Spain for Ukrainians in 2026: how to arrange protection, social support, housing, work and basic rules for refugees

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Spain has been actively accepting Ukrainian refugees and granting them temporary protection status. Currently, more than 290 thousand of our citizens live in the country. Learn more about the rules of entry, stay, the procedure for obtaining temporary protection in Spain in 2026 and what assistance Ukrainians can count on

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In 2026, Spain, like many other EU countries, continues to accept Ukrainians and grant refugees temporary protection status. As of the beginning of the year, the total number of Ukrainians in the country is approaching 300,000 people.

Currently, you can apply for asylum here until March 4, 2027, but this period may be extended if the situation in Ukraine does not stabilize. The procedure for obtaining a residence permit is quite standard, but has several important nuances.

How to apply for temporary protection in Spain in 2026 and what social support can you get? More details in our new material.

Are you planning to move to another country?

Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers! Our specialists will answer all your questions and provide you with the necessary support in migration matters.

Entry requirements for Ukrainians to Spain in 2026

To cross the Spanish border, Ukrainians must have a biometric passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad. If you have entered Spain with an expired passport, you can contact the nearest diplomatic/consular office in Spain to extend the validity of your passport.

Children have the right to enter Spain based on a birth certificate. After crossing the border, you will be able to add the child's information to your passport or issue a separate document for the child at the nearest diplomatic/consular post in Spain.

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

Moving to Spain with pets

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

1. The animal is identified with a microchip;

2. Have been vaccinated against rabies;

3. Antibody titration was performed. The sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and three months before the planned transportation;

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

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

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Moving to Spain by car

Ukrainians who use cars with Ukrainian registration can move freely on Spanish roads for 213 days from the date of obtaining temporary protection status. During this period, it is not mandatory to obtain a local insurance policy. However, after the expiration of the period, you will have to purchase a Spanish motor vehicle insurance policy, which is mandatory for all cars with local license plates.

What types of car insurance are available in Spain?

Basic insurance (a terceros básico) - covers only damage caused to third parties in the event of an accident. This is the cheapest and most common option.

Basic insurance with window coverage (a terceros básico con lunas) - includes additional compensation for damaged windows.

Extended insurance (a terceros ampliado) - additionally covers the risks of car theft and arson.

In addition, in order to enter and legally travel through the territory of Spain in a car with Ukrainian registration, you must have a Green Card - an international insurance policy. Its registration is mandatory when crossing the border, but the policy is also valid in Spain. It is important to renew the insurance in a timely manner to avoid fines.

You can apply for a Green Card online through the Visit Ukraine portal. The calculator on the website allows you to quickly calculate the cost of the policy according to the type of vehicle. Insurance options are available for a period of 15 days to 1 year for cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and scooters.

Ensure peace of mind when travelling - apply for a Green Card at Visit Ukraine right now!

How to obtain temporary protection status in Spain?

Ukrainians who arrived in Spain after February 24, 2022, may receive temporary protection status. This status is issued at refugee centers in Madrid and Malaga, where you must make an appointment in advance. Contact numbers for appointments are available in Ukrainian:

1. Madrid: +34 666 800 194 (from 9:00 to 17:00)

2. Málaga: +34 628 216 478 (from 8:00 to 18:00)

In smaller towns, such as Lugo or Jaen, applications can be filed at local police stations. It takes about 30-40 minutes to complete the application.

Documents required

- Biometric passport;

- Birth certificate of the child (if there are minors);

- Proof of residence in Spain;

- Photo for documents and a receipt of payment of the fee (≈ 17 euros per person).

After applying, the person receives a TIE card, which confirms the status of temporary protection. A foreigner's identification number (NIE) is also automatically provided, which is necessary for opening a bank account, employment, obtaining medical services and other administrative procedures.

In addition, you can immediately apply for a social security number (NUSS), which is required for legal employment.

Spain ranks fourth among the EU countries in terms of the number of temporary protection statuses granted to Ukrainians after Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.

What rights does a Ukrainian get after obtaining temporary protection in Spain?

After receiving a document on temporary protection, a Ukrainian in Spain will have the right to:

- Reside in the country;

- To be legally employed;

- Receive education for children under the age of 18 under the same conditions as citizens of the country;

- Medical care (including treatment of chronic diseases and oncology);

- Social services (legal and psychological assistance, social support, language learning, etc.

To extend the status of temporary protection in Spain, you do not need to apply to institutions, the permit will be renewed automatically.

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

NIE, TIE and DNI: three important documents in Spain

In Spain, there are several main documents used to identify individuals depending on their status in the country.

NIE - Numero de Identidad de Extranjero

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a unique code that is provided to all foreigners residing in Spain or having economic interests here. It is required for opening a bank account, concluding employment contracts, purchasing real estate and other legal transactions. The format of the NIE is a letter, seven digits and another letter (for example, Y0000000-X).

TIE - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero

TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is a plastic card that confirms the legal stay of a foreigner in Spain. The document indicates the type of residence permit, its validity period, and the NIE number. TIE holders can travel to EU countries without the need for additional visas.

DNI - Documento Nacional de Identidad

DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is a national identification card for Spanish citizens. It has a unique number in the format of eight digits and a letter (for example, 00000000-E). Many Spaniards do not even have a foreign passport, as they can travel in Europe with a DNI only. Once you become a Spanish citizen, you will automatically be assigned a DNI number as your main identification document.

Financial assistance for Ukrainians in Spain

Since the fall of 2023, Spain has stopped providing financial assistance to refugees, but charitable organizations periodically launch support programs for the most vulnerable categories of the population.

Some categories of the population can try to apply for Ingreso Mínimo Vital, a social payment for the poor. 

The Red Cross provides temporary housing in hostels, hotels, and dormitories for up to 18 months. In addition, some regions have rental subsidy programs.

To find a job, it is important to know at least basic Spanish, so you should sign up for free language courses right away.

Temporary protection status allows you to travel freely to Ukraine and other countries without losing your social benefits.

Financial assistance for Ukrainians in Spain: conditions, amounts, and how to apply for payment

How can Ukrainians obtain a residence permit in Spain in 2026?

Residence permit through employment

If you have an offer from an employer or plan to work independently, you can obtain a residence permit through official employment:

1. Employment contract. A Spanish employer must apply for a residence and work permit for a foreigner. This can apply to both permanent and seasonal employment (for example, in agriculture).

2. Self-employment (Autónomo). If you want to work as a freelancer or start your own business, you need to register as an autónomo, provide a business plan and confirm the availability of financial resources.

Residence permit through studies

If you enroll in an accredited educational institution in Spain, you can obtain a residence permit for the period of study. After graduation, you can change it to a work permit.

Residence permit through arraigo (rooting)

Arraigo is a special program for people who have been living in Spain illegally for a long time or have close ties to Spanish society. Types of arraigo:

1. Social rooting (Arraigo Social) - for persons who have lived in Spain for more than 3 years and have social or labor ties;

2. Labor rooting (Arraigo Laboral) - if a person has been working illegally for more than 6 months and can prove it with documents;

3. Family rooting (Arraigo Familiar) - for persons who have close Spanish relatives or family members with permanent residence.

Residence permit through marriage or partnership

If a Ukrainian marries a Spanish citizen or has an officially registered partnership (Pareja de Hecho), a residence permit can be obtained.

Residence permit through international protection (azil)

Ukrainians who have been denied temporary protection can apply for political asylum by providing evidence of persecution or serious threats in Ukraine.

New Spanish immigration law from 2026: what will change for Ukrainians

Documents for permanent residence in Spain

To obtain permanent residence in Spain, you need to prepare several documents:

1. A completed application in Spanish to be submitted to the Spanish Consulate.

2. A valid foreign passport, which expires no earlier than in a year.

3. Certificate of good conduct confirming the absence of a criminal record.

4. Documents on financial solvency, depending on the applicant's status:

- For employees - a certificate of income from the employer;

- For students - a bank statement or proof of scholarship;

- For entrepreneurs - a report from the tax authorities;

- For dependents - an official letter from the sponsor.

5. Proof of residence - a lease agreement or property document.

6. Health insurance covering treatment in Spain.

7. Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases dangerous to society.

Digital nomad visa in Spain for Ukrainians

Spain offers a digital nomad visa that allows professionals working remotely to reside in the country legally. This visa is suitable for freelancers, IT specialists, marketers, designers, and other professionals who are not dependent on a specific place of work.

One of the main advantages is a preferential tax rate - digital nomads earning up to 600,000 euros per year pay only 24% tax.

The visa is valid for 1 year, with the possibility of extension for 2 years, and then for another 5 years. The minimum verified income for applicants is 2,000-3,000 euros per month.

Medical care for Ukrainians in Spain

Citizens of Ukraine who have arrived in Spain for temporary protection will be provided with the necessary medical care within the framework of the existing healthcare system, depending on their needs. In accordance with Spanish law, temporarily displaced Ukrainian citizens are entitled to the same rights to free medical care as Spanish citizens.

To obtain a medical card, you need to contact the Primary Health Care Center (CAP - Centro de Atención Primaria) at the place of your temporary stay with a passport of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad or other document proving your identity and citizenship. The CAP accepts citizens without an appointment. The nearest ASC can be found here.

Obtaining a medical card does not depend on whether or not you have already applied to the Police for Foreigners for temporary protection.

If you need emergency assistance, call 112.

If you are planning to move to Spain, you should take care of health insurance in advance. You can get advice on obtaining a policy for Ukrainians abroad at Visit Ukraine.

Housing in Spain for Ukrainians in 2026

The majority of Ukrainians moving to Spain in 2026 will rent housing on their own. You can find accommodation without intermediaries in local newspapers, magazines, or newsgroups. There are also many services for finding housing for rent: spotahome.com, idealista.com, fotocasa.es, habitaclia.com and pisos.com. 

If you find a good option for housing, you need to book it before viewing it. It is better to do this through an agency, as it can guarantee a refund if the property does not suit you.

After a successful inspection, a lease agreement (contrato de arrendamiento) is created, it can be either written or oral. Keep in mind that it often requires a security deposit.

Package of documents for renting a house in Spain

- Proof of solvency (employment contract, certificate of education, pay stubs, bank statement, etc;)

- NIE number;

- Foreign passport;

- Valid residence permit or visa;

- A local bank account to pay the rent;

- Letter of recommendation from the previous landlord (if any).

To avoid mistakes when processing documents and save time, it is worth contacting professional legal support. Migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform will help you choose the best legalization option, prepare a full package of documents and accompany you at every stage - from submitting an application to obtaining a residence permit.

Specialists will take into account all the nuances of your situation: whether it is temporary protection, employment, training or opening a business in Spain. Thanks to an individual approach, you will be able to avoid refusals, delays and unnecessary expenses.

Get professional advice today - and make your move to Spain as simple, safe and predictable as possible.

Let us remind you! The procedure for issuing or renewing Ukrainian passports in France remains complicated, slow and often turns into a bureaucratic ordeal, which forces people to look for alternative ways. That is why more and more Ukrainians are choosing the so-called "passport tourism", when people go to a neighboring country to issue a document, where the system is more well-established, we told how it works in the previous material.

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