We can only imagine the struggles of displaced Ukrainians. All the unnecessary suffering due to one madman.
There are a tremendous number of on-line resources, and we hope to spotlight the most helpful “getting started” guides, especially those produced by the EU and the UN. We apologize in advance for not providing this guide in Ukrainian, but we hope you will find it useful.
At the bottom of this post, we have a resource section provided by Elder G.
[note: clicking on an image will open the resource in a new tab]
Informative PDF Booklet (EUAA)
The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) has an informative PDF booklet that covers a wide range of topics related to Ukrainians coming to Spain.
This may be the best starting place. The booklet has a lot of practical nuts-and-bolts information, and an extensive resource and link section. The booklet is a general introduction to relocating to Spain, with a special emphasis for the Ukrainian community.
Unfortunately, this PDF is in English, and we were unable to find a Ukrainian language version. However, many of the links and references are available in both Spanish and Ukrainian.
The Community of Madrid has set up a network of service points to provide Ukrainian refugees with information and access to the public services that have been made available to them.
These include health care, schooling for minors, access to employment services or obtaining a free temporary card to use public transport.
Ukraine is Home Providing refugees and internally displaced Ukrainians with information about their rights and continued stay in host countries or host communities, addressing questions and explaining opportunities regarding voluntary return home, and promoting access to the support needed to recover and rebuild.
From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine:
Do you have a temporary protection status in Spain? On this page you can find information about your right to continued stay and access to services in Spain, short and extended stay in Ukraine and how it affects your temporary protection status and assistance. If you consider returning to Ukraine permanently, you can also find information about administrative procedures that you need to complete in Spain before your departure.
The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the application of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine in the EU until March 2026.
The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has quite a bit of information for Ukrainian refugees. A good starting point might be:
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.
We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
Welcome to Spain: Elder G’s Resource Guide for Ukrainians in Madrid
Whether you are a refugee or resettling in Spain, this guide offers trusted resources to help you navigate your new chapter, with a special focus on Madrid.
Below you’ll find key links and short descriptions to assist with legal support, housing, jobs, language learning, education, and community connections.
Arrival Essentials & Legal Protection
1. Temporary Protection & Asylum in Spain UNHCR Spain provides detailed information on who qualifies, how to apply, and where to find assistance centers in Madrid. Visit UNHCR Spain
2. Community of Madrid – Services for Ukrainian Refugees The regional government offers healthcare access, education enrollment, employment services, and free public transport cards. Visit Comunidad de Madrid
Housing & Social Services
3. Reception Plan for Ukrainian Refugees Spanish Ministry of Inclusion offers a network of hosting families, social workers, and services for 6 months to 1 year. Visit EURAXESS Spain
4. Airbnb.org Temporary Housing Airbnb.org partners with nonprofits to provide free, temporary housing to Ukrainian refugees. Learn More on Airbnb.org
6. Free Training Courses NGOs across Spain offer free courses for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. See UNHCR’s Training List
Education & Schooling
7. Enrolling Children in School In Spain, schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16, and refugees have the right to education. Read More on Asylum in Europe
8. Support for Students Complutense Language Centre and Una Europa offer Spanish courses and other supports for Ukrainian students. Visit Una Europa
10. Madrid For Refugees (MFR) A nonprofit supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants through community projects and empowerment programs. Visit Madrid For Refugees
11. Red Cross Mental Health Services Offers psychological first aid and mental health support for those affected by the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Learn More at Red Cross Europe
Thanks, Elder G, But….
Elder G’s enthusiasm outpaced this fashion choices. S/he was scaring the children! We had to ask her/him to tone it down….
Elder G was happy to comply….
One reply on “The Ukrainian Community of Madrid, Spain”
I’m thinking this is an actual pamphlet regarding Ukrainians going to Spain. The welcome pictures really scared me though. I guess I’d go back to Ukraine. Lol.
One reply on “The Ukrainian Community of Madrid, Spain”
I’m thinking this is an actual pamphlet regarding Ukrainians going to Spain. The welcome pictures really scared me though. I guess I’d go back to Ukraine. Lol.