The Ministry of the Interior has published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) Order INT/96/2026 of February 12, extending the validity of Foreign Identity Cards (TIE) issued to persons affected by the conflict in Ukraine who are beneficiaries of temporary protection in Spain.
This new extension follows the decision adopted by the Council of the European Union to prolong temporary protection until March 4, 2027, in light of the ongoing conflict and the continued situation of mass displacement.
Below, you can access the full text of the ministerial order published in the BOE (in Spanish):
⏺️ What exactly does the new Order establish?
Order INT/96/2026 of February 12 provides for the direct and automatic extension until March 4, 2027 of the validity of Foreign Identity Cards (TIE) issued to persons affected by the conflict in Ukraine who are beneficiaries of temporary protection in Spain.
It is important to emphasize that the extension affects the validity of the physical document already issued. In other words, even if the card shows an earlier expiration date (for example, 2025 or 2026), it is legally considered valid until March 4, 2027.
The measure is:
- Automatic: no individual application is required.
- General: it applies to all beneficiaries covered by Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460.
- Direct: it does not require an additional administrative resolution or personalized notification.
The Order expressly states that obtaining a new Foreign Identity Card will not be necessary in order to comply with the obligations set out in Article 209 of the Immigration Regulation approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024.
From a legal perspective, temporary protection is extended by decision of the Council of the European Union and, accordingly, Spain adjusts the validity of the TIE without initiating individual procedures.
⏺️ European context: why is temporary protection being extended again?
Temporary protection was activated on March 4, 2022 through Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382, after the existence of a mass influx of displaced persons from Ukraine was established under Directive 2001/55/EC.
Since then, the Council of the European Union has successively extended this protection due to the persistence of the conflict and the absence of conditions for a safe return. The latest extension, adopted through Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1460, prolongs protection until March 4, 2027.
It is important to note that these decisions are directly applicable in all Member States. Therefore, they do not require individual resolutions for each beneficiary but instead oblige States — such as Spain — to adapt their domestic framework to ensure continuity of the recognized status.
In short, this new extension responds to the ongoing circumstances that led to the activation of the mechanism and ensures legal stability for displaced persons across the European Union.
⏺️ Is there already a “pathway” to another residence permit?
The nineteenth additional provision of the Regulation approved by Royal Decree 1155/2024 provides for the possibility of regulating the conditions to modify the residence authorization of persons displaced under temporary protection.
However, the Order itself acknowledges that, given the uncertain situation in Ukraine, neither the European Union nor Spain has yet regulated this transition toward other types of residence permits. As of today, temporary protection remains the applicable legal framework, without a general modification pathway in place.
⏺️ ARC Legal can assist you
Immigration regulations evolve constantly, and European decisions often have a direct impact on administrative status in Spain.
If you have questions about your residence authorization, the validity of your card, your options to switch to another type of permit, or any other aspect of your immigration status, at ARC Legal we analyze your case individually and guide you with a clear strategy tailored to your personal and professional situation.
You can contact our firm for a personalized consultation and resolve your questions with legal certainty and proper planning.
Related publications
- Ukraine and Temporary Protection in the EU: November 2025 update
- EU Council Recommendation on the transition after Temporary Protection for Ukrainians
- Over 326,000 Ukrainians hold valid residence permits in Spain
Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? Click here: España prorroga automáticamente las tarjetas de protección temporal para personas desplazadas de Ucrania hasta marzo de 2027
The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, immigration regulations are subject to change and interpretation by the relevant authorities. For personalised and updated legal support, we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer.