Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in Spain: Extension Until 2028, TIE Validity and Requirements
People displaced from Ukraine may benefit from the temporary protection scheme in Spain, which allows them to live and work legally in the country without first having to obtain a standard residence permit.
This mechanism was activated in 2022 in response to the displacement caused by the war in Ukraine and has since been extended several times.
The European Union has approved a further extension of temporary protection until 4 March 2028. This additional extension will apply from 5 March 2027.
What is temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine?
Temporary protection is an exceptional scheme designed to provide immediate protection to certain displaced persons who are unable to return to their country of origin.
In Spain, temporary protection grants the beneficiary the right to reside and work, both as an employee and on a self-employed basis.
Beneficiaries may also have access, under the applicable rules, to healthcare, education for minors and, where the relevant requirements are met, the reception system.
It is not necessary to apply for asylum in order to benefit from temporary protection where the person meets the requirements of this specific scheme.
Until when has temporary protection been extended?
The European Union has approved the continuation of temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine until 4 March 2028.
However, it is important to distinguish between the duration of temporary protection itself and the expiry date physically shown on the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
In Spain, Order INT/96/2026 automatically extended the validity of TIE cards already issued to beneficiaries of temporary protection until 4 March 2027.
The Order also provides that it is not necessary to obtain a new card solely because of this extension.
Therefore, a TIE showing an earlier expiry date may still remain legally valid as a result of the automatic extension.
For the period between March 2027 and March 2028, it will be necessary to follow any further measures adopted by the Spanish authorities regarding the physical documentation issued to beneficiaries.
Who can apply for temporary protection in Spain?
Temporary protection may apply to certain Ukrainian nationals affected by the conflict, people of other nationalities who were legally residing in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their country of origin, and certain members of their families.
Spain also covers certain Ukrainian nationals who were already in Spain before 24 February 2022 and who cannot return to Ukraine because of the conflict.
Depending on the circumstances, eligible family members may include:
A spouse or partner.
Unmarried minor children.
Certain close relatives who were dependent on the beneficiary.
Each case should be assessed individually, particularly where the applicant is not a Ukrainian national or has previously lived in, or received protection from, another EU Member State.
New Requirement for Certain Applications Since August 2026
Since August 2026, there has been an important change affecting new applications.
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 provides that, without prejudice to EU law and fundamental rights, temporary protection will only be granted to persons who have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine, where applicable, and they may be required to provide evidence of this.
This requirement has applied since 5 August 2026.
It does not apply to people who were already benefiting from temporary protection in a particular Member State before or on 4 August 2026 and who continue to hold that protection without interruption in the same Member State.
There is therefore an important distinction between people who were already beneficiaries of temporary protection and those who wish to apply for the first time after that date.
What Rights Does Temporary Protection Provide?
Temporary protection in Spain gives beneficiaries, among other rights, the ability to:
Reside legally in Spain.
Work as an employee.
Work on a self-employed basis.
Access healthcare.
Access the reception system where the relevant requirements are met.
Access education in the case of minors.
The right to work remains linked to the duration of temporary protection.
What Documents Are Required?
The exact documentation will depend on the applicant's individual circumstances.
As a general rule, applicants will need to provide the available personal identification or travel documentation, such as a passport, identity document or travel document.
Where temporary protection is requested for family members, documents proving the family relationship may also be required, for example:
Birth certificates.
Marriage certificates.
Documents proving a partnership or family relationship.
Evidence of dependency, where applicable.
People who are not Ukrainian nationals but were legally resident in Ukraine may also need to prove their previous residence in Ukraine and that they are unable to return safely and permanently to their country or region of origin.
For new applications affected by the changes introduced in August 2026, documentation relating to the fulfilment of military obligations, or any applicable exemption, may also need to be considered.
Where Do You Apply for Temporary Protection?
The application must be made in person before authorised National Police officers.
Applications may be submitted at Reception, Assistance and Referral Centres established for displaced persons from Ukraine and, in the relevant provinces, at designated National Police offices authorised to process temporary protection applications.
There is also a designated centre in Málaga for people displaced from Ukraine.
Before attending, it is advisable to check the current appointment system and the appropriate office, as administrative arrangements may change.
How Long Does the Temporary Protection Procedure Take?
The Spanish procedure was designed as an urgent process.
Official information provides for administrative processing within a maximum period of 24 hours after the application is submitted.
Once temporary protection has been recognised, the beneficiary receives the relevant documentation with their NIE and case reference number and can then complete the necessary formalities to obtain the TIE.
Do I Need to Renew My TIE?
TIE cards already issued in Spain to beneficiaries of temporary protection have currently been automatically extended until 4 March 2027.
Spanish regulations expressly provide that it is not necessary to obtain a new TIE solely because of this extension.
This means that the fact that the physical card displays an earlier expiry date does not necessarily mean that the document is no longer valid.
However, it is important to remember that the European Union has already approved the continuation of temporary protection until March 2028, while the Spanish provision currently governing the validity of physical TIE cards extends until March 2027.
Can I Work in Spain with Temporary Protection?
Yes.
Temporary protection includes authorisation to reside and work in Spain, allowing beneficiaries to work both as employees and on a self-employed basis while temporary protection remains in force.
The authorisation to work is not restricted to a particular professional sector or geographical area.
Can I Study in Spain?
Yes.
Minors who benefit from temporary protection have the right to access education in Spain under the conditions established by law.
Temporary protection also provides legal residence in Spain and supports the educational and social integration of displaced persons and their families.
What Happens If I Already Had Temporary Protection Before August 2026?
People who were benefiting from temporary protection in a particular Member State before or on 4 August 2026, and who continue to hold that protection without interruption in the same Member State, are not subject to the new requirement concerning military obligations.
For this reason, when reviewing an individual case it is particularly important to establish when temporary protection was granted and in which Member State.
What If I Want to Apply for Temporary Protection for the First Time Now?
New applications submitted since August 2026 require particular attention.
In addition to confirming that the person falls within one of the categories eligible for temporary protection, it is also necessary to assess whether the new requirement relating to military obligations applies and what supporting documentation may be required.
Not every case is the same, so the applicant's individual circumstances should be reviewed before the application is submitted.
Can I Change from Temporary Protection to Another Residence Permit?
Spanish immigration legislation provides for the possibility of establishing a specific route allowing people covered by temporary protection to change to another type of residence authorisation.
However, Order INT/96/2026 stated that, at the time of its publication, a general procedure for this specific transition to other residence permits had not yet been established.
This does not necessarily mean that a beneficiary of temporary protection cannot qualify for another immigration route.
Each case must be assessed individually, taking into account the type of residence permit sought, the person's circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of application.
Can I Travel with a Temporary Protection TIE?
Temporary protection documentation allows certain travel within the European area, but before travelling it is advisable to check the validity of the TIE, the passport and the entry requirements of the destination country.
Spanish regulations on the extension of TIE validity were also intended to ensure that these cards continue to be recognised as valid residence documents for travel and border-control purposes within the Schengen Area.
If your card shows an expiry date earlier than the date established by the legal extension, it is particularly advisable to verify the documentation required before travelling.
Legal Assistance with Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in Spain
Although temporary protection was created as a simplified procedure, some cases require more detailed legal analysis.
This may be particularly relevant where:
A new application is being submitted after August 2026.
There are questions concerning military obligations or an applicable exemption.
The applicant previously held temporary protection in another EU Member State.
The applicant is not a Ukrainian national.
There are difficulties proving family relationships.
There are questions regarding the validity of the TIE.
The person wishes to explore the possibility of obtaining another type of residence permit.
At Delgado Garrucho Abogados, we assess your individual circumstances, review your documents and advise you on the appropriate route before you begin the procedure.
Do You Have Temporary Protection or Want to Apply in Spain?
Contact Delgado Garrucho Abogados for an individual assessment of your situation and to determine what documentation you may need.
Important Information
This content is provided for general information purposes and is updated to October 2026.
The rules and administrative instructions relating to temporary protection may change. In particular, it is important to distinguish between the EU extension of temporary protection until March 2028 and the Spanish rules concerning the physical validity of TIE cards.
Comments