Suppose you’re living in Portugal and need a Canada RCMP fingerprint-based criminal record check. In that case, the process can feel confusing - especially since the RCMP will not accept mailed fingerprint cards sent directly from applicants abroad. The good news? You can complete the entire process from Portugal smoothly, as long as you follow the correct RCMP-approved steps.
1. Get Your Fingerprints Taken by an Authorized Provider in Portugal
- For an RCMP-certified criminal record check, your fingerprints must be taken by an authorized provider in Portugal. The RCMP only accepts fingerprints captured by:
- Portuguese law enforcement agencies
- Licensed fingerprinting or biometric technicians
- Accredited fingerprint service providers
- Always ensure the provider uses the RCMP C-216C form or an equivalent card that follows the correct Canadian fingerprint orientation. Even small issues such as smudged prints, incorrect rolling technique, incomplete impressions, or low-quality ink, can cause immediate rejection by the RCMP.
- Most rejections in Portugal occur because the technician used the wrong fingerprint card or was unfamiliar with Canadian standards.
2. Send Your Fingerprint Card to an RCMP-Accredited Company in Canada
- Once your fingerprints are taken in Portugal, you cannot send the fingerprint card directly to the RCMP. The RCMP does not accept international submissions from applicants or foreign police authorities.
- All applicants outside Canada must mail their fingerprint card to an RCMP-accredited company in Canada. These accredited providers handle the full technical process by:
- Digitizing your ink fingerprints into the secure RCMP system
- Submitting them electronically through RCMP’s official channel
- Receiving your results directly once processing is complete
- Forwarding your RCMP Criminal Record Check to Portugal or anywhere worldwide
- Using an accredited intermediary is not optional - it is the only accepted method for applicants abroad. Choosing a reputable provider like Globeia to ensure your fingerprints are compliant, prevents avoidable rejections, and speeds up processing significantly.
3. Include All Required Identification and Forms
To process your RCMP Criminal Record Check from Portugal, your package to the accredited company in Canada must include the proper identification and documentation. Typically, you will need:
- A clear, high-resolution copy of your passport bio page
(This confirms your legal name, date of birth, and nationality.) - The RCMP consent form, if your chosen accredited provider requires it
- Your completed fingerprint card captured in Portugal
Before sending, carefully verify that your full name, date of birth, and signature are consistent across your passport copy, consent form, and fingerprint card. Even small discrepancies such as abbreviations, missing middle names, or outdated signatures, can delay processing or trigger a rejection.
4. Receive Your RCMP Criminal Record Check in Portugal
- After your fingerprints are submitted through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada, your Criminal Record Check results will be returned directly to you in Portugal. Depending on the provider and eligibility, delivery can be:
- Digitally, via secure email or online portal
- Physically, through international courier to your Portuguese address
- Processing times can vary based on RCMP workload and the completeness of your submission. Using an accredited intermediary helps streamline the process, prevent common errors, and ensures your application fully complies with RCMP standards, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
- With the right provider, you can receive your verified RCMP Criminal Record Check efficiently, without needing to travel to Canada.
Why Residents in Portugal Choose Globeia
Globeia streamlines the RCMP fingerprint-based Criminal Record Check process for applicants in Portugal by combining expertise, technology, and global compliance. Residents choose Globeia because it offers:
- RCMP-accredited submissions in Canada, ensuring your fingerprints are officially accepted
- Step-by-step guidance to prevent common errors and rejections
- Fast digitization and electronic submission directly to the RCMP
- Secure international delivery of your certificate to Portugal
- SmartForm technology, delivering 98% first-time accuracy on submissions
- One-stop solution for all document and compliance needs, including apostilles, translations, and embassy submissions
- Robust data security, with encrypted handling of all personal and biometric information
- Competitive pricing, offering premium, reliable services without hidden costs
Whether you’re applying for Canadian immigration, work permits, professional licensing, citizenship, or record suspension, Globeia ensures your RCMP Criminal Record Check is efficient, secure, and fully compliant, providing a hassle-free experience with end-to-end support.
Conclusion
Getting an RCMP fingerprint-based Criminal Record Check from Portugal doesn’t have to be complicated. With Globeia, you benefit from RCMP-accredited submissions, step-by-step guidance, secure delivery, and SmartForm accuracy, all under one roof. Whether it’s for immigration, employment, or licensing, Globeia ensures your application is fast, compliant, and hassle-free, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.