An autorización de regreso, or a return authorization, allows you to leave Spain, or the entire Schengen Area and be allowed back in Spain again. This is to make sure that when you return back to a Spanish port of entry, they would know that your documents have been submitted and your application is in process. Without a regreso, most likely, you will not be allowed back in Spain and you will need to apply for a visa again.

It is important to know that you can enter the Schengen Area only through a Spanish port of entry.

Simply put, the Autorización de Regreso (Permission to Return) or “Regreso”, is a white paper that gives the holder permission to leave and ultimately return to Spain without a valid Visa or valid TIE (residence card).

If you have submitted your documents and they are in process, and you need to leave Spain for any reason, then you need a Regreso.

The official website of the Spanish Immigration Office states that you can get a regreso only if you match any of these conditions:

• If you hold a residency card (like the TIE), or any official document that proves that you are legally allowed to stay in Spain
• If you have begun the process of renewing or extending your stay in Spain (you will need a document called justificante)
• If you have lost a valid TIE but you have officially reported it to the office and received a proof of theft, loss or destruction
• If you can prove that you need to leave Spain for an exceptional reason and that the status of your residency extention/renewal is favorable