Guide: return authorisation
Permit being processed? This document allows you to travel abroad with complete peace of mind.
5 mins
Often, in immigration matters, this term is mentioned and, frequently, we do not even know what the term refers to. In this blog, we are going to explain what it is, who can apply for it, how to apply, what documentation must be provided, among other things. Let's get to it!
🤔 What is it?
The return authorisation (autorización de regreso) is a document that allows foreigners to leave Spain and re-enter legally when their Foreigner's Identity Card (TIE) has expired, is in the process of renewal, or has been lost.
👀 When can you apply for it?
There are certain circumstances under which a return authorisation can be requested;
When you have a favourable resolution of your residence/stay permit and you do not have your TIE yet, but you have completed the fingerprinting process.
When you have an expired TIE, and you are in the process of renewal or extension, having applied within the legal period (2 months before and 3 months after its expiry).
When you do not have the TIE due to theft, loss, destruction or damage of your physical card and you have applied for a duplicate.
Certain exceptional cases where there is a favourable resolution of an initial authorisation and there are urgent reasons of necessity.
🗓️ How long is it valid for?
The return authorisation has a maximum validity of 90 days. Bear in mind, the start of this period depends on your case:
As a general rule, it counts from the date it is issued.
If you are in the process of renewal or extension, and you request the authorisation before your current TIE expires, the 90 days will start counting from the expiry date of your card.
💻 Where do I book the appointment?
The appointment is requested through the Electronic Office of Public Administrations, in the section "Procedimientos" > "Extranjería" > "Cita Previa Extranjería". You can access the system using Cl@ve (or a digital certificate) or proceed without Cl@ve.
💡 Traam Tip: If there are no appointments available, we recommend that you go to the Police Station where they handle this procedure in your municipality or province, and ask the officer which day and at what time of the week appointments are released. Then, connect five minutes before that time and get your appointment before they run out. Remember that buying and selling appointments is illegal.
🛑 What are the restrictions?
It is very important to take into account the limitations of this document before planning your trip:
Only for Spain: This authorisation only serves to travel directly to and from Spain, so if you plan to travel, your exit and entry must be done directly through a Spanish border point.
Careful with the Schengen Area: It does not allow you to travel as a tourist to other countries in the Schengen Area, nor to make layovers in them during your return flight. If you do, you could have border problems as you do not have your valid physical TIE.
Personal use: It is a strictly personal and non-transferable document.
📑 What must be provided in each case?
In all cases, the fee to be paid is fee rate form 790 code 012 (ticking the box “autorización de regreso”) and the amount is €10.72.
The general documents are as follows:
Form EX-13, completed (original and copy).
Completed Form 790 Code 012 under the heading “autorización de regreso”, along with proof of payment.
Full passport (or valid travel document).
Initial TIE
You have a favourable resolution, you have completed the fingerprinting process, but you still do not have the physical card.
Favourable resolution of the initial application for a residence permit or student stay permit.
Proof of being in the process of issuing the TIE (fingerprint receipt).
Proof of travel: Documentation certifying that the travel is due to an urgent need and exceptional circumstances apply.
TIE Renewal or Extension
You have an expired TIE but are in the process of renewal or extension.
Resolution granting the residence permit or student stay permit (initial).
Receipt of the application for renewal of the residence permit or student stay permit (renewal).
Previous TIE card (if you have it).
Theft, Loss or Damage
You do not have the physical TIE due to theft, loss, destruction or damage.
Full passport (or valid travel document).
Original and copy of the police report (in case of theft) or a written statement explaining what happened (in case of loss/damage).
Receipt of the application for a duplicate TIE.
Proof of travel: Documentation certifying that the travel is due to a situation of necessity.
🎯 Examples
Initial TIE process; family urgency
María has just arrived from Colombia on a work visa. She already has her favourable resolution and went to the police station to register her fingerprints, but she has been told that her physical card will take 40 days. Suddenly, she receives news that her mother is seriously ill and she needs to travel to Bogotá urgently.
What should María do?
María can apply for a return authorisation. As it is her first card, she will have to provide a medical certificate from her country to prove that she is travelling due to an "urgent situation and exceptional circumstances".
TIE Renewal; holidays
Ahmed is from Morocco and has been living in Spain for 3 years. His TIE has expired, but he has already submitted the renewal application online and has his receipt. In August, he wants to go on holiday to Marrakech for two weeks to see his friends.
What should Ahmed do?
Ahmed can apply for a return authorisation by presenting his renewal receipt and his passport. As he already has consolidated residence (he is renewing), he does not need to justify why he is travelling or provide reasons of urgency. He only needs to make sure that his flight is direct to Morocco, without making a layover in another Schengen Area country (such as France).
Theft of the TIE; business trip
Li, of Chinese nationality, has had his wallet stolen on the tube with his TIE inside. He has gone to the police to report the theft and has already applied for a duplicate card. The problem is that next week he has to travel to Beijing to attend a conference for his company.
What should Li do?
Li must apply for a return authorisation providing the police report of the theft, the receipt of the duplicate application and, very importantly, a certificate from his company or the invitation to the conference to justify the "urgent situation" of his trip.
🚋 An important note from Traam
We want to be completely transparent with you; at Traam we do not manage applications for return authorisations.
As it is a strictly personal and non-transferable process that requires going physically to the National Police station, it is a procedure that you must carry out on your own by following the steps we have detailed in this article. Our goal today was to give you all the information clearly and free of charge so that you can do it without any problems.
However, we can help you with the procedures we currently have in our portfolio. In any case, if you have a need that is not covered, you can write to us using the "Contact Us" button on the website and we will look into the possibility of offering the service you require.