Complete Guide to Spain’s Permiso or Autorización de Regreso (Return Authorization) in 2025

A Permiso de Regreso or Autorización de Regreso (Return Authorization) is a temporary document that allows non-EU residents awaiting their renewed or first-time Foreign Identity card (TIE) to exit and re-enter Spain legally. It's specifically useful during pending residency renewals or initial TIE card issuance when urgent international travel is required.

You need a Permiso de Regreso if:

• You're a non-EU resident awaiting renewal or replacement of your TIE.
• You have applied for initial residency, your application is approved or pending approval, and your TIE card has not yet been issued.
• You must leave Spain temporarily for exceptional or urgent personal reasons while your residency card issuance or renewal is pending.

You should apply if you have an urgent or exceptional need to travel abroad during:

• Residence permit in renewal process
• TIE renewal or replacement process
• Initial residency card issuance (for exceptional circumstances)

Schedule your appointment at least 2–4 weeks before traveling to avoid last-minute issues.

You'll need:

• Your valid passport (original + copy)
• Completed EX-13 form↗
• Proof of residency application (justificante) or renewal (resguardo)
• Your travel ticket or reservation
• Payment receipt for Tasa 790-012 (form here↗)

1. Schedule an appointment (Cita Previa) at your local Immigration Office - Extranjería↗.
2. Fill and submit Form EX-13↗.
3. Pay fee using form Tasa 790-012↗.
4. Attend your appointment with the required documents.
5. Collect your Permiso de Regreso (typically issued during the appointment).

One of the first steps is to fill Form EX-13↗.

1. On page 1, you need to fill in the applicant's and guardian information (in case applicable). Make sure to fill one form per applicant.
2. On page 2, you need to provide information related to your specific case (residency renewal in process, TIE card for initial residence in process of issuance etc.) and the reason for travel. Check out the below for more information:

You will need to fill the Form for Tasa 790-012↗.

1. Fill in your NIE number, your Name and Surname, your current Address and Phone number.
2. Then in section "Documentos de identidad y títulos y documentos de viaje a extranjeros indocumentados y otros documentos.", you will need to select ".Autorización de regreso.".
3. This will automatically reflect the correct fee in the form.
4. Then select your payment method for the Tax, for cash at your nearest bank, select "En efectivo", if you wish to pay through bank transfer, select "E.C. Adeudo en cuenta" and provide your Account's IBAN number.
5. You will need to print out the form and sign it and then take it to your nearest bank for payment.
6. You will need to submit the administration copy as proof of payment for your appointment.

You can book an appointment at your local Immigration Office - Extranjería or your local Police Station.↗. Follow the steps below:

The Permiso de Regreso is typically valid for 90 days and allows a single entry back to Spain. Note:

• It only authorizes your return directly to Spain.
• It does not grant travel privileges within other Schengen countries.

• Late application: Book your appointment early, at least 2–4 weeks before travel.
• Incomplete documentation: Verify all required documents carefully.
• Misunderstanding Schengen rules: This permit only allows entry into Spain, not travel across the Schengen area.