Information for Ukrainian refugees in Spain
TIE cards extended automatically to 4 March 2027; EU protection until 4 March 2028
Important to know
TIE cards were extended automatically to 4.03.2027; EU protection runs to 4.03.2028. Since April 2026 (RD 316/2026) holders can apply in Spain for ordinary permits (e.g. arraigo); time under protection counts towards long-term residence, and protection is renounced once the new permit is granted. Leaving for good: renounce in person at the National Police. Ucrania Urgente, RD 316/2026
Useful links
Official information
- Ucrania Urgente: official portal (UA)ucraniaurgente.inclusion.gob.es (opens in a new tab)
- UNHCR Ukraine is Home: Spain FAQ (UA)ukraineishome.org (opens in a new tab)
- TIE cards valid until 4 March 2027 (BOE)boe.es (opens in a new tab)
Getting there
- EU: travel from Ukraine and inside the EUcommission.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
- Renfe: Spanish Railwaysrenfe.com (opens in a new tab)
Housing
International hosting platforms (Host4Ukraine)
Work
- Empléate: public job portalempleate.gob.es (opens in a new tab)
- EURES: living and working in Spaineures.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)
International job platforms for Ukrainians
Ukrainian communities
Telegram channels
- Telegram chat: Ukrainians in Spaint.me (opens in a new tab)
- Telegram: Valencia info (UA)t.me (opens in a new tab)
More links
Status and documents
- How long protection lasts
- Extended automatically: TIE cards are valid until 4 March 2027 (Order INT/96/2026); EU protection runs until 4 March 2028, a further card extension is expected. No renewal application needed.
- Documents
- Passport, ID card or other proof of Ukrainian nationality or of legal residence in Ukraine before 24.02.2022; proof of family ties. Since 31.07.2026, if liable for military service: proof of compliance or exemption
- Where and how to apply
- In person with the National Police. Book by phone via CREADE centres: Pozuelo (Madrid) +34 666 800 194, Málaga +34 628 216 478, Barcelona +34 93 238 21 99; elsewhere at designated police stations. Info line +34 91 399 00 09.
- Processing time
- By law the Asylum and Refuge Office (OAR) decides within 24 hours of the application; then the TIE card is issued by the police. Non-Ukrainian applicants have waited over 4 months.
- When protection ends
- End of EU protection; voluntary return to Ukraine; renunciation (in person at the National Police, e.g. when leaving Spain or switching permits); Spanish citizenship; withdrawal for serious crimes or security threats.
Travel, pets and language
- How to get there
- No flights from Ukraine (airspace closed). Coach (usually with transfers), train or bus to Poland and then a flight to Spain, or car.
- Pets
- EU rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test (entry ≥3 months after the blood sample), EU health certificate from an official vet ≤10 days before arrival. The 2022 exemptions ended in 2023.
- Languages
- Spanish; in some regions also Catalan, Basque or Galician.
Work, healthcare and education
- Right to work
- Yes. Protection includes a residence and work authorisation (employed or self-employed) from age 16; no separate permit needed.
- Jobs in demand
- Nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dentists, waiters, farm workers, electrical line installers (EURES 2025).
- Healthcare
- Yes, public healthcare on the same terms as nationals. Request a health card (tarjeta sanitaria) at your local health centre.
- Kindergarten
- Infant education for ages 3–6 is free in public and state-funded schools (25 h/week; meals and transport extra). For ages 0–3 it is generally paid; fees are set by the region or municipality.
- School
- Yes, free and compulsory from 6 to 16; children are enrolled immediately under a national contingency plan, with extra Spanish-language support.
Benefits
- Housing support
- If you lack means: state reception system — first a place in a reception centre, then aid for rent and basic needs; up to 18 months (extendable to 24). Access via CREADE or the provincial 24h phone lines.
- One-time payment
- None (the €400/month aid paid for 6 months in 2022 has ended)
- Monthly allowance for adults
- No special allowance. Reception-system aid if you have no means; after 1 year of legal residence: Ingreso Mínimo Vital up to €733.60/month for a single adult (2026), means-tested.
- Monthly allowance for children
- IMV child supplement (CAPI) for low-income families: €115/month under 3, €80.50 for ages 3–6, €57.50 for 6–18 (2026); the IMV itself also rises with each child.
Cost of living
- Average rent
- Approx., 1-bedroom flat: Madrid €1,340 (centre) / €1,050 (outside centre); Valencia €1,300 / €950; typical Spanish city ~€840/month (Numbeo, June 2026).
- Groceries per person per month
- Approx. €260/month per person (Madrid ~€295) (Numbeo, June 2026).
- Kindergarten fees
- Private nursery approx. €500 (Valencia) – €650 (Madrid) per month.
- Private school fees
- International primary school approx. €9,400 (Valencia) – €16,000 (Madrid) per year.
- Health insurance cost
- Approx. €61/month on average; basic policy with co-payment ~€22/month, full cover without co-payment ~€80/month (Selectra).
All information is for reference only. Rules and benefits change often, so some of it may be out of date. Always check with official sources before making a decision.
If you spot an inaccuracy, please write to us at howtohelpuacom@gmail.com.