People aged roughly 35 to 50 who have spent about a decade living outside Spain. Settled mainly in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, though also in Ireland, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, or Belgium. They’ve built most of their professional careers abroad, and in many cases, with their own families accompanying them as they return. This is the typical profile of Spaniards returning to Spain, according to Volvemos, the national organization focused on guiding the Spanish diaspora back home.
Volvemos, which began ten years ago with the aim of facilitating the return of Spanish emigrants, has helped more than 7,000 people return to Spain, assisting them with bureaucratic, work-related, and emotional matters.
“The reality of Spanish emigration has changed in recent years. Those who return to Spain after long periods abroad often do so after having built much of their personal and professional lives overseas, with families settled abroad and needs that are varied in their return process. From Volvemos we accompany them to make their return as smooth and safe as possible,” explains Diego Ruiz del Árbol, director of Volvemos, who notes that the association serves anyone who wishes to return to Spain, regardless of their profile or situation.
In 2025 alone, Volvemos accompanied more than 1,500 people in their return journeys to Spain, a statistic that underscores that returning isn’t just about finding a job, but about managing a complex process that blends administrative procedures, taxation, housing, emotional adaptation, and family reorganization.
Not surprisingly, 40% of the organization’s inquiries relate to administrative and bureaucratic issues. Another 20% corresponds to management and taxation services, while emotional support accounts for another 20% of total activity. The remaining 10% is split between career guidance and other accompanying services.
“Migration and return carry a profound emotional impact, and for a long time it has been an invisible aspect. Some people feel like they are coming home, only to discover they must rebuild bonds, identity, and expectations,” notes Ruiz del Árbol.
Ten Years of Driving Return Migration Policies in Spain
Volvemos’s work unfolds within a context of sustained growth in the number of Spaniards living abroad. According to official data compiled by the organization, as of January 1, 2026 there are more than 3.2 million Spaniards living outside the country, the highest figure in history.
Over these ten years, the association has collaborated with 21 local, regional, national, and European public administrations to promote return-oriented public policies. Among its major milestones is the design of the first and only national return plan developed to date in Spain, together with the Secretariat of State for Migrations, as well as the launch of the first autonomous and municipal programs specialized in this area. Notable among them are the launch of the Castilla-La Mancha return program and the development of the “Volvemos a Córdoba” plan in partnership with IMDEEC.
Beyond individual support, the organization conducts migration research projects, collaborates with companies to encourage the employability of Spaniards with international experience, and serves as the diaspora’s liaison with public institutions.
