As of December 31, 2025, a total of 4.35 million non-EU nationals who fled Ukraine due to the war were benefiting from temporary protection status in the European Union. Compared with November 2025, the total number increased by 24,675 people, representing a 0.6% rise.
According to Eurostat data, these figures reflect the continued forced displacement caused by the conflict and confirm the consolidation of temporary protection as a key instrument within the Common European Asylum System.
⏺️ Germany, Poland, and Czechia host the highest number of beneficiaries
The EU Member States hosting the largest number of people under temporary protection from Ukraine are:
- Germany: 1,250,620 people (28.7% of the EU total)
- Poland: 969,240 people (22.3%)
- Czechia: 393,055 people (9.0%)
Together, these three countries account for more than 60% of all temporary protection beneficiaries in the European Union.
⏺️ Notable increases in December 2025
Among the 26 EU Member States with available data, 22 reported increases in the number of people under temporary protection. The largest absolute increases were recorded in:
- Germany: +9,620 people (+0.8%)
- Spain: +2,235 people (+0.9%)
- Romania: +2,160 people (+1.1%)
By contrast, four Member States registered decreases, most notably:
- France: -1,250 people (-2.4%)
- Estonia: -470 people (-1.3%)
It is important to note that monthly decreases may be linked to deregistration procedures or updates to administrative records, which are not always implemented continuously across all countries.
⏺️ Czechia leads in proportion per population
When analyzing the number of beneficiaries per thousand inhabitants, certain Member States show a particularly significant impact:
- Czechia: 36.0 per thousand inhabitants
- Poland: 26.6 per thousand
- Cyprus and Slovakia: 25.8 per thousand
The EU average stands at 9.7 beneficiaries per thousand inhabitants.
⏺️ Profile of temporary protection beneficiaries
As of December 31, 2025:
- Ukrainian nationals represent more than 98.4% of all beneficiaries.
- Adult women account for 43.6%.
- Minors represent 30.5%.
- Adult men account for 25.9%.
These figures highlight the strong family dimension of displacement, with a significant presence of women and children.
⏺️ Legal framework and extension until 2027
Temporary protection was activated under Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 of March 4, 2022, which recognized the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine following the Russian war of aggression.
On June 13, 2025, the European Council adopted a decision extending temporary protection from March 4, 2026, to March 4, 2027.
Temporary protection is specifically designed for situations of mass influx where national asylum systems could otherwise become overwhelmed. It provides immediate and collective protection, ensuring basic rights such as residence, access to the labor market, education, and social assistance.
⏺️ How ARC Legal Abogados can assist you
The extension of temporary protection until March 2027 provides short-term stability. However, it also raises important questions:
- What will happen after March 2027?
- Is it possible to switch to another type of residence permit before temporary protection expires?
- How does this situation affect family reunification or long-term professional plans in Spain?
In practice, every case is different. Some individuals are already fully integrated into the Spanish labor market. Others are considering starting a business. Many families are looking for a more stable, long-term immigration solution.
At ARC Legal Abogados, we analyze each case individually to assess:
- Whether it is advisable to maintain temporary protection or explore a change of status.
- Which residence options may best fit your professional and family profile.
- How to anticipate potential regulatory changes before 2027.
Planning ahead is essential. Making informed decisions in advance can make the difference between a temporary situation and a stable long-term project in Spain.
If you are currently under temporary protection or advising someone in this situation, reviewing your immigration strategy early and with legal certainty is crucial.
Related publications
- Spain extends validity of Ukrainian temporary protection cards (TIE) until March 2027
- EU Council Recommendation on the transition after Temporary Protection for Ukrainians
- Temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine extended until 4 March 2027
¿Prefieres leer el artículo en español 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí: Más de 4,3 millones de personas ucranianas mantienen la protección temporal en la Unión Europea a cierre de 2025
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is subject to continuous interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal we strive to provide up-to-date and verified information based on official sources, but we always recommend consulting with a qualified professional before starting any application or making legal decisions. If you need personalized advice, feel free to contact our firm.