Guide to Spain’s Return Authorisation: How It Works in 2025

Living in Spain as an expat or foreign resident often means dealing with a fair amount of bureaucracy. One of the most misunderstood processes is the Autorización de Regreso, also known as the Return Authorisation. This document allows you to leave Spain temporarily and come back legally while your residency paperwork is still being processed. Whether your TIE card has expired, is being renewed, or you’re waiting for your first one to be issued, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in 2025.

What is the Autorización de Regreso?

The Return Authorisation is a short-term permit issued by Spain’s National Police (Policía Nacional) that allows foreign residents to re-enter Spain after travelling abroad while their residence permit or TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is under renewal or processing. It serves as temporary proof that your legal residence is still valid, even if your physical card or visa is not yet ready.

Think of it as a bridge between your old and new residence documents — a reassurance to border officials that your rights in Spain remain active during the bureaucratic transition period. It’s especially crucial if you’ve already booked travel or have urgent reasons to leave the country before your new TIE is issued.

Who needs a Return Authorisation?

The authorisation applies to non-EU nationals (third-country citizens) who hold or are applying for residency in Spain. You should request it if:

• Your residence card (TIE) has expired but your renewal application is already in progress.
  
  
• You’ve applied for your first residence card after arriving with a visa (e.g., a student, digital nomad, NLV or family reunification visa).
  
  
• Your TIE has been lost, stolen or damaged and you are waiting for a duplicate to be issued.
  
  
• You are changing your residency type — for example, from a student to a work permit or from a temporary to long-term card — and the new card is being processed.

EU citizens holding a certificate of registration (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) generally do not need this document, but their non-EU family members do if they are subject to residency card renewals.

When is it not required?

If your TIE is still valid and you have not yet started the renewal process, you can travel freely within the validity dates printed on your card. You also don’t need the authorisation if you are travelling within Spain or the Canary/Balearic islands. However, the moment you leave Spanish territory and your TIE is expired or under renewal, the Autorización de Regreso becomes essential.

Why it matters

Without it, you may face serious issues when returning to Spain — even being refused boarding at your departure airport. Airlines must verify passengers’ immigration documents before allowing travel, and an expired card without supporting paperwork can lead to denied boarding. In the worst case, you could be refused re-entry at the Spanish border, forcing you to apply for a re-entry visa at a consulate abroad.

Where to apply

Applications are made in person at your local Comisaría de Policía or immigration police station authorised to handle foreigners’ documentation. Each province has one or more designated offices. You can locate yours and book an appointment online through Spain’s official immigration portal:

https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icpplus/index.html

Once on the page, choose your province, then select the procedure “Policía – Autorizaciones de Regreso.” Appointments can fill quickly, especially before holidays, so it’s advisable to book at least two to three weeks in advance of travel.

Documents you’ll need in 2025

The documentation can vary slightly by province, but in most cases you’ll need the following:

• EX-13 application form, completed and signed.
  
  
• Your passport (original and photocopy of the identity page).
  
  
• Your TIE card (if you still have it) or a photocopy if it has been lost or stolen.
  
  
• Proof that you have submitted your TIE renewal or initial application (the official resguardo or submission receipt from extranjería).
  
  
• Proof of fee payment: Modelo 790 Código 052, selecting box 2.3 “Autorización de Regreso.”
  
  
• Recent passport-sized photos (usually one or two).
  
  
• If applicable, a police report (denuncia) for lost or stolen cards.
  
  
• Flight tickets or travel proof showing your intended departure date (some offices ask for this).

Application fee

The government fee is minimal — around €10–€12 in 2025 — and must be paid before your appointment. You can generate the Modelo 790 052 online, print it, and pay at most Spanish banks or via online banking using your NIE number.

Processing time

In smaller provinces, the authorisation is often issued immediately during your appointment. In larger cities such as Madrid, Valencia or Barcelona, collection might take a few days, and you’ll be notified when it’s ready. Always allow at least one week before your planned travel date in case of delays or missing documents.

Validity period

As of 2025, the Autorización de Regreso is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and permits a single round trip — one exit and one re-entry. Once you return to Spain or the 90-day period expires, the document becomes invalid. It cannot be renewed or extended; you’ll need to reapply if another trip is necessary while your new card is still pending.

Travelling within the Schengen Area

Many expats mistakenly believe that the authorisation allows unrestricted movement across the EU. In reality, it only guarantees re-entry to Spain. Some Schengen countries may accept it for airport transit, but others may not. To avoid complications, always fly directly to Spain rather than transiting through other Schengen airports. If a direct flight isn’t possible, check with your airline in advance to ensure they will accept the document for boarding.

Travelling outside the EU

If you travel to a non-EU country such as the UK, the US or Morocco, you can leave Spain freely, but you must present both your passport and the Return Authorisation upon re-entry. Keep printed and digital copies in case border agents request additional verification.

What if your authorisation expires abroad?

If your 90-day period expires while you are outside Spain, you cannot use the same document to re-enter. You’ll need to contact your nearest Spanish consulate and apply for a re-entry visa or a new authorisation. Consulates generally request proof of your pending TIE renewal and your registration details in Spain before issuing emergency re-entry documentation. Re-entry without a valid authorisation is not permitted and could jeopardise your residency status.

Special circumstances and urgent travel

In rare cases, police stations may grant “urgent” appointments for serious reasons such as family emergencies or medical travel. You must provide supporting evidence such as flight bookings or medical certificates. However, urgent slots are not guaranteed, so it’s always safer to plan well in advance.

For lost or stolen TIE cards

If your residence card is lost or stolen, file a denuncia immediately at your nearest police station. Bring this document along with your passport and proof of residence when applying for the Return Authorisation. This protects you from being treated as an undocumented traveller if you are stopped by authorities while abroad.

How the authorisation looks

The Autorización de Regreso is usually printed on A4 paper with your name, NIE, passport number, issue date, and validity period. It carries an official stamp and signature from the issuing police authority. It must be presented with your passport at departure and again upon re-entry into Spain. Many travellers also attach a photocopy to their flight boarding documents to speed up checks at airport gates.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Forgetting to book the appointment under the correct category (“Policía – Autorizaciones de Regreso”).
  
  
• Arriving at the appointment without proof of your renewal submission (resguardo).
  
  
• Paying the wrong Modelo 790 fee code or leaving it unsigned.
  
  
• Assuming the document allows multiple trips — it only covers one.
  
  
• Travelling via another Schengen country that does not recognise the document.

Tips for a smooth application

• Apply as soon as your renewal receipt is available — don’t wait until the week before travel.
  
  
• Keep scanned copies of all forms and receipts on your phone.
  
  
• Carry both the physical and digital copies when travelling.
  
  
• Check holiday periods — many police stations close or reduce appointments during August and Christmas.
  
  
• When in doubt, email your local Extranjería office before booking flights.

Real-world examples

Example 1: A British non-lucrative visa holder renews her residency in Malaga and books a flight home to the UK for Christmas. Her TIE has expired, and the renewal receipt is not enough for re-entry. She applies for the Return Authorisation two weeks before departure, receives it within three days, and uses it to return to Spain in January without issue.

Example 2: An American student studying in Madrid loses his residence card in October. After filing a police report, he applies for a duplicate TIE. He then obtains a Return Authorisation to visit home for Thanksgiving. The document allows him to return to Spain even though his new card isn’t printed yet.

After returning to Spain

Once you’re back in Spain, continue with your TIE renewal as normal. You don’t need to notify the police that you’ve used the authorisation — the document simply expires automatically when you re-enter or when its validity period ends.

Official references and resources

Official guidance can be found on the website of Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration:

Autorización de Regreso – Ministerio de Inclusión

Travelling abroad while waiting on your residency card? Make sure your health insurance meets visa and residency requirements.

When applying for or renewing your visa or residence permit, you must hold valid, visa-compliant medical insurance. HealthPlan Spain offers Sanitas No Copayment Health Insurance — fully accepted by Spanish consulates and immigration offices, with complete hospital, specialist and emergency care across Spain.

Sources
Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones – Autorización de Regreso
Policía Nacional – Cita Previa Extranjería
Spanish Consulates and Embassies 2025 Guidance
GOV.UK – Living in Spain: Residency and Travel Information