Spain's migration legislation has undergone significant changes that directly affect hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians seeking asylum in the country. The Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda has approved new instructions according to which the time spent in the country under temporary protection status is now officially counted towards the legal residence period.

Key change in migration policy

On June 22, the ministry approved instructions SEM 2/2026. This decision radically changes the approach to refugee integration. Previously, the period of temporary protection was effectively "not counted" when switching to other types of residency: a person had to start the term count from scratch. Now, every year lived in Spain under the auspices of temporary protection works in favor of the applicant.

To obtain long-term residency in Spain, five years of legal residence are required. The innovation allows Ukrainians to approach this goal significantly faster than they originally calculated.

Opportunities for legalization and employment

According to the new rules, Ukrainians will be able to submit documents for residence permits directly from the territory of Spain, without leaving the country. The grounds for obtaining status may include:

  • Employment and entrepreneurial activity;
  • Education at educational institutions;
  • Family reunification;
  • Other reasons provided for by migration legislation.

Separately, the documents specify the possibility of access to national long-term residency. It is important to note that upon receiving a new residence permit, a person must officially renounce the temporary protection status, which is valid throughout the European Union until March 4, 2027.

Regional initiatives and the reality of life

Spain has already demonstrated readiness for non-standard solutions to help migrants. For example, it was previously reported about the village of Arenillas, which offered free housing and jobs to anyone willing to move and help revive the community, which numbers only forty people.

However, experts and migrants themselves remind us that life in Europe is not always easy. The story of one of the Ukrainians who moved to Italy refutes the idea of moving as an "automatic ticket" to a wealthy life. Real income and expenses often do not match expectations formed before departure. Nevertheless, the new rules in Spain give hope for a more stable and long-term future for those who have chosen this country to live in.