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.

This requirement generally applies to long-term visas and residency applications, including retirement, digital nomad, work, and student visas. Short-term tourist travel does not require an FBI background check. Whether it is required depends on the type of visa and the Portuguese consulate or 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.

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

Portugal also requires the document to be translated into Portuguese. 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 Portuguese consulates may require the translation to be completed by an approved translator.

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

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI background checks used for Portuguese visas and residency 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.