The Roma (gitano) community in Spain and antigypsyism

Key rules

• Population: Nobody knows the exact number of Roma in Spain, because ethnic data is not collected.
• EU Romani migrants: If you are an EU citizen, you have the same access to public services as other EU citizens once you are on the padrón.
• Non-EU Roma: If you are from outside the EU, the general immigration rules apply to you.
• Getting help: Several organisations offer free support against discrimination, and local social services decide most practical help.

Who the Roma are in Spain

Roma, usually called gitanos in Spain, are the country's largest long-standing minority. They have lived in Spain for centuries. Most estimates put them at 750,000 to 800,000 people, about 1.5% of the population. Spain does not collect ethnic data, so there is no census count and every figure is an estimate.

About 40% live in Andalusia. Large communities also live in Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia and Extremadura, mostly in cities and their outskirts.

Antigypsyism: prejudice against Roma

Antigypsyism is prejudice and discrimination aimed at Roma. It is persistent in Spain. Public opinion surveys show Roma are among the groups people say they reject most, and a large minority say they would be uncomfortable having Roma neighbours. Most Roma report discrimination in housing, work or services.

If you are Roma, you are not alone in this, and you can seek help (see below). If you are not, expect that you may meet these attitudes, and that they affect how many Roma people experience renting, hiring and public offices.

The national strategy

Spain has a national strategy for Roma equality, inclusion and participation, covering 2021 to 2030. It aims to cut poverty, improve education, employment, health and housing, fight antigypsyism and support Roma culture and participation. The ministry in charge of social rights leads it. A state council of Roma people is the body where the community takes part.

Organisations that can help

• Fundación Secretariado Gitano runs employment, education and anti-discrimination programmes. It also publishes yearly reports on discrimination.
• Unión Romaní, Fundación Cepaim, Asociación de Mujeres Gitanas Romi, Federación Kamira, Fundación Instituto de Cultura Gitana and Plataforma Khetane work on rights, culture and inclusion.
• SOS Racismo and Movimiento contra la Intolerancia act against racism in general.

Each has its own website. Search the name to find the office nearest you.

If you are a Romani migrant

Romani people from Romania or Bulgaria are EU citizens. Once you are on the padrón, you can use public health, schooling and social services on the same basis as other EU citizens. If you are Roma from outside the EU, the general immigration rules apply to you.

The usual obstacles are:

• no fixed address, which makes it hard to register on the padrón;
• the proof of resources and health cover needed to register as a resident after three months;
• living in informal settlements.

The documents and timeline below cover these steps. Regional and town social services decide most practical help, so ask your local social services office. Fundación Secretariado Gitano, Fundación Cepaim, Accem and local NGOs also run programmes for Roma migrants.

Timeline and deadlines

• Stay in Spain as an EU citizen without extra requirements: for the first three months

• Show proof of resources and health cover to register as a resident: if you stay longer than three months

• Register on the padrón to reach public health, schooling and social services: once you have an address

Check the current residence requirements with the immigration office, as the answers give only the three-month point.

Documents you need

• Padrón registration (empadronamiento): the certificate from your town hall showing you are registered at an address. It gives access to public health, schooling and social services, and you need an address to get it.

• Proof of resources: for residence over three months, EU citizens must show they have enough money to support themselves.

• Proof of health cover: for residence over three months, EU citizens must show they have health insurance or equivalent cover.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there no exact count of Roma people in Spain?

There is no exact count because Spanish law does not allow ethnic data to be collected, so every figure is an estimate. Estimates put the Roma population at 750,000 to 800,000, about 1.5% of the population. Andalusia has the largest share, about 40% of the total.

Which organisation can I contact if I face discrimination as a Roma person?

The Fundación Secretariado Gitano (FSG) is the main place to start, as it runs anti-discrimination, employment and education programmes. SOS Racismo and Movimiento contra la Intolerancia also act against racism. Each has its own website, and a name search will find them.

Can Romani migrants from Romania use Spanish public services?

Yes, Romani migrants from Romania or Bulgaria are EU citizens and can use public health, schooling and social services on the same basis as other EU citizens once registered on the padrón (the town hall residents' register). Regional and local social services decide most help. Non-EU Roma face the general immigration rules.

Does Spain have a national plan for Roma equality?

Yes, Spain has a national strategy for Roma equality, inclusion and participation that runs from 2021 to 2030. It aims to reduce poverty, improve education, employment, health and housing, and fight antigypsyism. The Consejo Estatal del Pueblo Gitano is the body where Roma take part.