FBI Background Check
for Brazil

Residency, Visa & Official Use

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Brazil?

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U.S. citizens applying for long-term residency, work visas, permanent immigration status, or certain legal procedures in Brazil may be required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary.

This requirement commonly applies to employment visas, permanent residency applications, and other immigration-related filings. Tourist stays generally do not require a federal background check.

Applicants should confirm document requirements with Brazil’s immigration authority or the Brazilian consulate handling their application.

What Is Usually Required (Apostille, Translation, Validity)

When an FBI background check is required for use in Brazil, additional steps typically apply:

Brazil is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means the FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State to be legally recognized in Brazil. An FBI background check without an apostille is generally not accepted.

Documents submitted in Brazil usually must be translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator registered in Brazil.

Brazilian authorities commonly require the FBI background check to be recently issued, often within 90 days of submission, though this may vary depending on the visa type or immigration category.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI background checks required for Brazilian immigration and official use.

Applicants can enroll online from anywhere in the United States, submit fingerprints electronically at a participating Certifix location, and add apostille services during checkout when required.

Enroll for FBI Background Check Learn more about our FBI Background Check service

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Does Brazil require apostille for an FBI background check?

    Yes. Brazil requires apostille authentication for U.S. federal documents under the Hague Convention.

  • Does Brazil require Portuguese translation of the FBI report?

    Yes. Documents submitted in Brazil typically must be translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator registered in Brazil.

  • Is an FBI background check required for Brazil work visas?

    Yes. Many employment and residency visa categories require a federal FBI background check.

  • How recent must the FBI background check be for Brazil?

    Brazilian authorities commonly require the document to be issued within 90 days of submission.

  • Can I use a state background check instead of an FBI report?

    No. Brazilian authorities generally require a federal FBI background check rather than a state-level clearance.

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