Getting back into Spain after losing your residence card (TIE) abroad

Key rules

• Who can use it: The return visa is for non-EU residents with a valid permit who are outside Spain without their card.
• Police report: Get a police report where the loss happened, because the consulate needs it.
• Visa is temporary: The visa only lets you re-enter, so you still have to apply for a duplicate TIE in Spain.
• Fees and timing: The visa fee and processing time vary by consulate, so confirm them before you book travel.

Consulate requirements, fees and processing times vary, so confirm them with your consulate and check the current TIE duplicate fee and form with the Policía Nacional.

Can you get a return visa?

Yes, if your residence permit is still valid, you are not an EU citizen, and you are outside Spain. A Spanish consulate can issue a return visa (visado de regreso) that lets you travel back to Spain without your card. If your permit has expired or lapsed, this visa is not the route. Ask the consulate what applies to you.

Steps abroad

1. Report the loss or theft to the local police where it happened. Keep the report. You need it for the visa.
2. Find the Spanish consulate that handles your case and book an appointment, or follow the application method it uses. Consulates differ in how they take applications.
3. Submit your application with the documents listed below, and pay the visa fee.
4. Wait while the consulate checks your permit with the Spanish authorities in Spain.
5. Collect the visa in your passport and travel to Spain within the visa's validity.

Documents

You will usually need the national visa application form, your passport, recent passport-style photos, the police report, proof of your permit (a copy of your TIE or the grant resolution) and proof you paid the fee. Some consulates also ask for proof of the date and place of the loss, and of your ties to Spain, such as your empadronamiento or an employment contract. Ask your consulate for its exact list before you go. The documents block below has the full list.

Cost and timing

The fee is a modest consular fee. It varies by consulate and currency. Processing usually takes from a few days to a few weeks, because the consulate must check your permit in Spain. Do not book a non-refundable flight until you have the visa.

After you return to Spain

The visa only gets you in. You still need a replacement card, so do this soon after you arrive.

1. Report the loss to the police in Spain if you have not already done so.
2. Book a cita previa at the Policía Nacional TIE office or the Oficina de Extranjería.
3. Fill in form EX-17 and pay the fee with form modelo 790 código 012 at a bank. The fee changes yearly, so check the current amount.
4. Bring your passport, photos, the police report, a copy of your old TIE if you have one, and the fee receipt.
5. Give your fingerprints at the appointment. The new card is usually ready about 1 to 4 weeks later, depending on the province.

Request the duplicate as soon as you can. The one-month deadline mainly applies to a first card and renewals.

Timeline and deadlines

• Report the loss or theft to the local police and get the report: as soon as you notice the loss

• Apply at the Spanish consulate and pay the visa fee: right after you have your documents

• Wait while the consulate checks your permit with the Spanish authorities: from a few days to a few weeks

• Collect the visa in your passport and travel to Spain: within the visa's validity

• Book a cita previa and apply for the duplicate TIE: as soon as possible after you return

• Give your fingerprints and collect the new card: about 1 to 4 weeks after your appointment

Documents you need

• Completed national visa application form, from the Spanish consulate that handles your case.

• Valid passport.

• Recent passport-style photos.

• Police report of the loss or theft, issued by the local police where it happened.

• Proof of your Spanish residence permit: a copy of your TIE or the grant resolution.

• Proof that you paid the visa fee.

• Proof of the date and place of the loss, and of your ties to Spain, such as your empadronamiento (town hall registration) or an employment contract. Some consulates ask for these.

Checklist

• Report the loss or theft to the local police and keep the report.

• Find the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction and book an appointment.

• Gather the application form, passport, photos, police report, proof of your permit and fee payment.

• Pay the visa fee and submit your application.

• Pay the fee with form modelo 790 código 012 at a bank and keep the receipt.

• Bring form EX-17, your passport, photos, police report, a copy of your old TIE if you have one, and the fee receipt to the appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a return visa if my residence permit has expired?

No, a return visa is only for people whose residence permit is still valid and whose card was lost or stolen abroad. If your permit has expired or lapsed, ask the consulate what other route applies to you. EU citizens do not use this visa.

How long does a return visa take to be issued?

A return visa usually takes from a few days to a few weeks. The consulate has to check your permit with the Spanish authorities in Spain first. Ask the consulate for its current timing before you book a flight.

What does the consulate need to check beyond my documents?

Some consulates also ask for proof of the date and place of the loss, and for ties to Spain. An empadronamiento (your town hall registration) or an employment contract can show those ties. Ask the consulate if it wants them.

Do I need to report the loss again after I return to Spain?

You only need to report it again if you did not already file a police report (denuncia). Once back, book a cita previa (appointment) to apply for a duplicate card. Do this as soon as possible.