If you’re a foreigner in Spain and your TIE is expired or in renewal limbo, traveling can feel like a legal thriller you didn’t sign up for. Enter: la Autorización de Regreso. This little piece of paper is what allows you to leave Spain and re-enter legally while your residency card is still being processed.
And here’s the best part, especially if you’re in Valencia: You can apply by email. Yes. By email. Thankfully.
No camping outside the extranjería office. No fighting for citas at 7:59 a.m. Just documents, an email, and patience.
What is an Autorización de Regreso?
It’s official authorization that allows you to:
- Leave Spain temporarily
- Re-enter Spain legally
- While your TIE renewal or initial issuance is still in process
This is especially important if:
- Your TIE has expired
- Your new card hasn’t been issued yet
- You need to travel outside the Schengen area
How Valencia Does It (The Easy Way)
In Valencia, the process is handled via email, which honestly feels like a small miracle.
Emails to Send To (and CC)
Send your email to and CC the following addresses:
- citaregresos.valencia@correo.gob.es
- citaextran.valencia@correo.gob.es
I recommend adding both to the “To” line or CC’ing one, just to be safe.
What Documents You Need
Attach PDFs of the following:
- EX-13 form (completed and signed)
- Proof of payment for Modelo 790, código 052
- Passport copy (ID page + visa page)
- Proof that your TIE renewal is in process
- Flight reservations (yes, they want dates)
- A short explanation of why you’re traveling
Make sure everything is clear, readable, and named properly. This is not the time for blurry photos titled “scan123.jpg.”
Email Template You Can Copy
Below is the exact structure I used. You’ll just replace the placeholders with your own information.
A la atención del Servicio de Extranjería de Valencia:
Mi nombre es [NOMBRE COMPLETO], NIE [NIE] y pasaporte [NÚMERO DE PASAPORTE]. Adjunto la documentación para solicitar la Autorización de Regreso mientras tramito la renovación/expedición de mi TIE, que se encuentra en trámite en la Oficina de Extranjería de Valencia.
Documentos adjuntos:
- Formulario EX-13 cumplimentado y firmado.
- Justificante de pago de la tasa Modelo 790 (código 052) debidamente sellado.
- Copia de mi pasaporte (páginas de identificación y visado).
- Justificante/resguardo de la solicitud de renovación de mi TIE (fecha de presentación: [FECHA]).
- Reserva de vuelo/billetes (salida: [FECHAS], regreso: [FECHAS]).
Motivo del viaje:
Viaje temporal fuera del espacio Schengen por motivos personales. Regreso previsto antes del inicio de mis obligaciones en España.
Solicito, por favor, la concesión de la Autorización de Regreso o, en su defecto, una cita urgente para poder efectuar el trámite antes de la fecha indicada.
Quedo a su disposición para aportar cualquier documento adicional y aportaré los originales si debo personarme en la oficina.
¿Sería posible recibir la Autorización de Regreso por correo electrónico? Aunque sigo empadronado/a en Valencia, tengo una próxima cita de padrón en otra ciudad, lo que dificultaría mi desplazamiento presencial.
Muchas gracias por su atención.
Atentamente,
[NOMBRE COMPLETO]
NIE: [NIE]
Teléfono: [TELÉFONO]
Correo: [EMAIL]
Timeline for Autorización de Regreso (VLC only)
I applied on November 28th in the afternoon, and shortly after submitting my request, I received an automatic confirmation email. The email basically says: “This message serves as confirmation of receipt. Please note that appointments are generally scheduled within 30 days of receiving this email. However, applications for Autorización de Regreso are prioritized and will be scheduled within a maximum of 7 days.”
I did receive an update on Wednesday, December 3rd, confirming that my Autorización de Regreso had been approved. That said, Valencia is very particular about in-person procedures and office hours. If you’re asked to go in person, you’ll need to show up strictly within the designated window of 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Outside of those hours, they won’t see you, no matter how prepared you are. It’s very much a “right place, right time” situation, so plan accordingly and arrive early.
Also, keep in mind that you should bring all the documents you previously submitted by email. They don’t always ask for everything, but it’s always better to have them just in case. That said, you will need to bring your completed and signed Formulario EX-13. They specifically asked me for that, along with my passport, to confirm my identity. Overall, it’s one of those situations where being overprepared will save you a lot of stress.
Applying for an Autorización de Regreso is one of those things that sounds terrifying until you actually do it. In Valencia, the fact that it’s handled over email makes it far less stressful than in other regions. Still bureaucratic? Yes. Manageable? Also yes.
Save this post, forward it to a friend, and may your TIE arrive before you even need the regreso.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
