We are in the middle of the holiday season and many foreign residents in Spain are planning trips to their home countries or to other international destinations. Every day we receive inquiries at the office from clients who wonder if they have to carry out any prior procedures before traveling to their destination country.
First of all, we must clarify that if you are the holder of a residence authorization and a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) in force, you do not have to carry out any procedure whatsoever since with the card itself and your passport you will be able to re-enter Spain without problems. On the other hand, if you are a resident and your green card is being renewed or extended, you need a authorization of return to ensure that you can re-enter the country without problems.
The authorization of return is a document that allows foreigners residing in Spain to leave the country and return while their residence card is being renewed or issued. This permit is vital to avoid inconveniences at the borders and to ensure that your stay abroad does not affect your legal status in Spain. This document is required for those residents whose residence permit or TIE is in the process of renewal or replacement and they are going to leave Spain to return later, for example, in those holiday periods when many residents take the opportunity to travel abroad.
Requirements to apply for an authorization of return
- Find yourself in one of the following assumptions:
* Be the holder of a residence or stay authorization and have initiated the renewal or extension procedures of the authorization that enables you to stay in Spain within the legal period.
* Be a current TIE holder and have submitted a request for a duplicate of the card due to theft, loss, destruction or disablement.
* Prove that the trip responds to a situation of need and there are exceptional reasons and have the initial residence or stay authorization resolved favorably and have the issuance of the foreigner’s identity card in process.
- Renewal application, that is, you must have started the application for renewal of your residence card before it has expired.
- Additional Documentation: It may be necessary to submit additional documentation proving the reason for the trip and the planned duration.
Application Process
- Documentation: You will need your passport, the receipt of the application for renewal of your residence authorization or residence card and other documents proving that you are in any of the cases that allow you to obtain the residence authorization, proof of payment of the administrative fee and the standardized authorization of return application form.
- Request an appointment in advance: You must request an appointment in advance at the immigration office or police station corresponding to your place of residence.
- Submit the application: On the day of your appointment, submit the application along with all the required documentation. Make sure to also bring a copy of all the documents.
- Receipt of the authorization of return and validity: If everything is in order, you will receive the authorization of return. The deadline for resolution and issuance of the authorization of return is usually immediate or within a few days, although it will depend on the demand and the season of the year in which you are.
The authorization will be valid for no more than 90 days from the expiration date of the residence or stay authorization or from the date the authorization is granted if the authorization is expired.
The authorization of return is a crucial document for foreign residents in Spain who plan to travel abroad during the process of renewing their residence card. By following the steps and complying with the requirements, you can make sure that your trip goes smoothly. If you need more information or assistance in the process, our office is here to help you. Contact us and we will advise you on everything you need.