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While you are in the process of renewing your residence permit in Spain, let’s learn what Regreso (Autorización de Regreso) is, one of the important documents you will encounter when you want to go abroad. I will try to explain in detail what the Regreso document is and how you can get it, which everyone who lives or plans to live in Barcelona must know.
What is Regreso?
One of the bureaucratic procedures that foreigners living in Spain often face is obtaining a Regreso document. This document is an official permission document that allows you to travel outside Spain and back again, especially when you are in the process of renewing your residence permit or if you lose your card. Especially for foreigners living in an international city like Barcelona, this document is a lifeline. Traveling without a regreso document can cause serious problems on your return to Spain.
Information contained in the Regreso document:
– Your name and surname
– Date and place of birth
– Nationality
– Your passport number
– Your NIE number
– Date and place of issuance of the residence permit (Barcelona)
– Expiration date of the regreso document
– Date and place of issuance of the regreso document
When Do I Need Regreso?
The Regreso is a special travel document that can only be used in certain circumstances. The most important feature of this document is that it gives you the freedom to travel while a process related to your residence permit is ongoing. For example, if you need to return to your country due to an emergency or if you are planning a business trip and you are in the process of renewing your residence permit, you will need to obtain a Regreso.
How to get a Regreso?
The process of obtaining a Regreso document in Barcelona is simpler and faster compared to other bureaucratic procedures. However, for this process to go smoothly, you need to follow some important steps.
The appointment process is carried out entirely online. When making an appointment through the official website, you may sometimes have to wait for weeks depending on the intensity of the system. Therefore, I recommend you to consider the appointment process when making your travel plans. I decided to go to Turkey at the beginning of the year but I needed Regreso because I was in the process of renewing my visa and it took me about 2 weeks to find an appointment.
How to get a Regreso Appointment?
You can easily make a Regreso appointment by following the steps below. It can be difficult to find an appointment during vacation periods, but other than that, I can say that it is usually a quick appointment.
1. Go to this webpage https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
2. First select your city from the list and continue by saying Aceptar.
3. From the page that opens, first select the office (Selecciona Oficina) where you would like to make an appointment.
4. Then select AUTORIZACION DE REGRESO under Selecciona Tramite and continue with Aceptar.
5. The page that opens contains the required documents, I will list them separately below. Continue by clicking on Presentacion sin Cl@ve at the bottom of the page, you can continue with Cl@ve if you have it.
6. On the page that opens, enter your Name and Surname in addition to your NIE or Passport information and continue by saying Aceptar.
7. On the page that opens, click on the Solicitar Cita button.
8. If you are lucky, you may see available appointments on the screen, make your selection and complete the appointment process, otherwise keep trying with different offices.
Required Documents for Regreso
Make sure you have the following documents with you when you go to your regreso appointment. In particular, it is not possible to get the document without the Ex-13 and TASA (Tasa modelo 790 Código 012).
1. Download the EX-13 form and fill it out completely. In step 4.1 you select the first item.
2. Fill in the TASA 790 012 form online. In addition to the general information, we select Autorización de regreso.
2.1. When you submit the TASA form it gives you a pdf, print it out. Pay the €10.72 tax using BBVA or other bank atm and make sure you get a receipt.
3. Proof that you have applied for renewal.
4. Your passport and current TIE card.
5. They didn’t ask me, but we know there are people who do, at least your outbound plane ticket if possible.
Regreso Validity Period
The regreso is valid for 90 days, during which time you must have completed your trip and returned to Spain. When planning your return date, it is useful to return at least a few days before the expiry date of the document, taking into account possible flight cancellations or delays.
Schengen Area and Travel Restrictions
The Regreso document is only valid for entry and exit in Spain, you cannot travel to other Schengen countries with this document. Therefore, you should take this restriction into consideration when planning your travel route. For example, if you choose a connecting flight from Turkey to Spain, you should make sure that your stopover point is within the borders of Spain.
Technically, it is fine to travel within the Schengen area, but other Schengen countries may not allow you to enter the country without a valid card.
The information I have shared in this guide is based on my own experience and information I have compiled from official sources. The regreso appointment and document process can be completed smoothly with the above information.
