How to Get Fingerprinting in Portugal for FBI, RCMP, and International Background Checks: Guide 2026

Living in Portugal and needing an FBI background check, RCMP Criminal Record Check, or another international background check submission puts most applicants through the same challenging discovery: finding reliable fingerprinting spaces in the city. Some providers only fingerprints on specific days with 20-day advance booking and others handle domestic biometrics only. Many applicants spend weeks trying the wrong channels.

This guide cuts through that. Whether you are in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or elsewhere in Portugal, it covers which fingerprint card you need, where to get fingerprinted, how the apostille and translation process works for AIMA, and how Globeia coordinates the full process, from your doorstep in Portugal to accredited submission in the US or Canada.

These are the main situations where you may need international fingerprinting.

U.S. Citizens Applying for Official Documents

Americans living in Portugal can arrange fingerprinting for an FBI Identity History Summary for overseas background screening, immigration and employment purposes.

Canadian Citizens

Canadians in Portugal can arrange ink fingerprinting for an RCMP Criminal Record Check, with submission coordinated through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company in Canada.

Portuguese Citizenship Applicants

If you are applying for Portuguese nationality, you may need criminal record certificates from Portugal and other countries linked to your residence or nationality history. Fingerprinting arrangements depend on the country issuing each certificate.

British Citizens and Other Foreign Residents

Foreign residents in Portugal may need police certificates from the UK, the United States, Canada or another country where they previously lived. The issuing authority determines the appropriate certificate and application process.

Finance Professionals

If you are registering with a U.S. broker-dealer, FINRA fingerprinting can be completed from Portugal using the applicable fingerprint card and submission route.

Residents Relocating Abroad

If you are moving from Portugal to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or another country, you may need police certificates from multiple jurisdictions. Globeia supports fingerprinting for international checks, including FBI and RCMP applications.

Professionals Seeking Overseas Licences

Healthcare workers, financial professionals and other regulated practitioners can arrange fingerprinting for overseas licensing and registration checks, including those handled through U.S. and Canadian authorities.

Portugal offers several fingerprinting routes, but they are not interchangeable. The right option depends on the application you are submitting:

Option 1: U.S. Embassy-Related Fingerprinting in Lisbon

The U.S. Embassy in Lisbon directs applicants to fingerprinting information for FBI background checks. Fingerprint collection is arranged separately from the FBI's processing of the completed application.

According to published guidance, appointments are limited and must be booked in advance. Contact the relevant service to confirm current availability, fees and scheduling through the Fingerprinting-Coop process.

Best suited for: Applicants seeking FBI fingerprint collection in Lisbon who are comfortable managing the subsequent FBI submission and any document authentication themselves.

Option 2: Private Providers Focused on FBI Checks

Some private providers also offer fingerprinting services capture for international applications.

Globeia offers FBI fingerprinting services in Portugal for different locations. Its services include options for coordinating international background check applications and subsequent apostille arrangements. Check its current locations and service options before booking.

Best suited for: Applicants whose primary requirement is an international background check application submission and need professional fingerprinting services.

Option 3: Providers Experienced in International Fingerprinting

If your application involves an RCMP Criminal Record Check, FINRA registration or another overseas authority, look for a provider familiar with that authority's specific fingerprint card and submission route.

Before booking, establish three things:

• Card compatibility: The provider can complete the required form, such as FD-258 or FD-1164 for an FBI application, C-216C for an RCMP application, or the applicable FINRA card.
• Collection quality: The associate can take clear, complete impressions and check them before the appointment ends.
• Submission arrangements: You know whether the service covers fingerprint collection only or also coordinates submission to the receiving authority.

Best suited for: Applicants whose checks involve different countries, regulatory bodies or authority-specific fingerprint cards.

Option 4: Mobile Appointments and Regional Sessions

If you live outside Lisbon or Porto, a mobile appointment or a scheduled regional session may be more practical than travelling to a fixed office. Availability can vary across the Algarve, Alentejo, Madeira, the Azores and smaller cities such as Coimbra, Braga, Évora and Setúbal.

You can choose professional mobile fingerprinting providers, such as Globeia who arranges the entire fingerprinting set up at your location. 

Best suited for: Applicants who cannot easily reach a fixed fingerprinting location. Confirm the provider's travel area, appointment availability and supported check types before making arrangements.

The fingerprint card depends on the authority requesting your background check:

Before booking: Tell your fingerprinting provider which authority is requesting your records and share its application instructions, if available. The provider should be able to identify the appropriate card and explain whether it handles collection only or coordinates the next submission stage.

For RCMP checks, the distinction is particularly important: fingerprint collection can take place in Portugal, but electronic submission to CCRTIS must be handled through an RCMP-accredited company in Canada.

For AIMA Applicants (Portuguese Residency and Immigration)

If AIMA requests a U.S. criminal record check as part of your application, confirm whether it requires the FBI Identity History Summary or any additional records. Do not assume that a state-level certificate can replace a federal report when the instructions specify the FBI Identity History Summary.

An FBI background check report intended for official use in Portugal may need a U.S. Department of State apostille. AIMA's document guidance also states that foreign documents usually need authentication and, in most cases, Portuguese translation. Confirm the exact requirements for your application before ordering the documents.

The process may involve:

1. Professional fingerprint collection in Portugal.
2. Submission through the applicable FBI application route.
3. Receipt of the FBI Identity History Summary.
4. U.S. Department of State apostille, if required.
5. Portuguese translation in the form accepted by AIMA, if required.
6. Submission to AIMA in accordance with your application instructions.

Allow time for each stage. FBI processing, international delivery, apostille processing and translation have separate timelines.  

For current FBI processing guidance, see How Long Does an FBI Background Check Take?

Globeia's FBI background check and apostille service can help coordinate the relevant steps. Confirm the apostille and translation requirements with AIMA before proceeding.

Portugal-based applicants can have their fingerprints collected locally, but no private fingerprinting company in Portugal can hold RCMP accreditation. The electronic submission must be handled by an accredited company in Canada.

Before booking, confirm which Canadian company will digitise the fingerprints and submit them to CCRTIS. This is a separate step from the local fingerprint appointment.

Globeia Incorporated in Toronto is Globeia's RCMP-accredited entity in Canada and can coordinate the Canadian submission stage. The processing times of different applications may vary, particularly when a request requires manual review, so check the current guidance rather than relying on a guaranteed turnaround.

See also: How Long Does a Canadian Criminal Record Check Take?

Professionals registering through a FINRA-member firm may need fingerprint-based screening in Portugal under applicable U.S. securities requirements. The procedure depends on the registration and the programme handling the fingerprints, so confirm the current instructions with your sponsoring firm or compliance team before booking.

For international applicants whose programme requires hard-copy fingerprints:

• Use the correct FINRA-specific card. Do not substitute a standard FBI FD-258 card where the programme requires a FINRA-specific card.
• Confirm the international submission route. Electronic capture and submission options available in the United States may not be available to applicants fingerprinted abroad.
• Check the filing deadline. Under the applicable FINRA fingerprint-participating SRO process, the firm generally has 30 days from the Form U4 filing date to submit the fingerprint card. Failure to meet the deadline can result in an “Inactive Prints” status.
• Follow the current mailing instructions. The required destination and handling procedure depend on the applicable programme. Obtain the instructions from your sponsoring firm rather than relying on a generic mailing address.

Globeia's FINRA fingerprinting service provides information about fingerprint collection and card preparation. Before booking in Portugal, confirm card availability and clarify whether Globeia handles collection only or any additional submission arrangements for your specific programme.

Document requirements vary by background check and provider, so confirm what applies to your application:

• Valid passport: Bring your passport as your primary identity document, unless your provider confirms another accepted form of identification.
• Secondary identification: Carry your Portuguese residence card, national identity card or driver's licence if requested.
• Application details: Keep your application reference, request letter or instructions from the requesting authority available.
• FBI applications: Prepare the personal information and payment details required for your chosen submission method.
• RCMP applications: Have the reason for the check and any additional details requested by the Canadian accredited company handling your application.
• FINRA registration: Obtain the relevant registration details from your sponsoring firm, including your CRD number and Org ID if required.
• Other international checks: Bring any authority-specific forms or supporting documents requested for your application.

The cost depends on several factors, including the application, submission route, fingerprinting service provider, and the official card. Here is the estimated cost for fingerprinting for different international background checks in Portugal:

Globeia helps applicants arrange international fingerprinting in Portugal, with mobile appointments and coordination for supported background check applications:

Professional Mobile Fingerprinting Across Portugal

Arrange an appointment at your home, hotel or office through Globeia's mobile service. Appointments are available in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and other locations by arrangement.

Depending on your appointment, the service can include:

• A trained associate attending your chosen location.
• Professional fingerprint collection equipment.
• An on-site review of fingerprint quality, with retakes where needed.
• A check of personal details against your identification.
• A QR-authenticated Letter of Identity Verification issued by Globeia.

Please note: The Letter of Identity Verification is issued by Globeia. It is not issued, endorsed or approved by the FBI, RCMP, FINRA or any government authority.

Appointment Preferences and Service Coordination

You can discuss your location, scheduling needs and application requirements with Globeia before confirming an appointment. The team can explain which services are available for your location and what is included in your quote.

Application Updates Through SmartPortal

Globeia's SmartPortal lets applicants follow available status updates for the services being coordinated. The stages shown depend on the application and the work Globeia handles.

Important: Processing times and final decisions remain with the relevant authorities. Globeia cannot guarantee fingerprint acceptance, background check outcomes or government processing timelines.

Contact Globeia Portugal to discuss your location and service requirements.

How Globeia Coordinates International Submission after Fingerprinting in Portugal

Globeia can coordinate the next steps after fingerprint collection in Portugal, based on the background check and the receiving authority’s requirements.

• FBI submission: For supported FBI Identity History Summary applications, Globeia coordinates submission through its U.S. operations.
• RCMP submission: Fingerprints collected in Portugal can be routed through Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company, for electronic submission to the RCMP.
• Apostille and authentication: If the resulting document requires authentication, Globeia can coordinate the applicable apostille or authentication process.
• Translation and delivery: Where required, Globeia can arrange translation and delivery of the completed documents according to the destination authority’s instructions.

The steps vary by application. Government processing times and final decisions remain outside Globeia’s control. Confirm the required services and costs before proceeding.

A fingerprint card can delay your application if it is poorly captured, incorrectly prepared, or sent through the wrong route. Getting the process right from the start can help you avoid preventable setbacks.

Globeia arranges professional fingerprinting across Portugal and coordinates the next steps for supported FBI, RCMP, and FINRA applications. Book your fingerprinting appointment.