Law 12/2009 on the right to asylum
Asylum and international protection
Applying for refugee status or subsidiary protection, with support throughout the whole procedure.
Is this the right option for you?
It is designed for people who cannot safely return to their country because they face persecution on grounds of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, membership of a social group, gender or sexual orientation, or because they are at real risk of serious harm.
We help you prepare the account and documents for your application, support you at the interview and at each stage of the procedure, and review the alternatives if the application does not succeed.
If international protection is refused, a permit on humanitarian grounds or another route may be considered.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Well-founded fear of persecution
For refugee status, a well-founded fear of persecution on one of the grounds set out in the law.
Risk of serious harm
For subsidiary protection, a real risk of serious harm if you return to your country.
Application deadline
The application must be filed within one month of entering Spain or of the reasons for it arising.
Account and evidence
A consistent account of your situation, supported by any documents and evidence you can provide.
Personal interview
The applicant is interviewed and must cooperate with the authorities during the procedure.
During the procedure
If the application is admitted for processing, you receive an applicant document that allows you to stay in Spain. If there is no decision after six months, you can work.
Possible decisions
Refugee status, subsidiary protection, a permit on humanitarian grounds, or refusal, which can be appealed.
How can we help?
- Initial eligibility review.
- Immigration strategy.
- Personalized checklist.
- Legal review of your documents.
- Preparing and filing your application.
- Follow-up with the authorities.
- Responding to requests for documents where applicable.
- Assistance with the steps after approval.
Usual documents
- Passport or ID document, if you have one.
- Documents supporting your account: police reports, other reports, news items, medical records.
- Documents for the family members with you.
- Any other document proving your situation in your country of origin.
The final documents will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances, nationality and the applicable procedure. After the initial review you will receive a personalized checklist.
Related procedures
Tell us about your situation
We will review your case and explain which route may fit your circumstances.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of the application.