FBI Background Check
by Country

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Another Country?

Maybe. It depends on the country and the type of application.

U.S. citizens applying for visas, residency, employment, or long-term stays abroad are sometimes required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also called an FBI Identity History Summary.

Some countries require it for most long-term visas. Others only request it in specific situations, such as employment, permanent residency, or status changes. Requirements vary by country, visa type, and issuing authority.

What’s Usually Required (Apostille, Translation, Validity)

When an FBI background check is required for international use, additional steps are often needed.

• Many countries require the document to be apostilled or authenticated before it can be accepted

• Apostille applies to countries in the Hague Apostille Convention

• Authentication or embassy attestation applies to countries outside the Hague Convention

• Some countries require the document to be translated, usually after apostille or authentication

• Most countries require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 to 180 days

Exact requirements depend on the destination country.

Country-Specific Requirements & How to Apply

For Europe, see our country-specific guides for Spain, Italy, and Portugal, where FBI background checks are commonly requested for long-term visas and residency applications.

For North America, view our guide for Mexico, where requirements vary depending on the type of residency or immigration process.

For the Middle East, see our guide for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where FBI background checks are frequently required for employment and residency and may involve additional authentication steps.

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for international applications.