Spain Visa for Missing Residence Permit
If you have lost your residence permit for your Spanish visa and need to re-enter the country, you will need to get a Spanish Re-Entry Visa. You will be able to continue your residence in Spain, but you need to know the steps involved in getting a Spanish visa for a missing resident card. This guide talks you through the requirements, the cost, and what you need to do.
At IAS, we offer services to help you with your visa needs – from helping you with the visa application process to advising you when you lose your resident card. Call us today at (+44) 333 4149244 to get advice from our immigration lawyers or use our contact form online
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Benefits of Choosing IAS‘ Spain Immigration Lawyers
When it comes to obtaining a Spain visa or permit, IAS Spain immigration lawyers are well-equipped to help you.
With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients visit or immigrate to Ireland successfully, we can help businesses and individuals achieve their goals.
Our dedicated immigration lawyers provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With IAS, you enjoy:
Expert support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success
Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.
Confidence that your case is being handled by an experienced team.
In-house document checks done by lawyers who are accredited by the IBA in Madrid and Seville.
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Why you need a Spain Re-Entry Visa?
Your resident card is integral to establishing your legal residence in Spain. Should you lose it, you will need to get another by completing an application for the Spanish visa for missing resident cards.
If you’re living in Spain, and have lost your resident card, read on for information regarding how you can apply for a Re-Entry Visa, the processing times, and what you need to prepare for your application.
What Is the Spain Visa for Missing Resident Card?
The Spanish visa for missing resident cards helps those who lose their resident cards while outside Spain. It covers those who lose their cards for the following reasons:
- The card was stolen.
- The card was lost.
- The card expired during their trip.
Losing your resident card outside of Spain could inhibit your re-entry to the country. The Re-Entry Visa acts as a placeholder visa, allowing you to re-enter Spain while you wait for your new resident card.
The Re-Entry Visa is not suited to those who lose their visa in Spain, who may need to leave and re-enter the country while they wait for a new resident card. If this is the case, you should opt for the authorization to leave and return to Spain or the “Autorización de Regreso”.
Spain Re-Entry Visa: Key Facts
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Visa name | Spain Re-Entry Visa / Visa for Missing Residence Permit Card |
| Purpose | To allow legal residents of Spain who are outside Spain and whose residence permit is lost/stolen/expired during travel – to re-enter Spain. |
| Eligibility – Who can apply | Non-EU nationals or EU nationals holding a Spanish residence permit card, who find themselves abroad without their valid card due to loss, theft or expiry during travel. |
| Not suitable for | Persons already inside Spain whose card is lost; or a general short-stay tourist visa scenario. |
| Duration / validity | Allows entry into Spain; once re-entered applicant must apply for replacement residence card. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
What Should You Do If You Lose Your Resident Card?
If you lose your resident card outside of Spain, you must apply for a Re-Entry Visa to get back into the country. Once you’re back in Spain, you can apply for a visa renewal or replacement resident card.
To get a Re-Entry Visa, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- A completed Schengen Visa application form, including your email address and mobile number. You should provide both a copy and an original.
- A passport– must be valid for at least 4 months. You must provide a copy of the passport’s biometric data pages, and the passport should not have fewer than 2 blank pages.
- Two passport-sized photographs (34mm x 45mm) with a clear view of your face in front of a plain white background.
- A medical certificate -You must provide a medical examination certificate legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You should provide a translated copy of this document.
- A police clearance certificate that has been legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- A police report regarding the stolen or lost visa.
- A copy of your resident card.
- A copy of your passport’s departure and arrival seal pages from your trip outside Spain.
- Your departing flight information evidences your departure from Spain.
- Your planned flight information evidences your planned re-entry into Spain.
- Evidence of your travel insurance coverage.
- Any supporting documents proving your residency in Spain.
To submit your application for the Spanish Re-Entry Visa, you must contact the Spanish embassy in the country you are visiting. They will provide the details necessary to access the Re-Entry Visa application documents and book an appointment to deliver your application.
Document checklist & application steps
| Document | Specific requirement |
|---|---|
| Visa application form (Schengen/entry visa form) | Fully completed, signed, include email and mobile number. |
| Valid passport | Passport must have at least 2 blank pages; validity for minimum period |
| Copy of biometric data pages of passport & previous visas/stamps | Ensure you provide pages showing relevant stamps and visas. |
| Documents justifying legal residence in Spain | Copy of residence permit card (if available), or authorization to return certificate etc. |
| Evidence of when you left Spain / travel out & planned re-entry flight info | Provide departure/arrival seal pages, flight information for re-entry. |
| Police report (in case of loss/theft) | Must report loss/theft to local police authorities. |
| Letter explaining the whole situation | Written, signed by applicant, with contact info. |
| (Additional documents sometimes required) Medical certificate; police clearance certificate; travel/health insurance; supporting documents proving residency in Spain | Some consulates may ask for these additional items. |
How Much Will the Spain Visa for Missing Resident Card Cost?
The missing resident card visa will vary in cost depending on whether you are an adult or a child. Below, you will find all of the information you need regarding the Re-Entry Visa cost:
- Adult Re-Entry Visa fee – £66
- Child (6-12) Re-Entry Visa fee – £33
- Child (0-6) Re-Entry Visa fee – FREE
There are some additional costs to consider when applying for a missing resident card visa, including:
- Visa collection fee – £1.90
- Passport photographs
- Photocopying charges
- Courier charges
- Filing fees- £5.70
What Is the Processing Time For the Spain Visa for Missing Resident Card?
The processing time for the Spain visa for missing resident cards will differ depending on the country you are applying to. Some consulates and embassies take longer to process visa applications than others.
However, you can generally expect the Spanish embassy or consulate to process your visa application in around 15 calendar days from the date you submitted the request.
You will receive either an approval or a denial of the application. If your application is approved, you can collect your visa from the Spanish consulate or embassy and plan your re-entry into Spain.
In some cases, the consulate may request further information. In these cases, your visa application may take longer to process.
Can You Enter Spain Without Your Residence Permit?
You may be able to enter Spain as a tourist without a residence card, but you will need to meet the requirements to be eligible.
Here are the requirements you must meet to enter Spain without a visa:
- You must be from a country within the Schengen area.
- You must have a valid passport with biometric data pages. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months.
- You must confirm your accommodation. To do this, you can provide details of your reservation, booking, or rental agreement. Or, if you are planning to stay in Spain at your friend’s or family member’s home, you must provide a letter of invitation, written and signed by the person you’re staying with.
- You must provide evidence of your travel health insurance. The insurance should cover emergency care and possible health issues you could encounter during your stay in Spain.
- You should provide evidence of your finances, showing that you have at least €95 per day of your visit to Spain. You can do this with cash or show your credit or debit card balance.
- You may be subject to an interrogation, where the Spanish immigration authorities will question you about the nature of your visit. If they cannot determine the cause of your visit or find your circumstances suspicious, they may decline entry.
- You must complete the European Travel and Information Authorization System (ETIAS) form. You can fill in this form online using your email address and passport information. The ETIAS form provides a series of questions that you must answer regarding your stay in Spain.
If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to acquire a visa to enter Spain – you should learn about the Spain Schengen Tourist Visa.
Entering Spain Without Residence Permit (Alternative)
| Situation | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|
| Enter Spain with residence permit lost (use Re-Entry Visa) | See above sections. |
| Enter Spain as tourist without residence permit | • You must be from a Schengen visa-exempt country. • Valid passport with biometric pages, valid at least 3 months beyond stay. • Confirm accommodation (booking, rental agreement, or letter of invitation) • Evidence of travel health insurance. |
| Limitations of tourist entry | Stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period if visa-free. You will not regain your residence status via this route. |
How can IAS help with a Re-Entry Visa?
If you lose your residence card, it could be a stressful experience. To know your options and what to do to re-enter Spain, you can reach out to our team of experienced immigration lawyers here at IAS.
Our team can advise you on the process and help you to prepare your evidence and application for the Spanish visa for missing residence cards. We can also provide a written letter of referral accompanying your application, increasing the likelihood of success.
We are familiar with the Spanish immigration process and can assist in your application for a new residence card to ensure your stay in Spain is legal.
Contact our friendly team online today or at (+44) 333 4149244 to receive advice on the Re-Entry Visa application process.
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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you lose your residence card, you need to have a duplicate of your NIE number to apply for a new one. To get a copy of your NIE number, you must report your residence card stolen to the police or request a duplicate with your nearest immigration office. Once you have a duplicate of your NIE number, you can apply for a new residence card.
A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows tourists to stay in countries within the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per visit. The Schengen area contains over 27 countries, and the Schengen Visa is valid for 180 days.
If your family member, who has traveled to Spain with you as an extension of your visa, loses their residency card, they will need to take the same steps as you to get a new one and a Re-Entry Visa. If your family member is in Spain when they lose their card, they will need Autorización de Regreso to leave the country and return without their residence card.
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