Ukrainians in Spain will no longer have to start counting their legal residency from scratch after the end of temporary protection. The entire period of stay under this status will be counted toward the five-year period required for long-term residency. This is reported by Visit Ukraine referring to the SEM 2/2026 instruction.
How the years of temporary protection will be counted in Spain
The Spanish authorities will recognize the entire time during which a Ukrainian was under temporary protection as part of the legal and continuous residency period. A total of five years is required for national long-term residency.
If a person transitions to another permit, both periods will be cumulative. For example, three years under temporary protection and two years with a regular permit can constitute the required five-year period. This is directly provided for in the official SEM 2/2026 instruction.
At the same time, long-term residency will not be granted automatically. The applicant must meet the established requirements, confirm the continuity of legal residence, and submit documents to the Spanish migration authorities.
The new rules also allow the period of temporary protection to be counted for arraigo procedures. This concerns permits under exceptional circumstances, for which it is usually necessary to confirm a certain period of continuous stay in Spain.
How Ukrainians can switch to another permit in 2026
Ukrainians will be able to apply for other types of residency without leaving Spain, provided that the respective procedure allows for applications within the country. Grounds may include employment, entrepreneurial activity, education, family circumstances, or other conditions stipulated by law.
Each permit has its own set of requirements. The mere fact of being under temporary protection does not guarantee a positive outcome, but now this status will not block the transition to a regular migration procedure.
There is no need to renounce temporary protection before receiving a new permit. This status should formally cease after the approval of another permit. Confirmation of renunciation must be provided during the issuance of the foreigner's TIE card.
It is worth noting that the southwest of Europe will be under the influence of an anticyclone, which will ensure rising temperatures. The most difficult situation is expected in Spain, where nighttime temperatures will not drop below +25 °C. On Friday, in some areas, temperatures may reach +44...+46 °C, and in places even up to +47 °C.