For applicants from Russia and the CIS

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Spain: the main questions

The temporary protection (protección temporis) gives Ukrainians in Spain a permit to stay and work for the duration of the protection, which was extended by the EU Council decision 2026/1912 until 4 March 2028 and added a condition of military duties for new applicants [1][2].

Information material, not individual legal opinion: Prepared using IE; checked by a subject matter specialist before publication has not yet been completed; conditions apply to a particular situation and may change.
Short
  • Temporary protection extended until 4 March 2028 The extension is applicable as from 5 March 2027. [1].
  • The defence permits residence and work, access to medical care, and children under 18 years of age to education [2][3].
  • From 31.07.2026 protection is granted to those who have performed military duties in Ukraine, if they are covered by them, not to the benefit of the protected persons up to 30.07.2026 inclusive without interruption [1].
  • In Spain, the application is filed with the Policy Nacional on record, then reguardo is issued with the number NIE, and the decision is downloaded in 24 or 48 hours. [3].
  • The Ministry of Inclusion has yet to call the date 4 March 2027 and TIE cards have been extended until that date (Orden INT/96/2026) [2][3].

What is temporary protection for Ukrainians in Spain?

Temporary protection: the mechanism of Directive 2001/55/EC, which the EU Council has introduced for persons displaced from Ukraine by Decision (EU) 2022/382. It allows for living, working and studying in the EU without asylum procedure, but only in one EU State at the same time. [1][2]. In Spain, the order is set by Orden PCM/169/2022 and Orden PCM/170/2022, the procedure is described by Real Decreto 1325/2003 [3]A residence and work permit is valid for the duration of the defence, the right to work is established at the age of 16, and medical care is available [2][3].

Who can get temporary protection?

The Ministry of Inclusion calls such categories [2]:

  • Ukrainian citizens who were in Spain before 24.02.2022 and who were unable to return because of the conflict, including in irregular situations;
  • Third-country nationals and stateless persons legally resident in Ukraine on the basis of valid residence permits, including students who cannot return safely;
  • Family members: spouse or partner, minor unmarried children, other close relatives dependent on them.

How long did the defence last, and what changed in 2026?

EU Council DecisionThe defence shall remain in effect until
(EU) 2022/382 and automatic renewal4 March 2024
(EU) 2023/24094 March 2025
(EU) 2024/18364 March 2026
(EU) 2025/14604 March 2027
(EU) 2026/1912 from 30.07.20264 March 2028

Timelines are taken from the preamble and article 1 of decision 2026/1912, published on 4 August 2026 and applied as from 5 March 2027 and article 2 as from 31 July 2026 [1].

Article 2: Protection is only granted to those who have performed military duties in Ukraine, if necessary with evidence, and does not concern persons who have been protected in the State until 30 July 2026 inclusive and who maintain it without interruption. [1]The official document, such as the annex on Reserv+, on exemption or discharge, is proof of legal border crossing or exit on a passport or, if not, of the official document. [1].

How can I apply in Spain?

  1. Note: CREADE centres in Barcelona, Posuelo de Alarcón and Malaga are receiving the application in other provinces for the designated police stations. [2][3].
  2. Prepare documents on citizenship, status in Ukraine or family relations [3].
  3. Get resguardo with the number NIE: it gives you the right to stay in Spain and ask for reception and medical attention. [3].
  4. In 24 or 48 hours, download the resolucion on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website, which contains a residence and work permit for persons aged 16 or over. [3].
  5. TIE: The release record is made online. Defence cards are extended until 4 March 2027, so no new card is required to comply with the obligation. [3].

What happens after the defense is over?

The Ministry replies: If you do not return to Ukraine, you may request another form of protection or residence permit under the general rules of foreign law. [3]Since 16 April 2026, the defence may apply for permits, which are initiated in Spain, including arraigo and Ley 14/2013 permits. [4]What reasons will fit you, knows what the material is. Ukrainian residence permit; step diagrams are on the basis of the route sheets: work, studies, familyTo address your situation, please write down your own Consultation.

What we don't know

We did not find a Spanish certificate of the time limit for TIE after 4 March 2027 and a formal description of how the police are checking military duties. [2]Check the office pages on the day of the call. TIE and prints in BarcelonaI. General order from padron to map: a residence permit in Barcelona on its own.

Frequent issues

Until what date did temporary protection apply to Ukrainians in Spain?
Until 4 March 2028: EU Council extended protection by Decision (EU) 2026/1912 of 30.07.2026, which is applicable from 5 March 2027.The page of the Ministry of Inclusion as of 2 October 2026 is still named 4 March 2027 and not updated. TIE maps are only extended on Orden INT/96/2026 until 4 March 2027. [1][2][3].
Is there anything to be done to extend the temporary protection?
The Ministry answers that the automatic extension, if applicable, is not necessary. If the TIE card is due to end, the exchange record is needed, but the defence cards have been extended until 4 March 2027 on Orden INT/96/2026. What will happen to the maps after that date, we have not found a Spanish act. [1][3].
Who is concerned with the condition of military duties?
Those who have been protected for the first time since 31 July 2026: they must be confirmed that they have performed military duties in Ukraine, if any, and the condition does not apply to persons who have been protected up to and including 30 July 2026 and who have kept it without interruption. [1].
Can you work in Spain for temporary protection?
The defence grants residence and work for the duration of the defence, the right to work is related to the age of 16 years, and it also provides access to medical care and education for children under 18 years of age. [2][3].
Where do you apply for temporary protection in Barcelona?
The application is made to the Centre for Policy and National, in Barcelona, by telephone from the Ministry. The centre's address is Calle San Fructuós 78-80, 0804 Barcelona. After the application, you get reguruardo with the number NIE, the decision is downloaded 24 or 48 hours later. The list of centres is better checked on the day of the application. [2][3].
What do we do when the temporary protection is over?
The Ministry replies that if you do not return to Ukraine, you may request another form of protection or residence permit under general rules. [3]Since 16 April 2026, the defence may apply for permits, which are initiated in Spain, including arraigo and Ley 14/2013 permits. [4]Which basis is appropriate, depending on your case.

Based on source

  1. Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 of 30 July 2026 on the extension of temporary protection
  2. Ministry of Inclusion · Ucrania Urgente: Temporary Protection ~
  3. Ministry of Inclusion · Questions and answers on temporary protection and derivative rights ~
  4. BOE · Real Decreto 316/2026, modification of Disposición adicional decimonovena Reglamento (Temporary Protection Holders) ♪

Sources are viewed on 02.10.2026. Consolidated texts and departmental reference pages are informative: legal application takes into account official publications, changes and specific circumstances. Material has not been personally checked by counsel.

Turn the information into questions.

The navigator will help to gather topics for individual review; it does not define the right to residence or submit an application.

Collect a memo

The NEXO working conditions: 30 minutes free of charge, full consultation 121 I in 45 minutes; maintenance costs are charged separately, fees and transfers. about the team..

You want to go on your own? Barcelona residence permit: from Empadronamiento to TIE and Formulas based on grounds.

How does this apply to your situation?

Choose a first step in the short quiz or discuss your questions with the NEXO team.