FBI Background Check
for Brazil

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Brazil?

U.S. citizens applying for certain visas, residency permits, or immigration processes in Brazil may be required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary.

Brazilian immigration authorities use this document to verify that applicants do not have a criminal record in the United States as part of visa, residency, or other official immigration procedures.

This requirement commonly applies to employment visas, permanent residency applications, family reunification visas, and other long-term immigration categories. Short-term tourist visits to Brazil generally do not require an FBI background check.

Applicants should confirm document requirements with Brazil’s immigration authorities 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 are usually necessary before the document can be accepted.

Brazil is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means the FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be legally recognized by Brazilian authorities.

Documents submitted in Brazil are typically required to be translated into Portuguese. In many cases, the translation must be completed by a sworn translator registered in Brazil, and it usually includes both the FBI background check and the apostille page.

Brazilian immigration authorities commonly require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 days of submission, although this timeframe may vary depending on the visa category or immigration process.

Applicants should confirm apostille, translation, and document validity requirements with the Brazilian consulate or immigration authority handling their application.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for Brazilian immigration, visa, and official applications.

Applicants can enroll online in just a few minutes, then visit a participating Certifix location for Live Scan digital fingerprinting. Fingerprints are securely transmitted to the FBI for processing, allowing the FBI Identity History Summary to be generated electronically.

During online enrollment, applicants can also select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to coordinate authentication of the FBI report with the U.S. Department of State once the report is issued.

Because Brazilian immigration requirements may vary depending on the visa category or government authority, applicants should confirm whether apostille, translation, and document validity requirements apply before submitting their application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does Brazil require an apostille for an FBI background check?

  Yes. Brazil is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means an FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be legally recognized by Brazilian authorities.

• Does Brazil require Portuguese translation of the FBI background check?

  Yes. Documents submitted to Brazilian authorities typically must be translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator registered in Brazil. The translation generally includes both the FBI background check and the apostille page.

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

  Yes. Many employment visas and residency-related visa categories in Brazil require applicants to submit a federal FBI background check as part of the immigration process.

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

  Brazilian immigration authorities commonly require the document to be issued within 90 days of submission, although this timeframe may vary depending on the visa type or immigration process.

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

  No. Brazilian immigration authorities generally require a federal FBI background check, not a state or local police clearance certificate.

• Do tourist visa applicants need an FBI background check for Brazil?

  No. Short-term tourist travel to Brazil generally does not require an FBI background check. The document is typically required only for long-term visas, residency applications, or certain official processes.

• How long does it take to receive an FBI background check?

  Processing times vary depending on how fingerprints are submitted. With Live Scan digital fingerprinting, the FBI report is typically processed faster than traditional fingerprint card submissions.

• Can I apply for an FBI background check online?

  Yes. Applicants can enroll online through Certifix, then visit a participating location for Live Scan fingerprinting, where fingerprints are transmitted electronically to the FBI.

• Can Certifix handle the apostille for Brazil?

  Yes. During online enrollment, applicants can select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to coordinate authentication of the FBI report with the U.S. Department of State once the report is issued.