Spain Non Lucrative Visa: How to Handle Background Check Apostille for Your Application

Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

Anyone from the U.S. applying for a Spain Non Lucrative Visa who got their background check results emailed. Did you print that document and submit it for apostille, or must I request a hard copy be sent to me and then submit that?”

Answers

These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:

“We took the email version of the background check and sent it for apostille. It took about 10 days to get the originals from the FBI, but we had no issues using the emailed version.”

“I did mine digitally via the post office. Got it back in minutes, then uploaded it to the apostille site. It took about three weeks to get it back by mail.”

“You can print out the emailed background check and submit it for apostille. No need to wait for the hard copy.”

“Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Go to the FBI site (edo.cjis.gov) and complete the steps under ‘How to Submit a Request.’
   
2. Pay $18 and receive a code for fingerprinting.
   
3. Take the code to a post office for fingerprinting (cost: ~$55).
   
4. Wait ~48 hours for the FBI to email your background check. You can print this email for apostille or wait for a hard copy (takes about a week).
   
5. Download and complete Form DS-4194 from the State Department website.
   
6. Purchase two prepaid Priority Mail envelopes for sending and return (cost: ~$20).
   
7. Mail the packet, including the printed FBI report, Form DS-4194, and a $20 check or money order, to:
   
   U.S. Department of State
   Office of Authentications
   44132 Mercure Circle
   P.O. Box 1206
   Sterling, VA 20166-1206
   
8. It takes around three weeks to receive the apostille back.”

“I used an apostille service (e.g., these private recommended apostille services). Submitted it on July 22 and received it back by August 16. It was straightforward and quick!”

“Include these in your mailing for apostille:

• Printed FBI background check
• Completed Form DS-4194
• $20 money order or check
• Self-addressed return envelope with tracking.”

“If you’re applying as a couple, each person needs a separate Form DS-4194, separate money orders for $20 each, and separate envelopes for their apostille documents.”

“Don’t forget you’ll need a sworn translator for the apostilled document. For example, you can find recommended sworn translators on www.Spainguru.es “

Conclusion

For the Spain non lucrative visa, U.S. applicants can use either the emailed or hard copy FBI background check for apostille purposes. The emailed version is quicker, as it can be printed and sent immediately for authentication.

To obtain an apostille, follow the step-by-step process outlined above, or use a recommended private apostille service for convenience.

If applying as a couple, submit individual forms, payments, and envelopes for each person’s documents.

Once the apostille is received, ensure the document is translated into Spanish by a sworn translator before submission to the consulate.

Join our community!

Make sure to join our dedicated Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group here!

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.

See Full Bio

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Spain Digital Nomad Visa Spanish Residency Taxes in Spain for Expats Moving to Spain