If you’re in the middle of renewing or applying for your residence or stay permit in Spain—or if your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) has been lost or stolen—and you urgently need to travel outside the country, you’ve probably come across the term autorización de regreso (also known as reentry permit or simply regreso).
This is one of the most common questions we receive at ARC Legal in the weeks leading up to the summer holidays. Understandably, many clients need to leave Spain temporarily but are unsure how to do so safely and legally while their paperwork is still being processed.
In this article, we explain what the autorización de regreso is, who can apply for it, how the process works, and what you should keep in mind before making any travel plans.
⏺️ What is the regreso authorization?
The autorización de regreso is a document issued by the Spanish National Police that allows a foreigner to leave Spain and return without a visa, provided they either hold a valid residence/stay permit or have a pending renewal or initial approval. It’s an exceptional measure designed to prevent travel from negatively impacting your legal status while awaiting your TIE.
⏺️ Who can apply for the regreso authorization?
You may apply for the autorización de regreso if:
- You have applied to renew your residence or stay permit and the procedure is in progress.
- You hold a valid TIE and have filed for a duplicate due to loss, theft, damage, or destruction.
- You’ve submitted an initial application for a residence or stay permit that has already been approved, even if you have not yet received your TIE.
⏺️ When and where to apply for the regreso authorization
You can request the autorización de regreso after your application has been submitted (in the case of renewals) or once it has been approved (in the case of new permits). The application is made at the offices of the National Police in charge of foreign documentation. The steps usually include:
- Booking an appointment (which may take days or even weeks depending on your location).
- Attending the appointment in person with the required documentation.
⏺️ What documents do you need for the regreso authorization?
While requirements may vary by province, the following documents are generally requested:
- Valid passport: original and copy.
- TIE (if available): original and copy.
- Completed EX-13 form.
- Receipt of your application for renewal or approval.
- Proof of the reason for your travel (e.g., flight tickets, university letter, medical certificate), especially if the trip is due to extraordinary circumstances.
- Payment of the applicable government fee (form 790, code 052).
⏺️ How long is the regreso authorization valid?
Typically, the document is valid for 90 days, though it may be limited to a single trip or to specific travel dates—especially when the reason for travel is urgent or clearly defined.
It is essential to check the validity dates on your autorización de regreso and ensure you do not travel outside that period. Otherwise, you may face issues re-entering Spain.
⏺️ Can I travel anywhere with this document?
No. The autorización de regreso is not a visa. This means:
- It only allows you to exit and re-enter Spain directly.
- If you have layovers in countries outside the Schengen Area, transit authorities may require a visa, as the autorización de regreso has no international recognition.
It’s strongly advised to avoid flights with stopovers outside Schengen countries or to confirm travel conditions with the airline beforehand.
⏺️ What if I can’t get an appointment in time and need to travel urgently?
This is one of the main challenges. Appointments are limited, and demand is high in many police stations. At ARC Legal, we recommend:
- Carefully considering whether the trip is truly unavoidable, as leaving Spain without authorization may prevent your return or complicate your legal file.
- Booking your appointment as early as possible.
- If you’re unable to secure an appointment in time, certain provinces allow walk-in applications at specific police stations for urgent cases, provided the reason for travel is well documented and justified.
- Making sure your travel justification is clearly presented and supported with evidence.
⏺️ Need help applying for your autorización de regreso?
At ARC Legal, we specialize in immigration law and regularly handle renewals, initial applications, and return authorizations. If you need to travel and aren’t sure whether you can or how to obtain the necessary permit, reach out to us and we’ll guide you step by step.
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Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: Guía Autorización de Regreso 2025