How to move to Spain in 2025 with temporary protection in another country - lawyers of Visit Ukraine answer

Are you looking for information on how to change your country of residence while already having temporary protection in another EU country? Visit Ukraine lawyers know all the rules and are ready to tell you about all the available options. Find out how to organise a move to Spain using the example of a real request to the VU team of lawyers

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Visit Ukraine's legal team handles a variety of migration cases on a daily basis, each of which requires a unique approach and professional support. The range of requests is extremely wide: from the need to interpret complex legal norms to the development of a detailed relocation strategy.

The main mission of our lawyers is to make the migration process as transparent, understandable and stress-free as possible for the client. We offer not just formal legal advice, but a full-fledged algorithm of actions that takes into account the individual circumstances of each case.

Do you need professional legal support?

Contact Visit Ukraine's lawyers! Our specialists will provide comprehensive advice and comprehensive support in resolving your migration issues.

Moving to Spain with temporary protection of Estonia - legal advice from Visit Ukraine

In this article, we will consider a real-life request that Visit Ukraine lawyers recently received. This example will clearly demonstrate how a professional approach and in-depth knowledge of migration law help clients successfully solve difficult life situations and overcome legal barriers.

Query: I am a Ukrainian, I left Ukraine after the outbreak of a full-scale war and received a ‘temporary residence permit’ in Estonia on the basis of ‘temporary protection’. I would like to move to Spain, also under temporary protection, as it is not work-related. What steps should I take to do this? Do I understand correctly that I need to rent a house for a short period of time (up to 3 months), apply for ‘temporary protection’ in Madrid, indicating the temporary accommodation as my address of residence, and after receiving a ‘residence permit’, rent a long-term accommodation and report a change of address? How will this process affect my residence permit in Estonia? Will there be any problems in Spain because I have ‘temporary protection’ in Estonia?

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How do I organise a move from Estonia to Spain on the basis of temporary protection?

So, how do you change your country of residence within the framework of European legislation? Below, we explain in detail the steps you need to take to move to Spain on the basis of temporary protection and how this will affect your status in Estonia.

1. General rules of temporary protection in the EU

Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU is regulated by Directive 2001/55/EC, which provides an opportunity to obtain temporary protection in one of the EU countries. At the same time, this Directive stipulates that you cannot have temporary protection in two countries at the same time.

If you apply for temporary protection in Spain, your status in Estonia will be automatically cancelled.

Moving to another EU member state is possible, but requires a formal transfer of your temporary protection status.

2. Your steps to move to Spain

First step. Arriving in Spain and renting an accommodation

Rent temporary accommodation (up to 3 months), which will be your place of residence while you complete the paperwork. You will be able to indicate this address as temporary when applying for temporary protection.

Second step. Applying for temporary protection

Upon arrival, go to the local police office (Comisaría de Policía) or a centre for displaced persons. Prepare the necessary documents:

- passport or other document proving your identity;

- a document confirming your status in Estonia (for example, your ‘Estonian residence permit’);

- proof of residence in Spain (temporary accommodation lease).

Step 3. Waiting for the decision

After submitting your application, you will be issued a document confirming your registration for temporary protection. This document allows you to legally stay in Spain while your application is being processed.

Once approved, you will receive a residence permit (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, TIE), which confirms your new temporary protection status in Spain.

Step 4. Change of address

Once you have your TIE, you can rent long-term accommodation. Notify the local police or migration office of your change of address.

3. How will this affect your status in Estonia?

Once your application is approved in Spain, your temporary protection in Estonia will be automatically cancelled.

You should inform the Estonian authorities of your move. In most cases, this happens automatically when Spain informs Estonia about the granting of your new status.

4. Possible problems

In Spain:

- Having a status in Estonia should not create problems if you explain that you want to transfer your temporary protection to Spain. The main thing is to provide the exact address of your residence and all the necessary documents.

In Estonia:

- Cancellation of your temporary protection status is a standard procedure. It is important to make sure that you do not have any outstanding obligations (e.g. social assistance that needs to be repaid).

5. Recommendations for a successful move

- Check the local requirements in Spain: find out what documents you need to submit at the local police office or on the official website of the Ministerio del Interior.

- Bring all Estonian documents with you: passport, temporary residence permit and documents confirming your status in Estonia.

- Rent temporary accommodation before applying to provide it as proof of residence.

- Inform the Estonian authorities about your move to avoid any misunderstandings.

6. Short summary

- It is possible to apply for temporary protection in Spain, but this will automatically cancel your status in Estonia.

- To obtain a new status in Spain, you need a rental agreement.

- You should keep all documents from Estonia with you.

- After receiving the TIE, you need to inform the authorities about the change of your address.

How to get legal advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers?

Life circumstances often present us with complex legal challenges, especially when it comes to migration, business or legal support abroad. If you feel uncertain about legal issues, need professional support and want to avoid possible risks, Visit Ukraine lawyers are ready to become your reliable guides in the world of legal procedures.

Our team of specialists helps Ukrainians solve a wide variety of legal problems: from obtaining migration permits to legal support for business, from paperwork to support in finding employment abroad.

What services do Visit Ukraine lawyers provide?

- Resolving migration issues.

- Legal support for business.

- Assistance with visa issues.

- Apostille and translation of documents.

- Legal support for employment and study abroad.

Visit Ukraine's qualified lawyers have an individual approach to each life situation, providing a quick assessment and immediate resolution of legal issues. We guarantee complete confidentiality and professional support at all stages of interaction, which allows clients to feel as calm and confident as possible.

Getting a consultation is as simple as possible:

1. Select the country (for which you want to get advice).

2. Choose the type of cooperation (written/oral consultation or support).

3. Fill in the form with your personal data.

4. Agree to the terms of the agreement and pay for the service.

Do not put off important legal issues for later - contact professionals today!

Visit Ukraine's lawyers will help you quickly and reliably solve any legal problems: from migration procedures to business advice.

Get acquainted with all the services, choose the right direction and get advice that will help you solve your legal issues quickly and safely!

Just a reminder! Ukrainians who have renounced their Ukrainian citizenship but wish to restore it face the question: do they need to renounce the citizenship of another country? This is especially true for those who live in countries that recognise dual citizenship, such as Germany. Read more about the rules for restoring Ukrainian citizenship on the example of a real-life case study of Visit Ukraine lawyers here.

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