International Protection (Refugee and Subsidiary)

You can apply for international protection if you fear returning to your home country due to persecution or serious harm. The process begins with an in-person interview and requires you to remain in Spain while your case is being decided.

Step 1: Request an Appointment (Cita Previa)

You must request an appointment to formalize your application. You should ideally do this within one month of arriving in Spain.

• Where to go: You must book an appointment at a National Police station (Comisaría de Policía), an Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería), or at a border crossing point like an airport or port.
• How to book: Appointments are often released on specific days (frequently Monday mornings) through the official government portal.

Step 2: The Formal Interview

At your appointment, you will meet with an official to explain why you are seeking protection. You have the right to a free interpreter and a lawyer (provided by the Bar Association or NGOs like CEAR).

• What to bring: Your original passport (if you have one), proof of entry into Spain (like a boarding pass), and any evidence supporting your claim (photos, reports, or news articles).
• The "White Paper" (Hoja Blanca): Once the interview is finished, you will receive a document called the Resguardo de solicitud de protección internacional. This "White Paper" contains your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and protects you from deportation while the government decides if your case is "admitted for processing."

Step 3: Receiving the "Red Card" (Tarjeta Roja)

If your application is admitted (usually within 30 days), your White Paper will eventually be replaced by a Tarjeta Roja.

• First 6 Months: Your first Red Card is valid for six months but does not allow you to work.
• Renewal and Work Rights: After the first six months, you must renew the card. This renewed version will explicitly state that you have the right to work in Spain.

Step 4: The Final Decision

The Ministry of Interior will review your file. Because of high application volumes, this stage currently takes between 18 and 36 months.

• If Approved: You will be granted a 5-year residence permit as either a Refugee or a recipient of Subsidiary Protection.
• If Denied: You may be granted "Humanitarian Reasons" (a 1-year renewable permit) or be ordered to leave the country.

Special 2026 Route: Extraordinary Regularization

If you submitted your asylum application before December 31, 2025, you have a special opportunity. Between April 2026 and June 30, 2026, you can apply to switch from the asylum process to a standard residence and work permit, which is often faster and more certain than waiting for an asylum decision.

The application for international protection is a humanitarian right and is free of charge. However, if you choose the 2026 Regularization route, administrative fees apply.

Item	Cost
Asylum Application	Free
Legal Assistance (Public)	Free
Red Card Issuance/Renewal	Free
2026 Regularization Fee (if applicable)	€10 – €30

Total Estimate: €0 for standard asylum; up to €30 for the 2026 regularization route. Note: This does not include costs for "sworn translations" of your evidence or travel to police stations.

The asylum process in Spain is currently experiencing significant delays due to a high volume of cases.

• Initial Appointment (Cita): Can take several weeks or months to secure depending on the province.
• Admissibility Phase: 1 month from the date of your interview.
• Work Authorization: Granted exactly 6 months after your initial application is admitted.
• Final Decision: Legally 6 months, but currently averages 18 to 36 months.
• Document Validity: The Tarjeta Roja is typically valid for 6 months at a time and must be renewed until a final decision is reached.
• Residency Duration: If granted, your initial residency is valid for 5 years. Refugees can apply for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence.