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Temporary protection in Spain for Ukrainians — and what comes next
Dedicated, accurate help in Ukrainian and English. We guide you through registering and renewing temporary protection (protección temporal), your right to work, empadronamiento, the health card (tarjeta sanitaria) and enrolling children in school — and we help you plan the move from temporary protection to a stable residence route such as arraigo.
Who it’s for
- →Ukrainians arriving in Spain who need to register
- →Those approaching a protection renewal
- →People who want to work legally and access healthcare
- →Families enrolling children in school
- →Anyone planning a long-term, stable status
Eligibility and key conditions
- Spain grants temporary protection to Ukrainian nationals displaced by the war — including those already in Spain before 24 February 2022 who cannot return — to third-country nationals with a valid Ukrainian residence permit who cannot return to their country, and to their close family (Orden PCM/170/2022).
- Applying gives provisional permission to stay; a grant includes residence and work authorisation (Orden PCM/169/2022, arts. 3 and 5).
- EU temporary protection now runs until 4 March 2028. Since 31 July 2026, new applicants must, where relevant, show compliance with military obligations in Ukraine; people already protected who stay in Spain are not affected (Decision (EU) 2026/1912, via EUAA).
- Existing Spanish TIEs for protection holders were extended to 4 March 2027 by Orden INT/96/2026, with no new card needed.
What’s included
- Registering for temporary protection (protección temporal)
- Renewing your protection and understanding your rights
- Working legally under temporary protection
- Empadronamiento (town-hall registration)
- Health card (tarjeta sanitaria) and access to healthcare
- Enrolling children in school
- Planning the move to a stable route (arraigo / residence)
How the process works
- 1
Orientation
In Ukrainian, we explain your rights and the exact next steps.
- 2
Register
We help with protection, empadronamiento and the health card.
- 3
Settle
Work rights, school for children, and day-to-day essentials.
- 4
Stabilise
We plan your route from temporary protection toward arraigo or residence.
Typical documents
An indicative list — the exact one is confirmed once your case has been assessed.
- Passport or other documents proving you belong to a covered group, shown in person to the Policía Nacional
- For first-time applicants since 31 July 2026, where relevant: proof of compliance with military obligations, such as evidence of lawful exit or Reserv+ records
- Padrón registration, for local services and the health card
Timing
The procedure order requires a decision within 24 hours of the application (Orden PCM/169/2022, art. 5.3), and protection is extended automatically while the EU keeps it in force — currently until 4 March 2028.
What’s not included
- Any guarantee of the authority’s decision — no one can honestly give one
Who carries out the regulated work
A licensed immigration lawyer advises on renewals and on moving from protection to a stable residence permit; the first consultation with us is free and in Ukrainian.
Questions about this service
Can I work under temporary protection?
Yes — temporary protection includes the right to work in Spain, as an employee or self-employed. We help you get the paperwork in order so employers accept you without friction.
How do I move from temporary protection to something permanent?
There are routes such as arraigo (social/work/family roots) and other residence permits. The right path depends on your time in Spain, work and family ties — our partner lawyer assesses this individually.
Can my children go to school?
Yes. Education is a right for all children in Spain regardless of status. We help with empadronamiento and enrolment so your child can start quickly.
Official sources
- Orden PCM/170/2022 — who is covered by temporary protection in Spain (BOE)
- Orden PCM/169/2022 — the temporary-protection procedure (BOE)
- Orden INT/96/2026 — TIE validity extended to 4 March 2027 (BOE)
- EUAA — Council extends temporary protection to 4 March 2028 (Decision (EU) 2026/1912)
Last reviewed:
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Ready to take the first step?
Send the form — we’ll assess your situation for free and propose a clear plan. We reply within 2 hours.
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