social protection line managed by the General Directorate of Spanish Citizenship Abroad and Return Policies reached 7,787 beneficiaries, with a budget execution of 31.28 million euros, which represents more than 50% of the agency’s global budget.

Benefits for “War Children” (Law 3/2005)

In 2025, this program covered 392 beneficiaries with an endowment of 2.14 million euros, guaranteeing recognition and support for those affected by the exile resulting from the Civil War.

Health care abroad

The health protection network had 17 active agreements in 14 countries, thanks to which 5,191 people received care. The investment earmarked for this purpose amounted to 6.61 million euros.

Extraordinary assistance

In addition, 1,434 extraordinary grants were granted, mobilizing 1.30 million euros, to address situations of special need and vulnerability of Spanish citizens living abroad.

The beneficiaries are Spanish people living abroad, and dependants, with a situation of lack of resources and extraordinary expenses caused in the country of emigration for health care derived from serious health problems. Also women victims of gender violence due to the

due legal assistance in the country of residence.

These figures show the commitment of the General Directorate of Spanish Citizenship Abroad and Return Policies to guarantee rights, cover basic needs and quality health care for those who reside outside the Spanish territory.

Pensions for old age of returnees

A benefit intended to give protection to Spanish people of origin born in national territory who, for economic, employment or any other reason, left the country and established their residence abroad, and Spanish people of origin not born in Spain who prove a period of residence in our country of 8 years prior to the presentation of the application for the benefit, holding during that period Spanish nationality.

In 2025, almost 7 million euros were allocated in a benefit that protected 854 people.

356 centers and associations strengthen the cohesion of the Spanish diaspora

Along with individual benefits, the Ministry also promotes community life and collective well-being through grant programs. Last year 356 centers and associations of Spaniards abroad were beneficiaries of the programs.

With an amount of 3,687,458.70 euros, the grants allow to maintain cultural, assistance and social support activities, as well as support programs aimed at elderly and dependent people. It also guarantees the continuity of entities that play a fundamental role in the preservation of the Spanish identity in numerous countries.

The network of centres continues to be a strategic element for the link between Spain and its communities abroad, acting as cultural, social and administrative reference points.

A global economic impact that strengthens rights and the future

The budgetary effort made by the General Directorate of Spanish Citizenship Abroad translates into greater economic security for the elderly and those who are in a vulnerable situation, and guarantees access to health services in countries whose health systems are insufficient. It also contributes to the strengthening of the Spanish associative fabric abroad, strengthens community life, and allows to offer an accompaniment to those who wish to return to Spain, facilitating their return and reintegration process.

You can consult the balance of activity at: Balance-External Citizenship 2025