Fresh statistics released on 29 January by Spain’s Permanent Observatory of Immigration show 338,256 Ukrainian nationals held valid residence permits at end-2025—up 8.1 % year-on-year. Nearly three-quarters (73 %) are still under temporary-protection status granted after Russia’s 2022 invasion, while only 20 % have transitioned to long-term residency.
Women represent 58 % of the group and dominate the 35-44 age bracket. Labour-market data reveal strong concentrations in construction, hospitality and retail—sectors already facing recruitment gaps. The figures underscore the importance of timely work-permit renewals: temporary-protection cards issued in March 2022 start expiring this spring; Madrid has promised an automatic extension but employers should monitor expiry dates in their HR systems.
For relocation managers, the data confirm that Spain remains a major EU destination for displaced Ukrainians, second only to Poland and Germany. Companies hiring Ukrainians should ensure contracts meet salary levels for conversion to ordinary work permits before temporary protection lapses.
![Number of Ukrainian Residents in Spain Tops 338,000]()
Visa and immigration specialists can streamline this transition. VisaHQ’s Spain desk (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) assists employers and assignees alike with real-time permit tracking, renewal filing and document translation, ensuring Ukrainian staff keep lawful status while companies stay compliant.
Human-resources consultancies expect the regularisation decree currently under consultation to offer an additional pathway for Ukrainians who missed the EU protection window or arrived later via family channels. Local authorities are expanding language courses and credential-recognition programmes to facilitate long-term integration.
The Observatory will publish province-level break-downs in February, enabling businesses to target recruitment drives in regions—such as Valencia and Andalusia—where Ukrainian populations have doubled since 2022.
Women represent 58 % of the group and dominate the 35-44 age bracket. Labour-market data reveal strong concentrations in construction, hospitality and retail—sectors already facing recruitment gaps. The figures underscore the importance of timely work-permit renewals: temporary-protection cards issued in March 2022 start expiring this spring; Madrid has promised an automatic extension but employers should monitor expiry dates in their HR systems.
For relocation managers, the data confirm that Spain remains a major EU destination for displaced Ukrainians, second only to Poland and Germany. Companies hiring Ukrainians should ensure contracts meet salary levels for conversion to ordinary work permits before temporary protection lapses.
Visa and immigration specialists can streamline this transition. VisaHQ’s Spain desk (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) assists employers and assignees alike with real-time permit tracking, renewal filing and document translation, ensuring Ukrainian staff keep lawful status while companies stay compliant.
Human-resources consultancies expect the regularisation decree currently under consultation to offer an additional pathway for Ukrainians who missed the EU protection window or arrived later via family channels. Local authorities are expanding language courses and credential-recognition programmes to facilitate long-term integration.
The Observatory will publish province-level break-downs in February, enabling businesses to target recruitment drives in regions—such as Valencia and Andalusia—where Ukrainian populations have doubled since 2022.
