What kind of background check is needed for renewing a residency in Spain (arraigo familiar) for a US citizen married to a Spaniard?

Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

Question for the group about obtaining a US criminal background check. I’m renewing my residency (arraigo familiar, I’m married to a Spaniard) and they’re asking me for a criminal background check from the US (antecedentes penales).

I’m not sure if they want a state issued background check or federal (FBI). Has anyone done this that can please advise. They also want an apostille and translation like with most documents. Thanks in advance group!

Answers

These are the answers of some Facebook group members:

First answer: “https://es.usembassy.gov/get-your-fingerpints-taken/ here are the instructions to get your fingerprints done in Spain. You can mail them into the fbi address. You can also expedite your apostille processing by emailing your congressperson. I did this and my apostille took about a week. Make sure to save the tracking number on the envelope you mail your apostille request form in.”

Second answer: “Just did this for our Golden Visa. It’s an FBI background check. The hardest part is getting digital fingerprints. The procedure is outlined on the FBI website. Once you’ve got the fingerprints the answer is back in days. The next hurdle is the apostille. Federal apostilles are taking 10-12 weeks. That’s a problem if the background check needs to be sent within 90 days of visa application. We contacted our senator for help and, absolutely shockingly, that worked.”

“For my long-term visa the Florida Department of Law Enforcement did my background check in two days and sent me versions in Spanish as well as English, which the Spanish consulate accepted. For the apostille, I mailed the results to a company in Tallahassee, but that only took a few more days. But I think you might have to be a FL resident.”

In conclusion, it is advised to check with the Spanish consulate / Oficina de Extranjería for the most accurate information regarding the type of US criminal background check needed for renewing residency as a spouse of a Spaniard. However, it seems the correct background check needs to be the FBI Federal background check, duly apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.

Interesting read: How to get an FBI background check in 2 weeks instead of 6

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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