The European Union has extended temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine until 4 March 2028.
In addition, since 5 August 2026 a new requirement applies to certain new applications: where applicable, applicants must show that they have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine or that they are exempt from them.
This new requirement does not apply to people who already held temporary protection in a Member State up to and including 4 August 2026 and continue to hold it without interruption in that same State.
What temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine is
After the war in Ukraine began in February 2022, the European Union activated Directive 2001/55/EC to offer immediate protection to displaced people who could not safely return to Ukraine. This mechanism allows temporary protection to be obtained without first having to go through the ordinary asylum procedure.
Temporary protection grants residence rights and allows, among other things, access to the labour market, to healthcare and social assistance and, for minors, to education, under the conditions set by the host Member State.
Since it was activated in 2022, the scheme has been extended several times. The most recent extension runs until 4 March 2028.
What changes from August 2026
The main change affects certain people applying for temporary protection now. Since 5 August 2026, EU rules set a new requirement relating to military obligations in Ukraine.
Where applicable, applicants must provide evidence showing that they have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine or that they are exempt from them. The documents needed will depend on each applicant’s situation and on the checks the competent authorities have to carry out.
So anyone about to apply for temporary protection should check the up-to-date requirements before starting the procedure.
Who does the new requirement affect?
The new requirement does not apply retroactively to everyone who already holds temporary protection.
| Situation | Does the new requirement apply? |
|---|---|
| Already held temporary protection in a Member State up to and including 4 August 2026 and keeps it without interruption in that same State | No |
| Submits a new application after the requirement came into force | It may apply, where relevant |
It is important to distinguish between those who were already beneficiaries and people submitting a new application after the new requirement came into force.
Temporary protection is held in only one Member State at a time, so it matters whether the person has already obtained this status in another EU country.
How long temporary protection lasts
Temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine has been extended by the European Union until 4 March 2028. This new extension is set out in Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 and is a further extension of the exceptional scheme activated in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Beneficiaries should bear in mind that matters relating to their residence documents in Spain, and to their renewal or extension, are also governed by the provisions and instructions adopted by the competent Spanish authorities.
Who can apply for temporary protection in Spain
Temporary protection is not limited to Ukrainian citizens. Depending on the circumstances, it may cover:
- Ukrainian nationals displaced by the conflict;
- certain stateless persons or third-country nationals who were legally resident in Ukraine and cannot safely return to their country or region of origin;
- certain family members of beneficiaries, under the conditions set by the rules.
Spain also extended protection to certain Ukrainian citizens who were already in Spain before 24 February 2022 and who, as a result of the conflict, cannot return to Ukraine.
As there are different cases, it is important to check whether you meet the relevant requirements before applying.
What rights temporary protection gives you in Spain
Beneficiaries of temporary protection can live and work legally in Spain for as long as their protection remains in force. The rights linked to the scheme include:
- working as an employee or self-employed;
- accessing the reception system where the requirements are met;
- receiving healthcare;
- accessing social assistance under the conditions provided;
- and, for minors, access to education.
These rights last for as long as the person keeps beneficiary status.
Where to apply for temporary protection in Spain
Applications can be made at the points designated by the Spanish authorities for processing temporary protection. The Ministry of the Interior and the official channels set up for people displaced from Ukraine provide information on where applications are processed, the relevant police stations and how to book appointments.
As these service points and administrative procedures can change, it is advisable to check the official information before going in person.
Foreign documents and sworn translation
People applying for temporary protection may need to submit documents issued in Ukraine to prove certain personal circumstances or meet the requirements of the procedure. Since August 2026, certain new applications may also require documents proving that military obligations have been fulfilled or that the person is exempt, where applicable.
This does not mean that every Ukrainian document must automatically be accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish. Whether a translation is needed depends on the document, the procedure and what the competent Spanish authority requests.
If an official translation of a document issued in Ukrainian is required, it must be prepared in line with the requirements for filing it in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
Does temporary protection end in March 2027?
No. The European Union has approved a new extension of temporary protection until 4 March 2028. The March 2027 date belonged to the previous extension.
Since when does the new military-obligations requirement apply?
The new requirement has applied since 5 August 2026. Where applicable, the person applying for temporary protection must show that they have fulfilled their military obligations in Ukraine or that they are exempt.
Does the new requirement affect people who already had temporary protection in Spain?
It does not apply to those who already held temporary protection in Spain up to and including 4 August 2026 and continue to hold it without interruption in Spain. The situation is different for new applications submitted after the requirement came into force.
Can I hold temporary protection in Spain and another EU country at the same time?
Temporary protection and its associated rights are held in only one Member State at a time. So if someone has already obtained temporary protection in another Member State, they should take this into account before starting the procedure in Spain.
Can I work in Spain with temporary protection?
Yes. Temporary protection includes permission to work, both as an employee and self-employed, for as long as it remains in force.
Do I need a sworn translation of my Ukrainian documents?
It depends on the documents you have to submit and on the requirements set by the competent authority. There is no general rule that every Ukrainian document used in a temporary protection application must have a sworn translation. If the authorities ask for an official translation of a specific document, the requirements for that document must be met.
- Council Directive 2001/55/EC on minimum standards for giving temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons.
- Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 on the extension of temporary protection.
- Spanish Ministry of the Interior: official information on temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine.
This guide is for information only and reflects the rules available in September 2026. The requirements and procedures relating to temporary protection may be subject to new provisions or administrative instructions, so always check the up-to-date official information before starting the procedure.