The European Union has officially extended temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine for another year – until 4 March 2028.
The relevant decision of the Council of the EU was adopted on 30 July 2026 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
This measure is aimed at preserving legal certainty, stability and predictability for millions of people who continue to stay in EU countries because of the war in Ukraine.
The extension will remain in force until 4 March 2028
According to the decision, temporary protection granted to persons displaced from Ukraine under Council Decision 2022/382 is extended for another year – until 4 March 2028.
This status had previously been extended until 4 March 2027. The new measure ensures the continuation of the temporary protection regime after that date.
For Ukrainians living in Spain, this means an additional period of legal stability and the opportunity to plan further steps in advance related to residence, work, studies, renting or buying property in Spain.
What rights temporary protection provides
Temporary protection gives displaced persons immediate and collective access to basic rights in EU countries.
These include the right of residence, access to the labour market, medical assistance, social support, education for children and access to housing.
That is why, for many Ukrainian families in Spain, this status remains the basis for everyday life, integration and resolving practical household matters.
Additional condition for new applicants
The decision also introduces an important clarification: a separate condition is set out for those who apply for temporary protection after 30/07/2026. If a person has military obligations in Ukraine, they may be required to confirm that these obligations have been fulfilled or that there is a lawful exemption.
This condition is linked to the need to take Ukraine’s defence needs into account.
At the same time, the decision expressly states that this rule does not apply to people who already enjoyed temporary protection in a specific EU member state before and including 30 July 2026 and who continue to maintain it uninterruptedly in that same state.
It is not yet clear in what form the verification of military obligations will take place: the published document does not answer this question. In the near future, we will try to clarify all the practical details of how this rule will be applied – including in Spain – and will keep you informed of updates.
What this means for Ukrainians in Spain
For those already in Spain under temporary protection, the key issue remains further legalisation after several years of residence in the country.
Spain had previously extended the validity of TIE cards for temporary protection beneficiaries until 4 March 2027. Following the EU decision to extend the regime until 2028, the next practical steps regarding documents should be clarified by the Spanish authorities.
Those planning to change their type of residence, arrange documents, look for long-term housing or move to another city should follow official updates in advance and assess the available options. The section on immigration services in Spain may be a useful reference point.
The EU is preparing a transition to longer-term statuses
The Council of the EU also recalls the need for a gradual and coordinated transition from temporary protection to longer-term legal statuses when conditions allow.
Such a transition may be linked to employment, studies, family grounds or other lawful residence options.
For Ukrainians who have already integrated in Spain, work, study, raise children and see the country as a place for long-term life, this decision provides additional time to plan the future.
In practice, this may include not only legal matters, but also choosing a region to live in, searching for property, family adaptation and organising everyday life. Popular destinations for relocation and living include Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Valencia and other cities on the Mediterranean coast.
