Temporary protection in Spain for Ukrainians in 2026: extension and conditions
Spain has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2027. This means that all Ukrainian nationals who have been granted this status can extend their temporary protection in Spain in 2026 without the need to re-apply.
The Temporary Protection Program continues to be valid for:
1. Ukrainians who arrived in Spain after February 24, 2022
2. Those who already have temporary protection and want to extend it until 2027
3. Ukrainians who remain in Spain and need to extend their status
How to get temporary protection in Spain in 2026?
To obtain temporary protection, Ukrainians should apply to the nearest police station or one of the refugee reception centers. The main documents you will need are:
- Biometric passport.
- Child's birth certificate (if available).
- Proof of residence address in Spain.
- A photo for the documents and a receipt for the payment of the fee (about 17 euros per person).
Once you have applied, you will receive a TIE card, which confirms your status and gives you access to employment and health care.
Does temporary protection need to be extended in 2026?
The Council of the EU has decided to extend temporary protection until March 4, 2027. You do not need to apply for a new TIE card or renew your existing one. All rights and facilities are retained without the need to re-apply.
What rights does temporary protection in Spain provide?
Temporary protection provides Ukrainians with several important rights:
- You can stay in Spain for the duration of temporary protection.
- You have the right to work without the need to obtain special authorizations.
- You have access to free medical services.
- Your children are entitled to free education in public schools.
Is material assistance provided for Ukrainians with temporary protection?
As of September 2023, material assistance payments for Ukrainians with temporary protection in Spain have been discontinued.
Legal aid for Ukrainians in Spain
If you are now in Spain and need temporary protection, or are facing legal difficulties, it is important to get professional help. Organizing documents, finding a job or dealing with other issues can be a challenge. Visit Ukraine's team of lawyers can help sort out each situation and make the process easier.
Visit Ukraine lawyers provide the following services:
💡 Don't waste your time and opportunity. Visit Ukraine is always there for you to be confident in your decisions and feel protected.
How to find accommodation for Ukrainians in Spain in 2026?
If you plan to stay in Spain for a long time, you should consider several options for finding accommodation:
- Temporary housing through organizations. Charitable organizations such as the Red Cross may provide temporary housing - hotels, hostels or hostels. This is a temporary solution (for up to 18 months) and you can stay there until you find a job and can rent on your own.
- Renting a home on your own. For long-term rentals, you can use popular platforms such as Idealista, Fotocasa or Habitaclia. However, housing prices vary by region. In larger cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona, rents can be higher - between 600 and 1500 euros per month depending on location. In smaller cities, such as Murcia or Alicante, prices range from 400 to 800 euros.
- Government rent subsidies. If you have trouble paying your rent, you can contact local authorities for assistance. Certain regions of Spain have housing subsidy programs for people in difficult situations.
How do I find a job in Spain under temporary protection?
Find a job in Spain under temporary protection is possible, but there are a few important nuances:
- Local labor exchanges. Although it is theoretically possible to find a job at labor exchanges, the actual percentage of successful employment through them is quite low. This is due to the great competition in the labor market and the requirements to speak Spanish. Ukrainians are often offered low-paid or temporary jobs, mainly in the service sector and seasonal work.
- Alternative job search sources. It is recommended to search for jobs through online platforms such as Infojobs, LinkedIn or the Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE) portal. It is also possible to find jobs through personal contacts and Ukrainian communities, which often help newcomers.
- Tip: learn Spanish. The biggest obstacle to getting a stable job is the language barrier. To increase your chances for better employment, it is important to take Spanish courses, which are provided free of charge by local organizations or government programs.
What access to medical care do Ukrainians with temporary protection have?
Ukrainians with temporary protection have full access to free medical care. To receive this care, you must register in the Spanish health care system by submitting documents to the local primary health care center (Centro de Salud). Once registered, you will receive a medical card that will allow you to see doctors and receive the treatment you need.
💡 Our lawyers were contacted by a Ukrainian with temporary protection in Estonia who wants to move to Spain. He asks: is it possible to apply for temporary protection in Spain without losing his status, and how to do it correctly? In this article, we explain step-by-step how to transfer status, what documents to prepare, how to arrange housing, and what is important to consider to avoid problems.
Read it here: “How to move to Spain in 2026 with temporary protection in another country - Visit Ukraine lawyers answer”
What else is worth knowing about temporary protection in 2026?
- Automatic renewal of protection. From June 2024, there is an automatic extension of temporary protection status until March 2027, which makes the process easier for Ukrainians who already have a TIE. You do not need to apply for an additional extension.
- Spain offers free vocational training courses to help Ukrainians learn new skills and find jobs. Some courses are offered for those who want to change their profession or improve their knowledge in a certain field.
- Psychological support. Charitable organizations in Spain also offer psychological support for refugees, helping them to adapt to new living conditions.
