A decree has been issued: Ukrainians are not required to renew their TIE until March 4, 2026

Good news for Ukrainians abroad under temporary protection status! According to a new decree published in several European Union countries, Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection and holding a resident card (TIE) ARE NOT OBLIGED TO RENEW TIE UNTIL MARCH 4, 2026.

The relevant decree was published on February 27, 2025. Link to the decree.

Background and Legal Basis

The temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians was introduced by the EU Council shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Directive 2001/55/EC, known as the “Directive on Mass Influx of Migrants,” was activated on March 4, 2022, to provide refugees from Ukraine with the right to residence, work, education, and healthcare without the need to go through lengthy asylum procedures. Initially, the duration of temporary protection was set for one year, but it has been extended multiple times since then.

In June 2024, the European Commission proposed to extend this status until March 4, 2026, citing the ongoing conflict and lack of safe conditions for returning to Ukraine. The decision was officially approved by the EU Council, allowing EU member states to adapt their national regulations. In Spain, this was implemented in the decree of February 27, 2025 (Orden INT/195/2025), published in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE).

What is TIE and how is it related to temporary protection?

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) is an identity card for foreigners issued in Spain and some other EU countries to individuals granted temporary protection. For Ukrainians who have received temporary protection, TIE has become the main document confirming their right to reside and access services. Initially, the cards were issued for a limited period, requiring regular renewals; however, the new decree changes this practice.

According to Orden INT/195/2025, all TIE cards issued to Ukrainians under temporary protection and valid at the time of the decree’s publication remain valid until March 4, 2026.

Benefits for Ukrainians:

1. Simplification of Bureaucracy
   Relieves Ukrainians from the need to reapply to immigration services, stand in lines, and gather documents. This is especially important for families with children and elderly people for whom such procedures could be burdensome.
2. Stability and Confidence
   Extending the status until 2026 gives refugees a long-term perspective. They can plan their lives, continue working, studying, and integrating into society without worrying about their status in the coming years.
3. Rights and Opportunities
   TIE retains all rights granted by temporary protection: access to the labor market, healthcare, and education. This is particularly relevant for those who have already found work or started studying in Spain.

What to do if the card expires?

If your TIE card expires before March 4, 2026, in most cases, the expired resident card will still have legal force. However, there are downsides: in some public and private institutions, your expired TIE may not be accepted, and you may be denied services, as computer systems do not accept the expired TIE date.

Additionally, specialists recommend checking the status of the document on the website of the National Police of Spain or at the local Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería). In rare cases, if the card was lost or issued with errors, a personal visit may be required to obtain a new document.

Conclusion

The new decree has been a long-awaited relief for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes. This decision demonstrates the solidarity of EU countries with Ukraine and their readiness to support refugees in difficult times. If you are under temporary protection, check the validity of your documents and ensure they comply with the new rules. In the meantime, live peacefully knowing that your status has been extended until March 4, 2026!

For more useful information about new laws and life in Spain, read on the website SunLine real estate in the “Blog” section.