FBI Background Check
for Sweden

Do I Need an FBI Background Check for Sweden?

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

Swedish authorities may request this document to verify that the applicant does not have a criminal record in the United States as part of residency or long-term visa applications. This requirement commonly applies to individuals seeking work permits, residency, or long-term stays in Sweden.

Short-term travel to Sweden for tourism or business purposes generally does not require an FBI background check.

Applicants should confirm the specific requirements with the Swedish embassy, consulate, or migration authority handling their application.

What Is Usually Required (Apostille, Translation, Validity)

When an FBI background check is required for use in Sweden, additional authentication steps are typically necessary before the document can be accepted by local authorities.

Sweden 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 recognized by government agencies in Sweden.

In many cases, translations are not required, as English is widely accepted by Swedish authorities. However, applicants should confirm whether translation is needed for their specific application.

Immigration authorities may require the FBI background check to be recently issued, often within three to six months, although document validity requirements may vary depending on the visa or residency category.

Applicants should confirm apostille, translation, and document validity requirements with the Swedish Migration Agency or consulate before submitting their application.

How to Apply

Certifix offers nationwide electronic enrollment for FBI fingerprint-based background checks used for Sweden visa and residency applications.

Applicants can enroll online in just a few minutes, then visit a participating Certifix location for Live Scan digital fingerprinting. Your fingerprints are securely transmitted to the FBI for processing, allowing your 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 requirements in Sweden may vary depending on the application type, applicants should confirm whether apostille and document validity requirements apply before submitting their application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Does Sweden require an FBI background check for visa or residency applications?

  Yes. U.S. citizens applying for certain work permits, residency, or long-term stays in Sweden may be required to submit an FBI fingerprint-based background check.

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

  Yes. Sweden is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so the FBI background check must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.

• Does Sweden require a translation of the FBI background check?

  In many cases, no. English is widely accepted, but applicants should confirm with the relevant authority.

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

  Immigration authorities commonly require the FBI background check to be issued within three to six months of submission.

• Is an FBI background check required for residency permits in Sweden?

  Yes. Applicants applying for residency or long-term stays may be required to provide a background check.

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

  No. Authorities generally require a federal FBI background check rather than a state or local police clearance.

• 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, results are often processed faster than traditional fingerprint card submissions.

• Can I apply for an FBI background check online?

  Yes. Applicants can enroll online through Certifix and then visit a participating location for Live Scan fingerprinting.

• Can Certifix handle the apostille for Sweden?

  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.