Return authorisation: requirements for travel while your TIE is being renewed

The return authorisation allows departure from and return to Spain in certain cases while the card is being renewed, extended or awaiting issuance. Before booking a trip, check whether your situation qualifies and which documents you need for re-entry.

When you can apply

It is available to holders whose authorisation is being renewed or extended and who prove that they started the procedure within the legal deadline. There are also cases involving lost or unusable cards and first issuance following approval, subject to specific conditions of necessity and exceptional circumstances.

Waiting for a first residence application without approval does not automatically qualify you. Identify the exact applicable case and provide its supporting documents.

Documents for return authorisation

• Form EX-13.
• Valid passport or travel document.
• Card and proof of renewal or extension, or documents for the applicable issuance or replacement case.
• Approval decision where required.
• Evidence of the trip and circumstances that must be justified.
• Relevant fee and instructions from the competent unit.

Check application, expiry and travel dates. Return authorisation does not remedy a renewal outside the legal conditions or extend residence on its own.

Validity and entry border

The authorisation has limited validity, up to ninety days, calculated according to the applicable case. Check the dates on the issued document rather than assuming that ninety days always run from any chosen date.

It is intended for entry through Spanish border crossings. If your flight has a connection and you enter the Schengen area in another country, check the route and documents: return authorisation cannot be treated as a universal entry permit for any European border.

Appointment and collection

Select the specific procedure at the competent unit in your province and check personal submission and collection requirements. Appointment times vary by office; booking does not mean you already have the document.

Carry your passport and the documents required for your destination, as well as re-entry documents. Airline, transit and destination requirements must be checked separately from the Spanish authorisation.

If you have given fingerprints or are waiting to collect the card

A fingerprint receipt is not automatically equivalent to a TIE valid for travel. Check your application stage and whether this document applies before leaving. If your card is valid, check whether return authorisation is actually needed or ordinary documents suffice.