If you are applying for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), one of the most crucial documents you will need is an FBI Criminal Background Check, which must be apostilled for acceptance by Spanish authorities. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to obtain a federal apostille efficiently and recommend private apostille services and sworn translators for English-to-Spanish translations.
What is a Federal Apostille?
A federal apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a U.S. document for use in Spain, a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This eliminates the need for further legalization, making it easier to use your documents abroad.
Which Document Requires a Federal Apostille for the NLV?
For most applicants, the primary document requiring a federal apostille is:
- FBI Criminal Background Check – This document proves that you have no serious criminal history and is a key requirement for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Federal Apostille for Your FBI Background Check
Step 1: Obtain Your FBI Criminal Background Check
- You can request an FBI Identity History Summary online through the FBI website or an FBI-approved channeler.
- Choose whether to receive the results electronically or by mail.
- Go to a USPS office to do the fingerprinting (an appointment is needed, cost is 50$) or choose an FBI approved channeler.
Step 2: Complete Form DS-4194
- Submit Form DS-4194 (Request for Authentication Services) to the U.S. Department of State.
- Ensure that you correctly fill out all sections, including the country where the document will be used (Spain).
- Do not notarize any of this, or it’s invalid.
Step 3: Pay the Apostille Fee
- The U.S. Department of State charges $20 per document for authentication services.
- Payment must be made via check or money order payable to the “U.S. Department of State.”
- Personal checks must have check numbers over 100 and be dated within the last six months.
Step 4: Choose a Private Apostille Service for Faster Processing (Recommended)
- The official processing time is around 7 weeks (Beginning of 2025), which may delay your visa application.
- To speed up the process, consider using a private apostille service that can handle submission and retrieval in a shorter timeframe.
Step 5: Include a Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope
- Include a self-addressed prepaid return envelope from USPS or UPS for your documents to be mailed back to you.
- Use a large, sturdy envelope to prevent damage to the document.
Step 6: Mail Your Application
Send your completed application package to:
U.S. Department of State
Office of Authentications
44132 Mercure Cir.
PO Box 1206
Sterling, VA 20166-1206
Step 7: Translate Your Apostilled Document into Spanish
- The FBI Background Check with an apostille must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
- I recommend using professional sworn translators who specialize in Spanish visa applications to ensure accuracy and compliance with Spanish consulate requirements.
Final Steps
Once you have your FBI Background Check apostilled and translated into Spanish, you can include it in your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa application. To avoid delays, plan ahead and use expedited apostille and translation services when possible.
Conclusion
Obtaining a federal apostille for an FBI Background Check is a critical step for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa, and any other procedure that requires an FBI Background check.
Given the long processing times, using private apostille services can help streamline the process and ensure your document is correctly certified. Use professional recommended sworn translators to get them translated to Spanish for visa application procedures at Spanish consulates or BLS offices.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the contributions and experiences of Spainguru community members and is not legal advice. Consider consulting a legal expert for personalized guidance.
