Ukrainians in Spain will be able to obtain permanent residency more quickly
Spain has changed the rules for Ukrainians under temporary protection. Now, the period spent under this status can be counted toward the required period of legal residence, which will allow them to qualify for permanent residency more quickly.
On June 22, the agency approved Directive SEM 2/2026. The main change: time spent in Spain under temporary protection status is now officially counted toward the period of legal residence required for long-term residency, which is 5 years.
Previously, this time was effectively “not counted” when transitioning to other statuses—it was as if the person had to start the count over from scratch. Now, the years already spent in the country count toward the requirement.
Ukrainians will be able to apply for permits directly from within Spain, without leaving the country—on grounds related to work, entrepreneurship, education, family reunification, or other reasons provided for by immigration law. A separate provision outlines the possibility of obtaining national long-term residency.
Upon receiving a new residence permit, the individual must officially renounce their temporary protection status, which is valid throughout the EU until March 4, 2027.
Source: Spanish Ministry of Social Security and Migration.
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