FBI Apostille Services in Spain: Complete 2025 Guide to Getting Your FBI Background Check Apostilled for Overseas Use

When you are about to use your FBI background check internationally, such as in Spain, it is important to make sure that it is properly legalized with an FBI apostille to be recognized overseas. The apostille certifies the document as official for individuals that are Hague Apostille Convention signatories (including Spain). 

This guide sets out everything you need to know from A to Z, for obtaining an FBI background check apostille for Spain, including how to go about the process step by step, necessary tools, and important dos/don'ts. Whether you are using it for employment, immigration, or other legal purposes, this guide will help you get through the process and help avoid pitfalls.  

An FBI apostille is the certification that verifies the FBI background check for use in foreign countries. It certifies that it is an official US document published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and legal around the world under the Hague Convention of 1961. 

Key points:

• The FBI doesn't do apostille, you will send the document to the U.S. Department of State, for apostille certification/authentication. 
• The apostille includes a stamp or certificate that authenticates the FBI Background check, legal for use overseas. 
• Without an apostille; foreign authorities (including authorities in Spain) can reject the FBI Background check.

If you are planning to submit your FBI background check in Spain, you will most likely be required to obtain an apostille for an official purpose. This apostille will verify that the document is authentic - giving it legitimacy around the world.

Reasons to get an FBI apostille for Spain:

• Legal validity: Apostilled FBI background checks are the only type of checks recognized by the Spanish government, schools, and employers. 
• Avoid unnecessary delays: Your application may be delayed if you submit a non-apostilled FBI background check because it may not be accepted. 
• Easier processing: Apostilled FBI background checks are easier to process when it comes to visas and immigration, work permits, and adoption.
• Credibility and authenticity: Using an apostilled FBI background check adds credibility and authenticates your background check for employment or licensing purposes abroad. 

FBI background check apostilles are required for a variety of personal and professional purposes in Spain:

• Immigration: Individuals applying for residency, work permits, or US-related immigration processes in Spain.
• Employment: Jobs in multinational companies, government agencies, or positions requiring a verified background check.
• Adoption: Legal adoption procedures in Spain often require an FBI background check apostilled to confirm the applicant’s criminal record.
• Visas: Certain Spanish visa categories, including long-term work or study visas, require an FBI background check with apostille for submission.

Other use cases include licensing, professional certification, and legal documentation for business purposes.

Before obtaining an apostille, it’s important to understand what an FBI background check is, how it’s used internationally, and what documents are required. This ensures a smooth process and prevents delays when applying for Spanish legal recognition.

What is an FBI Background Check?

An FBI background check is an official criminal history report issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. It provides information about an individual’s criminal record in the U.S., including arrests, convictions, and other relevant criminal data. Key facts:

• It is often required for employment, immigration, adoption, or visa applications abroad.
• The report can be requested using fingerprints to ensure accurate identification.
• The FBI background check is an essential first step before obtaining an apostille for international use.

How it’s Used Internationally

FBI background checks are widely recognized for international legal, immigration, and employment purposes. Once apostilled, they are accepted in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention, including Spain. Uses include:

• Visa and immigration applications
• International employment verification
• Adoption processes
• Legal certifications and licensing abroad

Having an apostilled FBI background check ensures that Spanish authorities accept your document without requiring additional verification or legalization.

Documents Required for the FBI Check

To obtain an FBI background check, you typically need the following:

• Fingerprints (rolled or digital) using the FBI fingerprint card (FD-258 or equivalent)
• Identification (government-issued ID, passport, or driver’s license)
• Completed application form for the FBI background check
• Payment of FBI processing fees
• Return envelope if submitting by mail

After receiving the FBI background check, you can proceed with the apostille process for use in Spain.

Many people often get confused between Apostille and Notarization.  

While both apostilles and notarizations authenticate documents, they are different:

In simple terms, a notarized FBI background check confirms your signature or identity, while an apostille confirms that the FBI document itself is authentic for use abroad.

To ensure your FBI background check is accepted in Spain:

• The FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
• Spanish authorities may require a certified Spanish translation if the document is not in Spanish.
• The apostille must be attached to the original FBI background check; photocopies are generally not accepted.
• Applications may be submitted directly, through a channeler, or via a trusted third-party service like Globeia.

There are three main ways to get your FBI background check apostilled for Spain: DIY, channelers, or third-party services. Each has its advantages and considerations.

Option 1: Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

How to Submit Directly to the U.S. Department of State

• Obtain your FBI background check.
• Complete the apostille request form from the U.S. Department of State website.
• Prepare required documents: FBI background check, identification, payment, and a return envelope.
• Mail the application to the Department of State.
• Wait for the apostilled document to be returned.

Option 2: Using a Channeler

How Channelers Work and Submit Requests

A channeler is an authorized intermediary that submits your FBI background check request directly to the FBI. Some channelers also assist with the apostille process. Steps:

• Submit your fingerprints and personal information to the channeler.
• The channeler sends your request to the FBI.
• Once processed, the channeler can help forward the document for apostille authentication.

End-to-End Process: For most applicants, using a trusted third-party service is the fastest, most secure, and hassle-free way to get your FBI background check apostilled for Spain. Providers like Globeia handle the entire process from start to finish:

• Submit your personal details and FBI background check request online, eliminating paperwork hassles.
• Complete fingerprinting if required, often through mobile or local centers, saving you travel time.
• The service manages the FBI submission, apostille authentication, and continuous document tracking.
• Receive your FBI background check apostilled and ready for use in Spain, with optional certified translation if required by Spanish authorities.

This approach is ideal for individuals, businesses, or adoption agencies who need a fast, reliable, and fully guided process.

When selecting a third-party service, consider:

• Accreditation: Ensure they are authorized by the FBI/RCMP or relevant authorities.
• Transparent tracking: You should be able to monitor your documents at every stage.
• Turnaround times and reviews: Check testimonials and processing speed.
• Support for translation and Spain-specific submission requirements: Some providers offer end-to-end solutions. 

Why Globeia?

Globeia offers a complete, secure, and fully tracked solution for FBI background check apostilles. After obtaining the apostille, they provide sworn translation so your document is fully ready for Spanish authorities. This means you don’t need to visit multiple offices, making the process seamless and stress-free.

When preparing your FBI background check for use abroad, the following tools can make the process faster and smoother:

Online FBI Background Check Platforms

• Secure digital submission and step-by-step guidance.
• Real-time updates on application status.

Mobile Fingerprinting Services

• Certified technicians come to your location.
• Ensures accurate fingerprints and faster FBI submission.

Document Tracking Tools

• Monitor FBI check, apostille, and translation progress.
• Receive notifications at every stage.

Trusted Third-Party Providers (Example: Globeia)

• Manages FBI submission, apostille, and sworn translation.
• Mobile fingerprinting included and full tracking provided.

Tips to speed up the process:

• Ensure all forms are accurate and complete before submission.
• Use mobile fingerprinting to avoid delays.
• Consider third-party services for end-to-end processing and tracking.
• Keep a digital copy of all submissions for reference.

Choosing a reliable provider can make a significant difference in getting your FBI background check apostilled for Spain efficiently. Globeia is one example of a service designed to simplify the entire process:

• AI-Powered Platform: Streamlines submission, form validation, and tracking, reducing errors.
• Secure Document Tracking: Know exactly where your FBI background check and apostille are at every stage.
• Fast, End-to-End Processing: From FBI submission to apostille authentication and sworn translation, everything is handled in one place.
• High Accuracy: Globeia’s process ensures over 95% error-free submissions, minimizing delays and rejections.
• Convenience for Applicants: No need to visit multiple offices; Globeia manages fingerprinting, apostille, and translation, making the process seamless.

You are in control of how you get your FBI Apostille services in Spain. You can go through the U.S. department of State processes itself, utilize a channeler, or hire a third-party service. The DIY or channeler process may be cost effective. However, many applicants hire a third-party provider, such as Globeia, to get the full service - this means hiring a provider that will handle the entire process, including FBI submission, apostille authentication, mobile fingerprinting, and sworn translation. 

This avoids errors, saves time, tracks secure delivery, and gets the FBI background check authenticated to Spanish authorities, all without travelling to multiple offices around the State Department. By understanding the process, having the right tools, and being mindful to hire a reputable service, you can get your FBI background check apostilled with confidence.