Spain has changed the rules for legalizing Ukrainians: the time of temporary protection will be counted towards the length of residence

Spain has simplified the procedure for obtaining long-term residence for foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens, who are in the country under temporary protection. From now on, the period of residence under this status will be counted towards the five-year period required for obtaining a long-term residence permit.

The relevant changes were approved by the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. The new rules are enshrined in the SEM 2/2026 instructions prepared by the Secretariat for Migration.

What has changed

Previously, residence in Spain under temporary protection status was actually not taken into account when switching to another type of residence permit. Because of this, foreigners who changed the reason for stay were forced to start counting the required period of residence from scratch.

From now on, the years of legal residence in the country under temporary protection will be included in the five-year period required to obtain a national long-term residence permit.

Ukrainians will be able to change their status without leaving the country

The innovation also allows Ukrainian citizens to switch from temporary protection status to other legal grounds for residence without leaving the territory of Spain.

In particular, a new permit can be issued in the event of:

official employment;
opening their own business;
studying;
reunification with family;
other grounds provided for by Spanish migration legislation.

After receiving a new residence permit, a person must officially refuse the temporary protection status. At the same time, it is not necessary to do this before a positive decision is made – the refusal occurs after the new status is issued.

What does this mean

The new rules open up more opportunities for Ukrainians for long-term legalization in Spain. Counting the time spent under temporary protection will allow them to fulfill the minimum residence requirement for obtaining long-term residence much faster and switch to other forms of legal residence without having to leave the country.