Ukrainians in Spain residence permit: how to move from temporary protection

Ukrainians in Spain: what is temporary protection and how long it has been extended

Temporary protection (protección temporis) under Directive 2001/55/EC has been in force for persons displaced from Ukraine since 4 March 2022 when the EU Council adopted Decision (EC) 2022/382 [1]By decision (EC) 2026/1912 of 30 July 2026, issued on 4 August 2026, the defence was extended until 4 March 2028, until then, the deadline of 4 March 2027 was that of (EU) 2026/1460 [1][4]. In Spain, the protection is complemented by Real Decreto 1325/2003 and the orders of 2022: Orden PCM/169/2022 on recognition and Orden PCM/170/2022, which expanded the circle of persons [1].

Decisions of the Council are directly applicable in Member States, so individual decisions are not needed to extend protection [1]II. Table of all extensions and submission procedures Temporary protection for Ukrainians in SpainAccording to an order of February 2026, Spain has recognized the protection of more than 265,000 persons. [1].

What gives temporary protection

The defence grants residence and work permits for the duration of the defence, the right to work and self-employment, medical care and education for children under 18 [9]. The application is filed with the Politicala Nacional on record, while in Barcelona the CREADE centre records: order and address are available on the Ministry ’s page. [9]Ukrainians enter without a visa for 90 days in any 180 days [5][6].

What's new since 31 July 2026?

Decision (EC) 2026/1912 imposes a condition on those who are protected for the first time: the complainant must confirm that he is in compliance with military obligations in Ukraine, if applicable, and has been in force since 31 July 2026, and does not apply to persons who were protected until 30 July 2026 inclusive and who have maintained it continuously. [4]The procedure for checking in Spain is not described in the public material: please specify with the police.

TIE and timing: What to do and what not to do

TIE Temporary Protection Card is automatically valid until 4 March 2027: this is the case in Orden INT/96/2026 (effective 17 February 2026). [1]The card is still a document of residence permit, not a travel document. [6]Those who refused protection must hand over the card [1].

In previous years, such orders were issued at the end of February: INT/169/2024 of 26 February, INT/195/025 of 27 February, INT/96/2026 of 12 February [1]We did not find an order to extend the TIE until 4 March 2028 on 2 October 2026: check the BOE and the Ministry of the Interior website.

Other grounds for residence permit for Ukrainians and temporary protection bridge

Before April 16, 2026, Reglamento only promised that the order would be issued by the order of the defence holders to the other permits. [1][2]. Real Decreto 316/2026 changed the Disposición adicional decimonovena: holders of a protection permit can apply for residence and residence permits, the procedure of which can begin in Spain, under the usual procedures, including arraigo (Article 125) and permits Ley 14/2013 [2][3].

Article 126, after the amendment, requires that the applicant for arraigo not be the holder of the residence or residence authorization, and the Disposición adicional decimonova expressly refers to article 125 [2]We have not found any explanation of the agency ’s application to the defence counsel, and consider this a matter for counsel.

More detailed on the grounds: Digital Nomad in Spain, Arraigo species, residence in Spain: from where to beginB. Step diagrams: DNV, arraigo, work.

If you are outside Spain

Ukrainians do not need a 90-day visa for short-term travel in any 180 days [6]A residence visa is required for DNV, no lucrativa, work or study at the consulate in the place of residence (art. 26 Reglamento) [2]The Spanish Embassy in Kiev consular section accepts visa questions by e-mail eb.kyiv.vis@maec.es; the Embassy page has an official recommendation not to go to Ukraine under any circumstances. [8]If you live in another country, you must file it in your place of legal residence, and order depends on the consulate of that country. Spanish consulates and filing of documents.

Questions we did not find directly

• Whether the time for temporary protection is counted in the calculation of five years of residence for larga duración and ten years for citizenship. [2].
• How is the relationship between the Disposición adicional decimonova and the condition of article 126 (h) that there is no authorization?
• What will be the date and form of the extension of TIE after 4 March 2027?
• How Spain checks out military duties under a new condition.

These questions should be asked by counsel for counselling.

Typical Errors

• The defence period and card period are in progress: the defence was extended until 4 March 2028 and the TIE is in effect until 4 March 2027 by order of 2026. [1][4].
• Changed status without checking how the transition would affect the right to work and the time frame: different permits differ in order and conditions [2].
• They think the time to protect is automatically five years for larga duración. [2].
• They are based on a restatement of the new 2026 military responsibilities: look at the Council ’s decision and the Spanish explanations [4].
• Postponed collection of documents for DNV: required contract, bill or account sheets, background notes and translation to Spanish [7].
• Application for a visa to the wrong consular district: District rule is enshrined in article 26 of the Reglamento [2].

What can we help you with?

We're going to look at your status now, what permits you can apply from Spain, and how you can collect documents for the right reasons, and how you combine defence and general regime, we're going to pass on to the team's counsel. The cost of the operation is estimated, the fees and the transfers are paid separately. Book a consultationIV. Services: arraigo, Digital nomad ’s residence permit.

Frequent issues

Related materials

The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.