It is the procedure through which Spain recognises refugee status or subsidiary protection for people suffering persecution or a real risk of serious harm in their country.
Filing the application gives you the right to remain in Spain while it is processed, to free legal assistance and to an interpreter.
- People with a well-founded fear of persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership of a particular social group, gender or sexual orientation.
- People facing a real risk of serious harm (the death penalty, torture, inhuman treatment or serious threats arising from a conflict).
- Stating your wish to apply for international protection before the National Police, the Asylum and Refuge Office, a detention centre, a border post or an internment centre.
- Attending the interview to formalise the application on the date assigned.
- As a general rule, the application must be filed within one month of entering Spain or of the events that justify it.
Identity document or passportIf you still have it. Not having one does not prevent you from applying for international protection. Account of the factsA chronological and detailed explanation of the persecution or risk suffered. It is the centrepiece of the file. Documentary evidenceComplaints, medical or psychological reports, publications, court decisions, documents from parties or organisations, screenshots of threats, country reports. Documents of the family members included if applicable Marriage or birth certificates of the people covered by your application.Proof of the asylum appointmentReceipt of your statement of intent or of the appointment for the interview.
No EX form is used: the application is formalised during the interview, in an official record
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sin tasa | The international protection procedure is free of charge | — | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
Asylum and Refuge Office (OAR) or authorised police stations
By appointment through the National Police system; also at border posts and detention centres.
Specialised organisations
CEAR, ACCEM, the Red Cross and other organisations offer free legal advice to prepare the application.
- An application receipt (the "white sheet") when you formalise it; 6 months after admission for processing you obtain authorisation to work.
- Applicant's red card: it is renewed periodically while the procedure lasts.
- Decision: the legal deadline is 6 months, although in practice files usually take longer.
Applying for asylum without grounds can harm you: check first with a specialised organisation or a lawyer.
If the application is refused, the deadlines to appeal are very short: ask for legal assistance as soon as you receive the notification.