Temporary protection in Spain for Ukrainians in 2025: how to apply and basic rules for refugees?

In 2025, Spain extends temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2026. Find out how to obtain or extend the status, what documents are needed, what rights temporary protection provides, how to get a medical card, find housing, and where to seek help

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Ukrainians who remain or arrive in Spain can obtain or extend temporary protection in Spain in 2025. This status provides the right to residence, work, social support, education for children and health insurance in Spain for Ukrainians.

In this article, we will explain how to apply for temporary protection in Spain, what documents are needed, who is entitled to the status and what basic rules apply in 2025.

Are you planning to emigrate to the Spain? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Is temporary protection in Spain extended in 2025?

Temporary protection is a quick and simplified way to obtain a residence permit in Spain. This status is significantly different from the traditional asylum procedure, as it does not require a long and complicated case review, typical of standard migration processes.

In 2025, Spain officially confirmed the extension of the temporary protection program for Ukrainians. Currently, the program is valid until March 4, 2026 - it is until this period that Ukrainians can enjoy all the rights granted by refugee status Spain Ukraine.

However, given that in July 2025 the Council of the European Union officially approved the extension of temporary protection until March 2027, it is predicted that Spain will also extend this period.

Who can receive temporary protection in Spain?

The following categories of persons can receive temporary protection status:

- Citizens of Ukraine who resided in Ukraine until February 24, 2022;

- Foreign citizens (non-Ukrainians) who legally resided in Ukraine until February 24, 2022, if they cannot return to their country;

- Family members (spouse, minor children, other close relatives) of persons who meet the two previous criteria.

Read here whether it is possible to change the country of temporary protection and how to obtain temporary protection in Spain after another country.

How much does it cost to obtain temporary protection in Spain?

Filing a request for temporary protection, as well as access to the Reception, Assistance and Coordination Centers (CREADE) for displaced Ukrainians, is free of charge, as is the asylum system and all resources and services related to it (legal, psychological, social, medical, language learning, etc.).

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Rules for entering Spain for Ukrainians in 2025

Ukrainians must have a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad - biometric - to cross the Spanish border.

If you entered Spain with a passport that has expired, you can contact the nearest diplomatic/consular office in Spain to extend the validity of your passport.

Children have the right to enter Spain on the basis of a birth certificate. After crossing the border, you can enter the child's information in your passport or apply for a separate document for the child at the nearest diplomatic/consular office in Spain.

Ukrainians can stay in Spain for 90 days without the need for a visa in advance. If you need to extend your stay in Spain, you must contact the Spanish Foreigners' Service in advance - before the 90 days allowed within 180 days expire. Temporary protection status gives you the right to live, work and study in the country.

In this material, learn more about the rules for entering Ukraine into Spain and the procedure for obtaining a visa to this country.

Moving to Spain with pets

Moving to Spain with pets is allowed. However, to cross the border, you must:

1. The animal must be identified with a microchip;

2. It must have been vaccinated against rabies;

3. An antibody titration has been performed. The sample must be taken no later than 30 days after vaccination and three months before the planned movement;

4. An international certificate has been issued to accompany the animal. In the case of reintroduction, a passport confirming vaccination and an antibody titration test are required;

5. Dogs, cats and ferrets under 7 months of age are not allowed (the deadline is determined by the age of vaccination and the determination of post-vaccination antibodies).

What rights does temporary protection in Spain provide?

Having received temporary protection in Spain 2025, Ukrainians have a wide range of rights and opportunities:

1. Residence permit

Ukrainians who have received temporary protection have the right to legally reside in Spain for the duration of this status.

2. The right to work for Ukrainians in Spain (self-employment and employment)

The status allows you to work legally - without the need to apply for an additional special work permit, as an employee or as a self-employed person (autónomo), if you meet the conditions.

3. Access to social security and assistance

The ability to apply for social assistance, including accommodation, legal and psychological assistance, and integration support.

Important! Since the fall of 2023, Spain has stopped providing financial assistance to refugees, however, charitable organizations periodically launch support programs for the least protected categories of the population.

4. Access to healthcare

Temporary protection includes the right to medical care and access to the healthcare system.

5. Access to education for children under 18

Children from families with temporary protection have the right to study under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.

6. Right to identification registration and banking operations

- Obtaining a foreigner identification number (NIE) or the corresponding registration number (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).

- The ability to open a bank account, carry out financial transactions - since you have legal status.

7. Driving license with Ukrainian rights

A Ukrainian driving license is recognized in Spain for one year from the start of temporary protection.

If you plan to enter Spain in your own car with Ukrainian registration, you should prepare in advance. Despite the fact that Ukrainians can freely enter the EU, you need to have appropriate insurance for travel.

A “Green Card” is mandatory for crossing the border. It can be issued online through Visit Ukraine while still in Ukraine - quickly, officially and by sending it to email.

How to obtain or extend temporary protection in Spain in 2025?

Step 1. Make an appointment to submit an application

Before applying for temporary protection status (TP) for citizens of Ukraine, you must make an appointment in advance.

In large cities, there are reception and coordination centers for people arriving from Ukraine: for example, CREADE (Centro de Recepción, Atención y Derivación) in Madrid and Malaysia.

You can also apply through the relevant police departments (immigration police) in the province where you are.

Appointments are usually made online or by phone:

- In Malaga: call 628 216 478 (Monday to Friday) to make an appointment at CREADE.

- In Madrid: call 666 800 194 to make an appointment at CREADE. (UNHCR help.unhcr.org)

Why is it important to make an appointment in advance?

This helps to organize your appointment, receive advice and avoid queues. In some cases, the application will simply not be accepted without an appointment.

Important! The request for temporary protection for children under 18 years of age who are accompanied by an adult is submitted by the responsible person (father, mother or guardian).

Step 2. Collecting and submitting documents

To apply for temporary protection, you must:

- Provide documents proving that you belong to one of the groups to which the temporary protection regime applies: a foreign passport or, in the absence of one, an internal passport or identity document, as well as documents proving family ties with your spouse, partner and/or children under 18 years of age.

- Provide an address in Spain that will be considered your permanent residence for the purpose of sending messages.

- Provide, if possible, a telephone number and an email address for sending messages.

The police take fingerprints from applicants and issue a copy of the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) at the time of application. This copy entitles the person concerned to remain in Spanish territory and to receive social assistance.

Step 3. Obtaining documents

Within a maximum of 24 hours after the request for temporary protection, the Spanish authorities agree to grant or refuse protection. If protection is granted, the interested person will have a residence and work permit in Spain for a period of 1 year, which is automatically renewed.

How to extend temporary protection in Spain?

If an extension is required: you should contact the CREADE center or police station in advance - usually a few months before the expiration date - and confirm that you still meet the conditions of temporary protection.

What documents are required to apply for or extend temporary protection?

- Passport or ID card of a citizen of Ukraine. If not, another document confirming your identity/citizenship.

- If possible: documents confirming that you resided in Ukraine until February 24, 2022 or had legal residence there.

- Documents on family ties - if you are applying together with family members.

- Proof of residence address in Spain (if known) and, if possible, phone / email for communication.

- Photo - in some cases.

Useful tips for Ukrainians in Spain

1. Important documents in Spain: NIE, TIE and DNI

If you live or plan to stay in Spain, it is worth knowing what documents are required for legal stay and identification. Below is a brief description of the three main documents that most Ukrainians encounter.

- NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a personal identification number of a foreigner, which is issued to all expats who are officially in Spain or have any economic interests here. It is needed for almost everything: opening a bank account, signing an employment or rental agreement, buying real estate or a car, paying taxes.

NIE format - a letter, seven digits and another letter (for example, Y1234567-X).

- TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a plastic card that foreigners receive after applying for a residence permit or temporary protection. It contains your NIE number, the validity period of the document, the type of permit and biometric data. It is the main document that confirms your legal status in Spain. With the TIE you can also travel freely within the EU countries (for short periods) without additional visas.

- DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is the identification card of Spanish citizens. It contains a unique number in the format of eight digits and letters (for example, 00000000-E) and is used as the main document in all official situations. Many Spaniards do not have a passport, as the DNI allows you to travel within the EU. If you eventually obtain Spanish citizenship, you will automatically be issued with a DNI - as the main document for identification.

2. Medical care for Ukrainians in Spain

Citizens of Ukraine who have received or are awaiting temporary protection in Spain are entitled to free medical care on the same terms as citizens of the country.

To obtain a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria), you need to contact the Primary Health Care Center (CAP – Centro de Atención Primaria) at your place of residence, having a passport or other document confirming your identity. Prior appointment is not required.

The presence or absence of temporary protection status does not affect the possibility of obtaining a card.

In case of an emergency, you should call 112.

To feel as protected as possible throughout your stay in the EU, we recommend purchasing a health insurance policy.

Regardless of whether you are going on vacation, or planning to work or live in Spain for a long time, choosing the right policy will help you avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure access to medical care in any situation. Find out when and who needs it.

3. Housing in Spain for Ukrainians in 2025

If you have temporary protection status, you can also contact Spanish organizations that help with temporary housing, such as Cruz Roja (Red Cross), ACCEM, CEAR, or the local municipality (ayuntamiento).

You can also rent housing yourself. You can find options on popular online platforms such as Idealista, Fotocasa, Spotahome, Habitaclia and Pisos.com, as well as in local newspapers and communities on social networks.

4. Work for Ukrainians in Spain

To find a job in Spain, Ukrainians should use online portals such as Infojobs.es, Indeed.es and Infoempleo.es, as well as the state employment service SEPE.

An effective search is in social networks, in particular in the groups "Ukrainians in Spain" on Facebook and through the professional network LinkedIn.

It is equally important to contact Ukrainian organizations in Spain, which can provide assistance with adaptation and job search.

5. Useful contacts for Ukrainians in Spain

- Embassy of Ukraine in Spain (Madrid)

c/Ronda de la Abubilla, 52, 28043 Madrid

+34 91 748 93 60 | Hotline (WhatsApp/Viber): +34 620 64 13 24

emb_es@mfa.gov.ua | spain.mfa.gov.ua

- Consulate General of Ukraine in Barcelona

c. Numancia 185, bajos 2, 08034 Barcelona

+34 934 02 89 56 | Hotline: +34 629 38 29 36

gc_esb@mfa.gov.ua | barcelona.mfa.gov.ua

- Consulate of Ukraine in Malaga

c/Maestranza 23, 1 derecha, 29016 Málaga

+34 95 222 06 15 | Hotline: +34 636 54 80 17

gc_esm@mfa.gov.ua | malaga.mfa.gov.ua

Ukrainians can contact any of the consulates by appointment, as well as in case of emergencies via hotlines or messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Signal, Telegram).

Help from Visit Ukraine

The Visit Ukraine platform supports Ukrainians who are in Spain or planning to move. We help with all the important issues to make your life abroad safe and comfortable:

- Consultations on documents, residence and rights of Ukrainians in Spain.

- Assistance in obtaining insurance - both for life in Spain and for traveling to EU countries.

- Legal advice and online consultations in difficult situations.

- Visit Ukraine services: purchasing tickets, translating documents, transfers, preparing for traveling abroad.

Follow the current rules for staying in Spain with Visit Ukraine – we will help you obtain documents, insurance and get online consultations.

Let us remind you! Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Denmark has continued to provide shelter to refugees on its territory. We have already told you how to obtain temporary protection in Denmark, the rules for entering the country, finding work and housing in 2025.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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