In short: to apply for international protection (asylum) in Spain you appear in person at the border, an authorised police station or an immigration office; you are documented as an applicant (red card), you cannot be expelled while it is decided, and you have access to healthcare (Law 12/2009).
In person or by representative? Personal appearance is mandatory: you must express your will and formalise the application in person, through an interview. It is not a procedure by representative or online.
Where to apply: at border posts (international ports and airports), immigration offices, or authorised police stations, depending on the province.
How the procedure works:
- Expression of will to seek protection (in-person appearance).
- Formalisation of the application through an interview.
- At the border, authorities have 96 hours to decide on admissibility (if admitted, entry is authorised).
While it is decided, you are entitled to: be documented as an applicant (first a "white slip", then the red card); the suspension of any return or expulsion; healthcare; and access to your case file. The document is renewed by appointment (around 9 months and at one year).
Types of protection: asylum (refugee status) and subsidiary protection. Decided by the Ministry of the Interior (Asylum and Refuge Office), on a proposal from the CIAR.
Official source: Law 12/2009 on the right of asylum. See also the MIR-UNHCR agreement on the asylum system.
Informational only; the procedure and timeframes may vary — check the official source, the Asylum Office and a professional for your case.