Return Authorization (Autorización de Regreso)

Need to travel while your TIE card is being processed? The autorización de regreso lets you leave Spain and come back. It’s a single-use document valid for 90 days.

When You Need It

• Your TIE is being processed and you only have the resguardo
• Your residence renewal is pending
• You need to travel outside Spain or the Schengen area urgently
• Your visa has expired but your residence is approved

You probably don’t need it if you have a valid TIE card, or if you’re only traveling within Schengen (though some airlines still ask for it).

Where to Get It

Police station (Comisaría) with a foreigners unit. Same place you do TIE fingerprints. Find your nearest office →

Required Documents

• Passport (original plus copy)
• Resguardo from your TIE or renewal application
• Modelo 790-012 fee paid at a bank
• Proof of why you need to travel (flight booking, family emergency, work reason)
• Photo (passport size)

How to Book

1. Go to Cita Previa Extranjería (search Google for “cita previa extranjería”) (the site may be slow or temporarily unavailable. Keep trying)
2. Select your province
3. Choose “Policía. Autorización de regreso”
4. Enter your NIE number
5. Pick a date (often same-day or next-day available)
6. Print your confirmation

Good news: these appointments are usually easier to get than TIE appointments.

At the Appointment

Submit your documents and they issue it on the spot, usually within 30 minutes. It’s a paper document with your photo. Valid for 90 days, single use only.