A few days ago, I successfully applied for and received the “Autorización de regreso” in Madrid, Spain- my fourth one. This document is required for anyone who wants to leave and return to Spain but is in the process of renewing their VISA/ TIE/residency. This document allows you to travel and return to Spain and is valid for 90 days. While these appointments used to cause me lots of stress, I learned some tricks that have made the experience a bit more smooth!

3 Tips when applying for Autorización de regreso:

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Tip #1: Make an appointment online as soon as possible. Depending on the time of year, it can be difficult to get an appointment right away so it helps to start looking for appointments early. *While some offices will give you the regreso immediately, some offices can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to return.*

https://icp.administracionelectronica.gob.es/icpplustiem/index.html

1. PROVINCIAS DISPONIBLES: Select Madrid, Click Aceptar
2. Oficina: Select Cualquier oficina
   Trámites Cuerpo nacional de policía: select Policía- autorización de regreso
   Click Aceptar
3. Fill out the information and click Aceptar

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4. Click Solicitar Cita

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5. Choose any of the available offices and then click Siguiente. 

*I have always had my appointments at CNP AVDA POBLADOS, Avda. de los Poblados, S/N and have been given the regreso immediately.

**2022 update: I had my apointment at CNP Comisaria de Parla this year at 11:10. I waited in the waiting room until 11:40 and gave all my documents and was told to return at 13:00 to pick up the Regreso with the signature.

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6. Then fill in your telephone number, email and click Siguiente.

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7. Search for a date that works for you and click Aceptar.

They will email you an appointment confirmation but it can take a few hours to receive.  I recommend printing/saving/screenshotting the confirmation in case you don’t receive the email.

It is also possible that you will receive this message:

• If so, repeat this process and choose another office in step 5.
• If you still get this message, I suggest checking back every morning as that is when the appointments are usually updated.
  • There are also Whatsapp groups where members can post updates on available appointments. (I found my appointment this year from a WhatsApp group. Because I had my paperwork already completed, I was able to jump online and book the appointment for the next day.)
• In case of “emergency situations” there are offices where they offer walk-in appointments, but you have to return to pick up your regreso which can take a few days to a week)

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***PRO TIP***: If you booked an appointment but would still like to search for other appointments you must use a different form of identification. For example, if you booked the appointment with your NIE number, you can still search for appointments using your passport, or vice versa.

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Tip #2: Prepare all necessary documents ahead of time.

1. EX-13 Original and Copy
   • https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/ficheros/Modelos_solicitudes/mod_solicitudes2/13-Formulario_autoriz_de_regreso.pdf
     • Example on how to fill this form out (click to enlarge)
       
2. Printed appointment confirmation
3. Original AND copy of passport
4. Original AND copy of TIE 
5. Original AND copy of the stamped EX-00 renewal paperwork/ EX-00 receipt OR Original AND Copy of the resguardo document given after your fingerprint appointment. 
6. Copy of your flight itinerary or tickets. 
7. Paid Modelo 790 Código 012
   • https://sede.policia.gob.es:38089/Tasa790_012/ImpresoRellenar
   • IDENTIFICACIÓN: Fill out your personal details
   • AUTOLIQUIDACIÓN: Check Principal
   • Tramitación de autorizaciones para la prórroga de la estancia en España: Check Autorización de regreso.
   • Under INGRESO, it should show 10,72€
   • Click Descargar impreso rellenado.
   • The document will have 3 pages with writing on the bottom write corner.
     1. Ejemplar para el interesado: You will keep this sheet for your records
     2. Ejemplar para la Administración: This is the document you will submit
     3. Ejemplar para la Entidad Colaboradora: The bank will keep this when you pay the taza

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Tip #3: Be super mega polite to officers and follow the posted instructions or rules.

• Remember: you are going into a police station and you will go through security with a metal detector/ they will scan your bag. Don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want to have in front of the police.
• Avoid looking at your phone during the appointment. Phones are not allowed but it’s easy to forget that while waiting in line. *I was told to get off my phone after I was caught looking at it while the person assisting me was speaking with a colleague for a super extended period of time and I forgot the rule.
• When you find the correct line always be sure to ask who the last person in line is so you’re not cutting the queue.
• Have patience and be prepared to wait.
  • It’s possible you will be waiting outside before going through security.
  • I recommend bringing an umbrella if it will rain or if it is a super hot sunny day. (Summers in Madrid can get scorching hot)

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The regreso is one piece of the puzzle we must put together to travel and is especially important now that the world is opening up again. I hope these tips help with a smooth experience. Good luck!

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