Why Americans Moving to Portugal Need an FBI Background Check and Apostille

Portugal requires an FBI background check from Americans applying for visas, residency, or citizenship. Whether you're pursuing the D7 visa, Golden Visa, work authorization, marriage, adoption, or educational opportunities in Portugal, you'll need an officially apostilled FBI background check to move forward with your application.

The FBI background check covers your complete criminal history from across the United States. This includes any convictions, arrests, warrants, and court records tied to your fingerprints. The fingerprint-based system confirms your identity and shows whether you have any legal issues on record. Portugal uses this document to verify that incoming residents meet their safety standards and legal requirements. 

Portugal asks for FBI background checks from Americans to verify that incoming residents have clean criminal records. Knowing exactly when you need this document helps you plan your application timeline properly.

Visa types that require background checks

Most Portuguese visa categories require an FBI background check as part of their application process. The D7 visa, which attracts retirees and people with passive income, requires a clean FBI criminal record check. Business entrepreneurs applying for the D2 visa must also submit an FBI background check to show they're qualified to run a business in Portugal.

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa requires remote workers and digital nomads to prove they have no criminal record through an FBI check. Golden Visa applicants must provide an FBI background check rather than state or county reports. Portugal specifically wants federal-level clearance because it offers the most thorough coverage of your criminal history.

Residency and citizenship applications

Both temporary and permanent residency applications require FBI background checks from American applicants. Portuguese authorities need this verification before they approve your residency status. The document proves you don't have any disqualifying criminal history that would prevent you from living in Portugal.

Citizenship applications have even stricter standards. You need a completely clean criminal record to qualify for Portuguese citizenship, and the FBI background check provides the official proof that Portuguese authorities accept from American applicants.

Employment, adoption, and other legal uses

FBI background checks serve many purposes beyond immigration in Portugal. Employers in sensitive fields like healthcare, education, or finance often require an FBI background check before hiring American workers.

Americans looking to adopt children in Portugal must provide an FBI check - this reassures Portuguese authorities and adoption agencies that you're suitable to become a parent. Volunteer work with vulnerable populations, like children or elderly people, also typically requires this documentation.

You'll also need an FBI background check for family reunification visas and marriage to a Portuguese citizen. Portugal maintains these requirements to ensure everyone entering the country meets the same safety standards.

The FBI background check, officially called the Identity History Summary or "rap sheet," shows your complete criminal history from a nationwide database. This document provides Portuguese authorities with official verification of your legal standing for visa and residency applications.

National criminal history summary

The Identity History Summary compiles your law enforcement interactions from all 50 states and federal databases. Your report includes arrests, charges, and convictions from your entire lifetime. The document may also contain information about federal employment, naturalization proceedings, and military service records.

Each entry shows the submitting agency's name, arrest date, specific charges, and disposition details when available. This federal-level report gives Portuguese authorities the thorough coverage they require, unlike state or county reports that only show partial information.

Fingerprint-based identity verification

Your fingerprints are the foundation of an FBI background check. They're placed on a standard FD-258 or FD-1164 form used for applicant purposes. This biometric system eliminates identity errors and provides reliable confirmation of your background.

The FBI authenticates your results with its official seal and a division official's signature. This authentication step is essential for the apostille process that follows.

How long is the report valid for Portugal?

Timing matters when you get your FBI background check for Portugal. The document stays valid for exactly 90 days from its issue date for visas. Portuguese authorities enforce this timeline strictly for all visa and residence permit applications. Plan your background check request carefully to match your visa application schedule.

Getting an FBI background check while living outside the United States is manageable with the right approach. You have three main options for obtaining this document for your Portugal application, each designed to fit different needs and timelines.

Option 1: Mailing Option

The most common route is applying directly to the FBI. You'll need to complete the Applicant Information Form and get fingerprints on an FD-258 card. Mail these documents with the $18 processing fee to the FBI CJIS Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia. This method typically takes 3-5 weeks for processing and delivery, depending on your location.

Option 2: Apply Online via the FBI eDO Portal

You can apply quickly using the FBI’s official eDO portal. Create an account, submit your details, and pay the fee online. Then mail your fingerprint card to the address provided. You'll receive your background check electronically, with status tracking available online.

Option 3: Apply Through a Trusted Third-Party Service

Using a reliable third-party service like Globeia is the easiest and most convenient option. They handle the entire FBI background check process on your behalf. Simply fill out your details, upload your ID and scanned fingerprint card for review, and then mail the original to their U.S. office. U.S. citizens and green card holders typically receive results via email within 24–48 hours. While this option may cost more, it eliminates the hassle of dealing with paperwork and multiple steps.

Required Documents for FBI Criminal Record Check

Regardless of your chosen method, you'll need:

• Completed application form (varies by submission method)
• Fingerprints on standard FD-258 or FD-1164 cards
• Valid government-issued ID
• Payment for processing fees

While abroad, you can obtain fingerprints at local police stations, private security agencies, or some US embassies and consulates.

Fingerprinting Requirements for FBI Background Check (from Portugal)

• Use the FD-1164 or FD-258 fingerprint card on standard white paper.
• Submit a current, original card — no copies or reused cards.
• Include your full name and date of birth.
• Provide rolled and flat impressions of all 10 fingers.
• Prints can be done with ink or live scan (must be printed).
• Get fingerprints taken by a professional technician, if possible.
• Ensure prints are clear and legible to avoid rejection.
• Include the last 4 digits of the SSN if needed on the FBI report.

Once you have your FBI background check, you need an apostille to make it legally valid in Portugal. This authentication step ensures Portuguese authorities will recognize your document as official.

What is an Apostille and Why Do You Need It

An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in countries that have signed the Hague Apostille Convention. Both Portugal and the United States are part of this agreement. Portuguese authorities will not accept your FBI background check without this certification, regardless of how legitimate the document appears.

Step-by-Step Apostille Process for FBI Checks 

Getting your FBI check apostilled requires specific steps to avoid delays:

1. Prepare your FBI background check (original or printed PDF)
2. Fill out Form DS-4194 (request for authentication services)
3. Include payment for the apostille fee 
4. Add a self-addressed, prepaid return envelope
5. Mail everything to the U.S. Department of State's Office of Authentications

Use Globeia’s apostille services for your FBI background check for use in Portugal. They can expedite the process by hand-delivering your document directly to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Other USA Documents That Need an Apostille For Portugal

Your FBI background check isn’t the only U.S. document that may need an apostille for use in Portugal. Other commonly required documents include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Academic diplomas or transcripts
• Power of attorney documents

Each document must be apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where it was originally issued. It’s important to check visa or residency requirements for your specific case, as additional documents may be requested by Portuguese authorities.

Translation Requirements for Portugal

After obtaining the apostille, your U.S. documents—such as the FBI background check, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and academic transcripts—must be translated into Portuguese for use in Portugal. This translation should only be done after the apostille is attached, not before. 

Portuguese authorities, including SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) and local consulates, typically require these translations to be completed by certified translators or agencies officially recognized in Portugal. Automated or uncertified translations are usually rejected, which can lead to delays in visa or residency processing. 

While some private institutions, government, and legal offices may accept English-language documents. To avoid complications, it is always recommended to confirm translation requirements with the authority requesting your documents and use a trusted, professional translation service.

Estimated Timeline for the Entire Process

From start to finish, the FBI background check and apostille process for use in Portugal typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the method and services used:

• FBI Background Check:
  3–5 business days if using an approved channeler or third-party services, or 2–4 weeks by mail.
• Apostille:
  2–3 weeks via the U.S. Department of State or the appropriate Secretary of State office.
• Certified Translation:
  1–3 business days, depending on the document length and the translation provider.

For applicants on a tight timeline, expedited services are available through trusted third-party providers like Globeia. We can help you speed up every step of the process,  from applying for the FBI background check to securing the apostille from the correct federal or state authority. Our hand-delivery services to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. ensure faster turnaround, and we can also assist with translation and document review to make sure your paperwork is fully compliant for use in Portugal.

Tips for Faster Processing and Avoiding Delays

To speed up your FBI background checks, apostille, and other things, you can follow these tips:

• Check all forms carefully before submitting to avoid errors or missing details.
• Use tracked shipping when sending documents to make sure they arrive safely.
• Make digital copies (scan or photo) of everything before mailing.
• Start early and allow at least 4 to 6 weeks to complete the full process.
• Use a reliable third-party service if you want faster results or help with paperwork.
• Ensure fingerprints are clear and correctly taken to avoid rejections.
• Watch for emails or mail updates in case additional info is needed.

Getting an FBI background check is a vital step for Americans planning to live in Portugal. The FBI report verifies your criminal history status and is required for visa applications such as the D7, Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or other residency options. It’s also necessary for employment, adoption, and even marriage in Portugal.

Your FBI background check must be apostilled to be legally valid. You can obtain the report in three ways: directly through the FBI, through an approved channeler, or by using a trusted third-party service that manages the entire process for you.

The apostille process turns your FBI report into an internationally recognized document that Portuguese authorities will accept. After obtaining the apostille, the document must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator.

If you follow the correct steps and give yourself enough time, completing the FBI background check and apostille process is manageable. Whether you do it yourself or choose a professional service like Globeia, which handles everything on your behalf, you will be well-prepared to move forward with your plans to live in Portugal.