What Is International Protection?
International protection covers two statuses: Asylum (Asilo) for people who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country because of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion; and Subsidiary Protection (Protección subsidiaria) for people who, while not fully meeting the definition of a refugee, would face a serious risk of harm upon returning to their country (such as torture or the death penalty).
The Most Common Grounds in Iranian Cases
- Converting away from Islam (apostasy) and its legal and social consequences in Iran
- Political activity, protest, or public criticism of the government, including on social media
- Sexual orientation or gender identity that is criminalized in Iran
- Activism in defense of women's rights or defiance of mandatory hijab laws
- Belonging to an ethnic or religious minority under systematic pressure
Simply being from Iran or expressing general dissatisfaction with the country's situation is not enough. You must present a well-founded, personal fear of persecution, supported by credible evidence (documents, testimony, records of activity, human rights reports).
Asylum Application Steps
- File the application with the border police upon entry, or at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) after entering Spain, within one month of arrival
- A personal interview with officials from the Asylum and Refuge Office (OAR)
- Receive the asylum application card (known as the "red card"), which guarantees your temporary residence during the review
- The final decision is issued: asylum granted, subsidiary protection granted, or the application denied
| Stage | Legal Deadline |
|---|---|
| Filing the application after entering Spain | Maximum one month |
| Issuing the initial decision | Six months (in practice it usually takes longer) |
| Temporary work permit if no response | After six months from filing the application |
| Appeal against a denial | Two months from notification of the decision |
Your Rights During Case Review
- Temporary legal residence on Spanish soil until a final decision is issued
- Access to Spain's public healthcare system
- The possibility of housing in government reception centers for applicants without financial means
- The right to work after six months from filing the application
Information about your asylum case is confidential and must never be shared with Iranian representations in Spain. Spain's asylum authority is required to uphold this confidentiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is converting away from Islam sufficient grounds for asylum?
Apostasy can form the basis of an asylum application, but it must be accompanied by evidence and a precise account of the real danger the person would face upon returning to Iran. Each case is reviewed individually.
How long does it take for an asylum decision to be issued?
By law, the statutory deadline is six months, but in practice, due to the volume of cases, it often takes one to two years or longer.
Can I work while my case is under review?
Yes, a temporary work permit is issued six months after the application is filed, if a final decision has not yet been issued.
What happens if the asylum application is denied?
You can appeal to Spain's National Court (Audiencia Nacional) within two months. In some cases, it is also possible to apply for residency on humanitarian grounds.