FBI Background Check
for Portugal

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Portugal?

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

Portuguese immigration authorities use this document to confirm that the applicant does not have a criminal record in the United States.

This requirement generally applies to long-term visas and residency applications, including Portugal’s D7 visa (retirement or passive income visa), digital nomad visa, work visas, and student visas.

Short-term tourist travel to Portugal does not require an FBI background check. Whether the document is required depends on the visa type and the Portuguese consulate or immigration authority handling the application.

What Is Usually Required (Apostille, Translation, Validity)

When an FBI background check is required for use in Portugal, additional steps are typically necessary before the document can be accepted.

Portugal 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 Portuguese authorities.

Portugal may also require the document to be translated into Portuguese. In many cases, the translation must be completed by a certified translator and should include both the FBI background check and the apostille page.

Portuguese immigration authorities typically require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 days of submission, although this timeframe may vary depending on the visa type and consulate.

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

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for Portugal visa and residency 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 select the apostille service add-on, allowing Certifix to handle the authentication process with the U.S. Department of State once the FBI report is issued.

Because Portuguese immigration authorities may apply different requirements depending on the visa type, applicants should confirm whether apostille, translation, and document validity requirements apply before submitting their application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does Portugal require an FBI background check for visas?

  Yes. U.S. citizens applying for certain long-term visas or residency permits in Portugal are typically required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check.

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

  Yes. Portugal is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning the FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State before it can be accepted by Portuguese authorities.

• Does Portugal require translation of the FBI background check?

  Portuguese immigration authorities may require the document to be translated into Portuguese, typically by a certified translator.

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

  Portuguese consulates commonly require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 days of submitting the visa or residency application.

• Is an FBI background check required for the Portugal D7 visa?

  Yes. Applicants for Portugal’s D7 visa (retirement or passive income visa) are typically required to submit an FBI background check as part of their visa application.

• Do digital nomad visa applicants need an FBI background check?

  Yes. Applicants for Portugal’s digital nomad visa may be required to submit an FBI background check depending on the consulate handling the application.

• Can I submit a state police background check instead of an FBI background check?

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

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

  Processing time varies depending on fingerprint submission, but Live Scan digital fingerprinting allows the FBI report to be processed much faster than traditional methods.