The information on this page was collected from public resources and does not constitute legal advice.
General information on border crossing?To enter Spain, you must first cross the border through an EU country, i.e. Poland. Check the interactive map of waiting time at the countries that border with Ukraine here You can enter Spain by plane, train, car or ferry. A citizen of Ukraine to arrive in Spain must have a biometric passport. In case of its absence, you must contact the nearest diplomatic institution of Ukraine in the EU and obtain a certificate confirming your identity and citizenship. You need to have an internal passport with you and, if available, a document confirming your residence on the territory of Ukraine until 02/24/2022. |
What documents do I need to enter?If you are a citizen of Ukraine and want to enter Spain, you don't need a visa if you have a biometric passport. If you don't have a biometric passport or other travel document, you need to contact the consular department of Spain in one of the countries bordering Ukraine (eg Poland, Romania, Hungary, etc.), so they can help you. Birth certificate, ID, or any document confirming your residence in Ukraine prior to February 24, 2022 would help, when reviewing your case. For minors: a minor's birth certificate, a document confirming family ties or a relationship with a guardian or with persons accompanying and caring for the minor. Alternatively, you can contact Ukrainian embassy in the country you are currently in, so they can issue you a travel document based on the evidence / documents that you have. |
What happens after a border crossing?Once you cross the border you can apply for temporary protection status. Temporary protection will last one year and if the grounds triggering the temporary protection remain, the Government can extend the stay for one additional year (i.e. three years in total). You can contact one of the reception, care and referral centers for people displaced from Ukraine (CREADE). There you will be able to spend the night for several days, receive financial and legal assistance, as well as help in submitting documents for obtaining temporary protection. More information about CREADE and the addresses of their centers can be found here The hotline for immigrants from Ukraine - 91 399 00 09, from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
How can I get from the border to the capital (a certain town)?Renfe In particular, tickets for journeys on trains operated by public services of the Cercaniฬas, Rodalies and Media Distance networks (equivalent to short and medium distance journeys) will be free throughout 2023. You can also find other transportation services below: |
How can I travel to another (specific) country?You can travel to another country by:
|
How long can I stay?You can stay in Spain without a visa for 90 days in any 180 days period. If you are granted temporary protection you can stay for 1 year. The term will be automatically prolonged by an additional 1 year if the grounds triggering the temporary protection remain. |
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?Each Autonomous Community or city has a department which is responsible for assisting unaccompanied minors. If you identify an unaccompanied minor, you should report it to the community social services by calling telephone number 012. The social services team will find a legal guardian for the unaccompanied minor and start the relevant legal procedure. Contacts for Madrid Social Services can be found here ![]() Guardia Civil (national police) unaccompanied minor unit telephone: +34 918 073 900 / +34 915 144 679. |
Are there any Covid-related requirements and if yes, what are they?There are no restrictions on entry into Spain due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Vaccination and recovery certificates are preferred, but not required. You can book your vaccination appointment in the vaccination centers with your foreign-residents identification number (NIE) and healthcare card. |
Where do I register for temporary protection?Documents can be processed at the Reception, Assistance and Coordination Centers (CREADE) The decision on registration of the status is made within 24 hours. Submitting a request is free. After obtaining a residence permit, you must issue a foreigner identification card (TIE) |
What are my rights while I wait to get temporary protection?After applying for temporary protection, you will be issued a receipt of the application filed. That receipt will include a foreigners national identity number (โNรบmero de Identidad de Extranjeroโ, commonly known as โNIEโ) which will be assigned to you. Having applied for temporary protection allows you to stay in Spain and receive social support (including health care). Once granted, you will be entitled to stay and work in Spain for a maximum period of 1 year that can be extended up to 3 years. In addition to this the person under temporary protection will be entitled to:
|
What documents will I receive once I get temporary protection?You will receive a document which confirms that you have been granted temporary protection which gives the right to stay and work in Spain.
|
May I temporarily return to Ukraine? What will happen to my protection status?Beneficiaries of international protection (asylum) cannot return to their country of origin while they are considered a refuge. |
Can I move around the country and the European Union freely while under temporary protection?Yes, you can move freely around the country and, also around the European Union for 90 days within a 180-day period. But you can benefit from the rights granted with the temporary protection only in the country that issued your residence permit. If you get to another Member State, you can contact the competent authorities there in order to benefit from these rights. |
Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection? What is the difference?Individuals under temporary protection may apply for asylum as a refugee. The main differences between the temporary protection and asylum are the following: Temporary protection:
Asylum:
You can find more details in the FAQ here |
How and where can I apply for the residency?Documents can be processed at the Reception, Assistance and Coordination Centers (CREADE) The decision on registration of the status is made within 24 hours. Submitting a request is free. After obtaining a residence permit, you must issue a foreigner identification card (TIE) |
How long I need to wait to get the residency?You will receive the decision on the temporary protection (residency) request within 24 hours following your application. |
What if I don't have the international passport?If you do not have a passport or other travel document, you can present you driver's license, ID, birth certificate or any other identity document and a document confirming your residence in Ukraine until February 24, 2022. |
Where can I take a photo for my documents?There are many shops that offer such services. Look for printing shops("imprimir") and copy centers nearby your area on Google Maps. |
How do I get Mobile phone/internet services?You can buy a SIM card at one of the following mobile providers:
|
Do you have a legal question that you canโt find an answer for in our FAQs?
Please write to us so we can provide you with legal support. Our pro-bono legal partners will try to respond to your legal request to the best of their ability and knowledge. Please note that due to a high volume of requests, you will receive an answer in a few days after submitting the request at the earliest. Thank you for your patience.