FBI background check for Spain
Americans applying for a Spanish visa or residence need an FBI background check with a federal apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish. We handle the whole chain from Spain: fingerprints, FBI-approved channeler, apostille and translation.
Who needs it
- Non-lucrative, digital nomad and student visa applicants.
- Work and residence permits, and family members of residents.
- US citizens applying for Spanish nationality.
- Anyone who will work with children in Spain.
How it works
- 1. Fingerprints: we take and scan your fingerprints and send them electronically. Paper fingerprint cards are needed only in exceptional cases.
- 2. FBI-approved channeler: we submit your request through a channeler, so results come back in days rather than the weeks a direct request to the FBI can take.
- 3. Federal apostille: FBI checks are apostilled by the US Department of State in Washington, DC, not by a state. We arrange it with our US apostille partner. This is usually the longest step; we tell you the current timeframe when you order.
- 4. Sworn translation into Spanish by a translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered as an e-signed PDF or on paper.
Plan around your appointment
Consulates and immigration offices usually only accept a recent certificate, often issued within the last three to six months; check what yours asks for. We plan each step backwards from your appointment date, so the certificate is neither late nor out of date.
Already have your FBI check?
We can arrange only the apostille, only the translation, or both. Send it to us and we will tell you what is missing.
How much does it cost?
Price per language for a one-page document (for example, a certificate with its apostille), translated into or from Spanish, VAT not included:
| Language | One page, from | Per word |
|---|---|---|
| English | €25 | €0.10 |
| French | €25 | €0.10 |
| German | €60 | €0.10 |
| Italian | €70 | €0.10 |
| Portuguese | €70 | €0.10 |
| Romanian | €60 | €0.13 |
| Arabic | €60 | €0.13 |
| Russian | €90 | €0.13 |
Longer documents are priced per word: €0.10 for the most common languages (English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese), €0.13 for most others (Romanian, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Polish…) and €0.18 for languages with few sworn translators, always subject to the minimum shown in the table. For example, a 750-word document from English into Spanish costs €75 + VAT.
Fingerprinting, channeler and apostille fees depend on the country and the service. We quote them together with the translation, so you see one total price before you order.
Guide prices excluding VAT. The final price is the one in your quote, which you can calculate instantly. All rates →
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my FBI fingerprints taken in Spain?
Yes. That is exactly what we do, so you do not need to travel to the US. Contact us to arrange your appointment.
Is a state police check enough?
Normally not. Spanish consulates ask for the federal FBI check, which covers the whole country.
Who apostilles an FBI check?
Only the US Department of State can apostille an FBI check, because it is a federal document. A state apostille is not valid for it.
How long does the whole process take?
The fingerprints and channeler results take days; the federal apostille takes longer and varies through the year; the translation takes one or two working days. We give you a realistic date before you order.