If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
The following information is intended for persons entitled to temporary protection, namely:
a. Citizens of Ukraine who were in Spain until February 24, 2022 (“situación de estancia”) and who cannot return to Ukraine due to the war.
b. Citizens of third countries or stateless persons who legally reside in Ukraine with a valid residence permit (regardless of whether permanent or other type, including students) issued in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine and who cannot return to their countries or regions.
c. Citizens of Ukraine who were in the territory of Spain in an irregular situation (for example, persons who do not have or have overstayed any visa or residence permit) until February 24th, who cannot return to Ukraine due to the war
d. Family members of the above categories of persons, namely: i) spouses or civil partners, ii) their unmarried minor children or children of one of the spouses (whether adopted or not); (iii) other close relatives who lived together as part of the family during the circumstances of the mass influx of displaced persons and who were wholly or mainly dependent on them.
Note:
Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities. Along with national legislation that applies throughout Spain, the Autonomous Communities also implement regional legislation on education, health, housing and social support. Some measures are also taken by local authorities (City Halls). It is therefore important that you check the rules specific to the autonomous community where you are located.
For this document, we have identified the legal position that applies nationally in Spain, as well as additional rules that apply in the Autonomous Community of Madrid.
At the end of this document, we have added a list of telephone numbers that provide information that may be of interest to those affected by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Spain has created a national information line that provides assistance to Ukrainians affected by this conflict: +34 900 822 833. Information will be provided in Ukrainian.
Spain: information on immigration
What documents are required for entry?
Biometric passport
How can I enter the country if I do not have a biometric passport?
Normally, a biometric passport would be the only way to get into Spain. However, due to the seriousness of the situation and being aware that many people have left their homes in a hurry, and that some may have lost their passports when leaving Ukraine, if you do not have a biometric passport, the Spanish authorities will allow you to submit any or some of the following documents :
- Birth Certificate
- any travel document
- any identity document
- any document confirming the fact of residence in Ukraine until February 24
In any case, if you are a citizen of Ukraine and do not have a biometric passport or travel document, you can contact the consular service of any country bordering Ukraine (for example, Poland, Romania, Hungary), where they can consider your specific situation .
How long can I stay in the country?
The temporary protection will last for one year, which will be automatically extended for another year after the end of the first year of such protection, provided that the competent authority has not decided to terminate it. If the grounds for temporary protection status remain, the government may extend the stay for one additional year (that is, three years in total).
Vaccination certificates and recovery certificates are preferred but not required. A covid test can be carried out upon arrival in Spain.
Where can I register for temporary protection?
You must submit this application in person by visiting one of the following offices:
- Police Headquarters (“Direccion General de la Policia”);
- Reception centers (“Centros de acogida”), including reception centers approved by the “Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones”
- the indicated police stations https://www.inclusion.gob.es/es/ucrania/protecciontemporal/comisarias.htm
There are four main reception centers in Spain:
- Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), partner NGO: Accem ; Yes
- Pabellon Municipal Fira Company (Barcelona), partner NGO: Red Cross
- Ciudad de la Luz (Alicante), partner NGO: Red Cross
- Málaga, NGO partner: CEAR, https://www.cear.es/accion-urgente-ucrania/
For more information and to request an appointment, call + 34 910 474 444)
How long do you have to wait to get temporary protection status?
You will receive a decision on your request for temporary protection within 24 hours of submitting your application.
What are my rights while I am waiting for temporary protection?
When you apply for temporary protection, the service will receive a receipt for the submitted application. This receipt will contain the National Alien Identification Number (“Número de Identidad de Extranjero”, known as “NIE”) that has been assigned to you.
Applying for temporary protection allows you to stay in Spain and receive social support (including health care). The police will immediately issue valid documents for this until the competent authority decides on the application. Once this is done, you will be entitled to stay and work in Spain for a maximum period of one year, which can be extended to three years. In addition, a person receiving temporary protection will have the right to:
- Dwelling;
- Financial assistance;
- Teaching and learning Spanish;
- Psychosocial assistance;
- Legal assistance;
- Free SIM card with roaming;
- Driving license check;
- Medical assistance;
- Career guidance, including help in recognizing qualifications.
Please go to the website: https://www.inclusion.gob.es/uk/ucrania/index.htm
What documents are required to obtain temporary protection?
The law does not specify the exact list of required documents. We assume that this will introduce some discretion and discretion into the process, as you may have fled Ukraine quickly and were unable to carry all of your identification documents.
You are advised to take all the documents you have with you, including any photographs of the documents, when submitting your application.
The “Oficina de Asilo y Refugio” must be informed of any change of address.
It is highly recommended that you provide the competent authority with a telephone number and e-mail address so that you can be contacted easily.
What document(s) will I have after receiving temporary protection?
You will receive a document that confirms the fact of receiving temporary protection, which gives the right to stay and work in Spain.
You will be notified of the decision to grant temporary protection in one of the following ways: a) Notification by e-mail, b) by courier, c) in person at the police station or the office for foreigners, d) by means of a notice delivered to reception points (“centros de acogida”), including reception centers approved by the “Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones”).
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to stay in the country to get legal status?
At the moment, having received temporary protection, the general rules for obtaining Spanish citizenship do not change. There are different conditions for obtaining Spanish citizenship . One of these conditions is residence in Spain for more than 10 years. Refugees must have 5 years of permanent legal residence.
Can I move freely within the country and the European Union under temporary protection?
Travel within Spain is not limited. In principle, it is also possible to travel to another country within the European Union (however, please check the updated information before making any travel decisions).
Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection?
Persons enjoying temporary protection can apply for asylum as a refugee.
How to apply for asylum?
Asylum can usually be granted to any person whose life is in danger in his country of origin. There are two different ways to follow: I) if a foreigner arrives in Spain and cannot enter Spain for any reason, the asylum application must be made at the border; II) in case of stay in Spain, the application can be submitted to any office, namely:
- Asylum and Refugee Office (“Oficina de Asilo y Refugio”) – http://www.interior.gob.es/web/servicios-al-ciudadano/oficina-de-asilo-y-refugi
- any Office for foreigners (“Extranjería”)
- any authorized police station
- Center for holding foreigners in custody (“Centro de Internamiento de Extranjeros”)
If you are in Spain, you must make your request within one month from the date of your entry into Spain or from the start of the events justifying your request.
The absence of a passport or identity card will not be an obstacle to applying for asylum. Please see the link below with relevant information in English: http://www.interior.gob.es/documents/642317/1201485/Informacion_solicitantes_Asilo_Ingles_126160099.pdf/c2097f86-ebc6-4e7b-aeda-d9a64782c457 ; useful phone numbers and links are listed here
If I have family members outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, how?
If, due to the circumstances leading to the decision on temporary protection, some family members enjoyed this protection in Spain, and other family members were under protection in another European Union state, family reunification will be possible. In principle, the same rule will apply to family members outside the EU.
Spain: employment information
Do I need to apply for a work permit? If so, how to do it?
As soon as temporary protection is granted, you will be entitled to work. A separate application is not required.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? How and where can I apply?
Forced migrants who arrived in Spain do not receive unemployment benefits. In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, individuals will need to meet the general criteria, which means they have contributed (worked in Spain) for at least 360 days. The application for unemployment benefits is made at the unemployment office of the place where the registered persons are located.
You will, however, be entitled to other social benefits as described in this document.
Are there diploma and professional programs for determining equivalency? How and where can I apply?
The recognition of a diploma/qualification in Spain is a long, time-consuming process, as it requires many steps. To date, a simplified procedure for persons displaced as a result of the armed conflict has not been established. Therefore, the usual procedure should go through the following stages:
i. Any document issued abroad outside of Spain must be apostilled by a public authority of the issuing country.
ii. Documents must be translated by a certified translator.
iii. The Ministry of Education is the competent institution for the recognition of educational programs and the legal confirmation of foreign diplomas or academic degrees in Spain. For non-university educational institutions, the following websites can be consulted:
( https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano/catalogo/gestion-titulos/estudios-no-universitarios/titulos-extranjeros/homologacion-convalidacion-no-universitarios.html ), as well as regarding education at the university ( https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/servicios-al-ciudadano/catalogo/gestion-titulos/estudios-universitarios/titulos-extranjeros.html ).
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information on employment?
State bodies :
- Centro de Atención e Información de la Seguridad Social (contact the nearest office at the address in Spain). Please refer to the link: https://www.seg-social.es/wps/portal/wss/internet/OficinaSeguridadSocial/
- Centro de Acogimiento de Pozuelo de Alarcón (created center in the Autonomous Community of Madrid ). Reception center for displaced Ukrainians who lack a place to live. They offer accommodation, information, assistance related to the basic needs of those arriving and support in the immigration process. Phone: +34 910 474 444
- https://www.inclusion.gob.es/es/ucrania/acogida/index.htm
Non-governmental organizations :
- ACCEM: Assistance to forcibly displaced people. A 24-hour toll-free phone number has been set up: +34 637 274 256
- Spanish Red Cross: 24-hour emergency number: +34 900 221 122
- https://www.ongrescate.org/informacion-para-personas-desplazadas-de-ucrania/
Spain: information on housing
Can I access public/government-provided housing?
So. Spain recognizes that people seeking international protection, when they lack financial resources, have the right to access the reception services necessary to ensure that their basic needs are met in decent conditions.
The first step in this process is to register with a reception center or institution.
Additional measures are being taken to facilitate accommodation. The Ministry of Integration, Social Protection and Migration concluded an agreement with the Banco Santander company on the temporary accommodation and maintenance of minor Ukrainians suffering from cancer and their immediate family members.
While the State adapts to the new situation, temporary housing is organized thanks to a number of public organizations, while citizens open their homes to receive refugees.
How and where can I apply for public housing?
There is no special housing program for refugees, but many associations such as the Red Cross or ACNUR, in cooperation with the government, develop special programs to try to facilitate access to housing:
- https://www2.cruzroja.es/-/cruz-roja-ya-ha-atendido-a-mas-de-7700-personas-llegadas-desde-ucrania
- https://help.unhcr.org/spain/uk/
If I am staying with friends or family for an extended period, what documents do I need to fill out to make this stay official? How can I get proof of residency?
Proof of residence in Spain is provided by the municipal registry. For registration, it is necessary to submit an application form and a photocopy of the lease agreement or signed consent of the owner of the apartment in which you live, with a document certifying your identity.
In the Autonomous Community of Madrid, you can find all the information about submitting an application here .
If I want to rent a private property, what documents do I need?
In Spain, there are no regulations regarding the documentation required for a private owner to sign a lease. Usually required documentation includes: (i) identification documents (ii) wage statements to prove income (iii) financial deposit.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about housing?
- Red Cross: informa@cruzroja.es / Phone: +34 900 221 122
- ACNUR: eacnur.eacnur.org/ Phone: +34 900 900 532
- CEA(R): +34 963 162 477
- Autonomous Community of Madrid: https://www.comunidad.madrid/centros/oficina-atencion-refugiado /
Telephone: +34 900 444 555 and Centro de Acogimiento de Pozuelo de Alarcón +34 910 474 444
Spain: information on education
How do I enroll my children (or myself) in school?
In Spain, the responsibility for education rests with the autonomous communities, so the school registration process is different in each of them. In Spain, education is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16 – this applies equally to refugees and those with uncertain immigration status. Each autonomous community follows different procedures, but Spain provides immediate and compulsory schooling for children. A proposal has appeared in which the government is asked to take a number of measures to solve the problem of education for children arriving in Spain.
The Community of Madrid has created a centralized point of collection and processing of information for the procedures related to all the services it can provide, including training, and there you will be shown the necessary steps .
In Madrid, you can apply online: https://www.comunidad.madrid/servicios/educacion/gestion-telematica-solicitud-admision-alumnos-secretaria-virtual . However, in practice it is advisable to apply in person at Centro de Acogimiento de Pozuelo de Alarcón +34 910474444.
The procedure differs in each Autonomous Community, but in general it is necessary to provide identification data of children and parents.
In the Community of Madrid, 77,000 educational institutions have become available at all levels of education. Students can access programs to subsidize school meals, access to textbooks and school materials, programs to support and strengthen education, as well as the Support Network for Educational Recommendations of the Community of Madrid.
In addition, Spanish language courses are offered to parents in a network of adult education centers.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll them in a special school?
Currently, no specific measures have been taken in this regard, but social services will take into account the current situation to facilitate the child’s integration into society.
Do universities implement admission schemes for Ukrainians or people fleeing Ukraine? If so, can you give some examples?
The government, through the Ministry of Universities, has promised to facilitate access to universities and support all Ukrainian students and teachers who have fled their country because of the war.
Carlos III University of Madrid has introduced a number of measures for cooperation with the Ukrainian university community. This will facilitate the admission of students from Ukrainian universities to continue their studies. Arrangements will also be made for students in their last year of pre-university education to start their studies at the Carlos III University in Madrid, and will be given the opportunity to access adaptation courses and start university studies .
In addition, financial aid will be provided for fluency in Spanish and English, and study grants will be created for graduate students to provide them with the necessary resources.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about education?
State bodies :
- Centro de Acogimiento de Pozuelo de Alarcón ( created center in the Autonomous Community of Madrid). Reception center for forcibly displaced Ukrainians who have no place to live. They offer accommodation, information, assistance related to the basic needs of those arriving and support in the immigration process. The phone number is now available: +34 910 474 444
- https://www.inclusion.gob.es/es/ucrania/acogida/index.htm
- https://www.comunidad.madrid/servicios/educacion
Non-governmental organizations :
- Spanish Red Cross: 24-hour emergency number: +34 900 221 122
- UNHCR
Spain: information on child care
How to register small children for kindergarten?
As with schooling, each Autonomous Community follows different procedures.
In the Community of Madrid, the training places created include the first cycle of training (from 0 to 3 years).
Details are given at the link: https://www.comunidad.madrid/servicios/educacion/haz-tu-solicitud-admision-primer-ciclo-educacion-infantil
Forced migrants will receive the same benefits as Spaniards. In Madrid, refugees will have access to subsidized school meals, access to textbooks and school materials, programs to support and strengthen education, as well as the Madrid Community Educational Referral Support Network.
Are there any benefits for pregnant and lactating women?
No concrete plans have been implemented so far to help pregnant women.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for more information about children’s needs?
State bodies :
- Centro de Acogimiento de Pozuelo de Alarcón ( created center in the Autonomous Community of Madrid). Reception center for forcibly displaced Ukrainians who have no place to live. They offer accommodation, information, assistance related to the basic needs of those arriving and support in the immigration process. The phone number is now available: +34 910 474 444
- Ministry of Education and Vocational Training: +34 917 018 000
Non-governmental organizations :
- Spanish Red Cross: 24-hour emergency number: +34 900 221 122
- ACNUR (UNHCR): +34 661 706 462 // spama@unhcr.org
- Save the Children organization: +34 915 130 500
Spain: information on medical care
Can I use the services of the public health care system?
So. Spain has a universal healthcare system that is free at the point of care.
In addition, you can get private medical care for an additional fee.
In the Madrid region, a protocol has been created to help Ukrainian immigrants upon arrival. You can go to Zendal Hospital (address: Av. Manuel Fraga Iribarne, 2, 28055 Madrid) for a medical examination at any time (open 24 hours a day). In this hospital, you can access diagnostic tests for COVID, as well as vaccines against coronavirus.
Do I need to register for health insurance, and if so, how do I do it?
The registration process will depend on the Autonomous Community.
In the Madrid region, there is a procedure for requesting a “Document on the provision of medical assistance to citizens in need of international protection”. This is necessary for regular access to the health care system. In case of emergencies, you will be provided with assistance regardless of the documentation.
To receive the document, you must provide:
- Identification document (for example, passport);
- A copy of the application for granting international protection; and
- Any proof of family relationship (for example, the family book ” Libro de familia “).
As for the procedure, you can register either electronically ( https://tramita.comunidad.madrid/prestacion-social/solicitud-daspi/tramitar ) or in person (in any of the places you will find at the following link: https ://www.comunidad.madrid/servicios/informacion-atencion-ciudadano/red-oficinas-comunidad-madrid ).
You must come in person, as an electronic identification signature is required to submit an online application.
As the temporary protection permit must be issued within 24 hours of the application (see above), you will probably need this document when you need medical care. Once you have received a permit for temporary protection, you can request your individual health card at the nearest health center (“centro de salud”).
In any case, it is strongly recommended that you contact the center for consultation, reception and referral, where you will be given individual advice. There are currently three centers in Spain:
- Madrid : Centro de Formación de la Seguridad Social (Carretera de Carabanchel a Aravaca, 91, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid). With the support of the NGO ACCEM.
Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m - Barcelona : Pabellón Municipal Fira. With the help of the Spanish Red Cross NGO.
- Alicante : Ciudad de la Luz. With the help of the Spanish Red Cross NGO.
What does the state health care system cover?
Free medical care includes prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as emergency care if needed. You are entitled to a wide range of care, excluding, with some exceptions, those related to dental care, optics or cosmetic procedures.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to my public health insurance policy? If so, are there programs available for low-income people?
You do not need private health insurance. However, if you want additional private insurance, various insurance companies offer insurance for foreigners (such as Adelas, Sanitas or Generali, among others ).
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information regarding access to health care system services?
State :
- If it is urgent, please contact this number: 112
- Ministry of Integration, Social Protection and Migration: +34 910 474 444
Non-governmental :
- ACNUR (UNHCR): +34 661 706 462 // spama@unhcr.org
- CEAR: +34 915 980 535/ +34 915 980 592
- ACCEM: +34 915 327 478/ +34 915 327 479 / +34 915 312 312// madrid@accem.es / accem@accem.es
- Spanish Red Cross: +34 900 221 122 // informa@cruzroja.es
Spain: mental health information
Can I get free mental health support from the public health system?
So. Mental health is included in the aforementioned core portfolio. Services include both diagnosis and treatment. However, it should be taken into account that getting access to the state mental health service may take some time, as funds are limited and the service is overburdened.
Is there any additional administrative process required to access mental health support?
No. This is one of the services available to people with a temporary residence permit.
What government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
Public organizations, such as ACCEM, offer psychological assistance to Ukrainian migrants. There are also other non-governmental organizations that offer psychological help, such as the Spanish Red Cross (Telephone: + 34 900 107 917).
Spain: other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
Each Autonomous Community or city has a department responsible for providing assistance to minors. If you have identified an unaccompanied minor, you should report this to the social services of the community by calling 012 . The social services team will find a legal guardian for the unaccompanied minor and initiate the appropriate legal process.
Madrid Social Service, see here
Telephone number of the Civil Guard Unit for unaccompanied minors: +34 918 073 900 / +34 915 144 679.
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
As a rule, the registration of disability benefits is carried out by the Social Security Administration.
For more information, the following contact is available:
Phone: +34 901 166 565
Website : www.seg-social.es
Spain and Ukraine signed an Agreement on Social Security in 1998, which can be applied to Ukrainian citizens in Spain, and some types of social security benefits can be recognized for the total amount of contributions from one country to another (sick leave due to widespread diseases and maternity/paternity, long-term incapacity for work, incapacity as a result of accidents at work or professional disability, etc. ).
In order to be entitled to other types of social benefits, it is recommended to contact the social services of the relevant Autonomous Community. Primary care professionals will provide information about the different types of benefits available and services provided. If Madrid Social Service, see here
The list of emergency telephone numbers is here:
