FBI Background Check
for Italy

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Italy?

U.S. citizens applying for certain visas or residency permits in Italy are commonly required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check, also known as an FBI Identity History Summary.

This requirement generally applies to long-term visas, residency permits, and citizenship-related applications. Short-term tourist travel does not require an FBI background check. Whether it is required depends on the type of visa and the Italian consulate or authority processing the application.

What Is Usually Required (Apostille, Translation, Validity)

When an FBI background check is required for use in Italy, additional steps are typically necessary.

Italy 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 accepted. An FBI background check without an apostille is generally not accepted by Italian authorities.

Italy also requires the document to be translated into Italian. In most cases, the translation must be certified and completed after the apostille is applied. The translation should include both the FBI background check and the apostille page. Some Italian consulates may require the translation to be completed by an approved or court-certified translator.

Italian authorities typically require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 days of submission, though this can vary depending on the visa type and consulate.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI background checks used for Italian visas, residency permits, and citizenship-related applications.

Applicants can enroll online from anywhere in the United States, submit fingerprints electronically or using a fingerprint card, and add apostille services when required.