- alicante is now the leading Spanish province for Ukrainian residents, with over 55,000 documented as of June 2025.
- Ukrainian population in Spain has surged by more then 230% as late 2021, largely due to the ongoing war.
- Torrevieja hosts the largest Ukrainian community in the Valencian Community, surpassing 9,500 residents.
- Women represent nearly 60% of the Ukrainian population in Spain, reflecting the war’s impact on men’s mobility.
- Most Ukrainian workers are employed in hospitality,construction,commerce,and IT sectors.
- Protection under the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive extends to March 2026, providing residence and work permits.
Alicante Emerges as Spain’s Primary Refuge for Ukrainians Amid War
In the wake of the war in Ukraine,Alicante has rapidly become the most sought-after province in Spain for Ukrainian residents seeking safety and a new home. According to the latest data from the permanent Immigration Observatory, analyzed by THE OBJECTIVE, as of June 30, 2025, Alicante was home to 55,499 Ukrainian nationals legally residing in Spain. This accounts for 17% of all Ukrainians registered in the country, making Alicante the number one destination ahead of Madrid and Barcelona.
Spain’s Growing Ukrainian Population: A Statistical Overview
The total number of Ukrainian nationals in Spain with valid residence documentation has swelled to 326,422 as of mid-2025. This represents an astonishing increase of 237.3%-or 229,634 individuals-as December 31, 2021. The initial surge occurred predominantly in the frist half of 2022, with 122,840 people arriving because of the war.
| City / Province | Number of Ukrainian Residents | Percentage of Total in Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Alicante | 55,499 | 17% |
| Madrid | 44,125 | 14% |
| Barcelona | 41,450 | 13% |
Demographics: Predominantly female Population
The demographic profile reflects the realities of war-related migration. Of the total Ukrainian residents, approximately 59% are women (191,586) and 41% men (134,836). The gender gap is especially stark among the working-age population (35 to 44 years),where women nearly double men in numbers. This imbalance is largely due to restrictions placed on Ukrainian men aged 18-60, who have been prohibited from leaving the country to join the military effort.
Older age brackets (65+) also show a notable predominance of women. many of the Ukrainian arrivals are families led by mothers with children, seeking refuge in Alicante’s mild climate and welcoming communities.
Torrevieja: The Epicenter of Ukraine’s Community in Valencia
Within Alicante, the municipality of Torrevieja stands out as a true hub for Ukrainians. Currently, 9,512 Ukrainians are registered residents here, making them the largest foreign community in the city-and the largest Ukrainian population in the Valencian Community. This also positions Torrevieja as one of Spain’s key cities for Ukraine’s diaspora.
Interestingly, Russian nationals are the second-largest foreign group in Torrevieja with 5,926 residents, highlighting the area’s unique demographic tapestry.
The Ukrainian community in Torrevieja is deeply rooted. Even before the war, there was a significant Ukrainian presence (~4,000 residents). Since the conflict began, their numbers have more than doubled, leading to vibrant cultural and social integration. Recently, the community took to the streets to commemorate Ukraine’s Independence Day, advocating for peace, sovereignty, and expressing gratitude towards Spain for its hospitality.
Key Local Insights
- Population growth: From ~4,000 to nearly 10,000 in about 3 years.
- community events: Active participation in cultural celebrations and peace advocacy.
- Integration: Strong ties with local Spanish institutions and society.
Temporary Protection Status and Employment Sectors
Almost the entire increase in Ukrainian residents nationwide stems from the granting of temporary protection residency and work permits, designed to provide safety and legal stability during this period of unrest. By June 2025, 234,240 Ukrainians held authorization under this scheme, available to both newcomers since the start of the conflict and prior residents who lacked formal documentation.
This temporary protection status is set to continue until March 2026,offering these families a measure of security amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Employment Breakdown of Ukrainians under Temporary Protection
| Sector | Number of Ukrainians Employed |
|---|---|
| Hospitality | 6,526 |
| Construction | 5,483 |
| Commerce | 3,654 |
| Data and communications | 3,419 |
It is vital to note that prior to the war, the dominant employment sector among Ukrainians was domestic care services (“activities of households as employers of domestic personnel”), showing a shift toward more diverse sectors in Spain today.
Education: ukrainian Children Enrolled in Spanish Schools
Education authorities report that 39,741 Ukrainian students are currently enrolled in Spain’s education system, with 29,797 of them attending infant, primary, and secondary schools. This shows the long-term embedding of the community within Spanish society.
looking Ahead
While the temporary protection status offers immediate relief, many Ukrainians in Alicante and across Spain face uncertainties regarding their long-term future. Nonetheless,Alicante’s welcoming environment,economic opportunities,and established communities offer hope for continued growth and integration.
The story of Alicante and its Ukrainian residents is an example of resilience in the face of adversity-and a testament to Spain’s role as a safe harbor during one of Europe’s most challenging crises.
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Sources:
THE OBJECTIVE – Alicante: The Province with the Most Ukrainians in Spain