Support networks and NGOs

It is for anyone thinking about moving to Spain, planning a move, or already living there. You will know who helps with what, how to reach a local office, and how to judge who to trust.

Start with "Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain". It sorts organisations by the need they cover, such as money, food, housing, violence, migration and health, and tells you what they cost. Then use the other pages as you need them:

• "Finding NGO and charity offices near you" helps you locate the branch closest to your home.
• "Expat associations, community groups and faith networks" covers peer support from people who share your nationality or faith.
• "Telling reliable help from unreliable advice" helps you check advisers, associations and online groups before you trust them.

Key rules

• Cost of NGO help: Core services from the major NGOs, such as reception, legal advice, food aid and orientation, are free for users.
• Emergency number: In an emergency, call 112; the 016 line is for women facing violence and is free, confidential and does not appear on the phone bill.
• Cost: Core services from the major NGOs are free, and only some courses or housing schemes ask a small contribution.
• Papers: Basic welcome, information and food aid are usually open to anyone in need, with or without papers.
• Search tip: Search the organisation's name with "delegaciones" or "dónde estamos" rather than relying on a saved link.
• Appointments: Expect to book a cita previa, and phone first because waits can run to weeks.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your ID or passport — Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain
• Your padrón registration — Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain

Income and work

• A social report or proof of income from social services — Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain

Payments and receipts

• The official payment form — Telling reliable help from unreliable advice

Other documents

• A referral or voucher from a social worker — Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain
• The papers your region asks for a health card — Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain
• Registration certificate of the association or foundation — Telling reliable help from unreliable advice

Support networks and NGOs: questions that cross several articles

Do I need residence papers to get help from an NGO?

No, basic help such as a first welcome interview, information and food aid is usually open to anyone in need, often with just an ID or passport. Some programmes add rules, such as asylum status for state reception places or legal residence for employment programmes. Read "Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain" to match your need to an organisation.

Can I ask Cáritas for help if I am not Catholic?

Yes, Cáritas helps anyone in need whatever their religion, nationality or immigration status. Start with an acogida, a first welcome and assessment interview at a parish or diocesan office. "Finding NGO and charity offices near you" explains how to reach your local office, and "Expat associations, community groups and faith networks" covers faith-based peer support.

Can I get health care in Spain without papers?

Yes, universal access to the public health system is recognised for irregular migrants, but the documents asked for a health card vary by region. Médicos del Mundo helps people register and gives medical and psychosocial care. See "Who helps whom: the main NGOs and charities in Spain" for health-focused organisations.

Do I need to be on the padrón to use NGO services?

Not always, since basic acogida and food aid often need only ID, but some local aid asks for padrón registration or local residence. Some programmes also require income limits or a referral from servicios sociales. Ask the specific office, and use "Finding NGO and charity offices near you" to locate it.

How do I check that a group offering help is a real NGO office?

Find the office through the organisation's own website, which lists its local offices, rather than through a message or an unknown contact. Cruz Roja, Cáritas, CEAR, Accem and Cepaim all publish such lists. "Telling reliable help from unreliable advice" shows how to vet other advisers and groups.