How Can I obtain a RCMP Criminal Record from Spain?

By
Bruno Bianchi
-

Question

“Just out of curiosity, under what circumstances would you need an RCMP Criminal Record Check if you were already in Spain? Wouldn’t that be something that was done in Canada to receive your initial visa to come to Spain? We are here on a Spain Non Lucrative Visa… perhaps it is different for a different type of visa?”

Answers

“Email Consulate/Embassy of Canada. We live in Madrid, so we emailed Madrid location. They asked whether we are citizens, and provided with instructions how to get the RCMP form for fingerprints, a letter that you show to local police (about it later), and addresses where to go in Madrid to get your fingerprints taken.

We had an option either going in person to get these by scheduling an appointment or mailing them our request. It cost $60 CAD per person (no extra taxes on top). Note: this step is potentially unnecessary and a waste of money. You can probably just print the forms and go to the Spanish National police station to just get it done.. but who knew.

How Can I obtain a RCMP Criminal Record from Spain?

You go to one of the police locations provided with provided letters, forms and your passport and/or TIE. All three Madrid’s locations provided by the Embassy are actually in the suburbs of Madrid…

The police station could care less about the letter from the embassy, they already seem to know that us and Americans need their fingerprints taken for the CRC, so they just know how to deal with you. We went to the one in Alcala de Henares.

Now this is where we are. We have the fingerprints. What we have to do is find an authorized company to mail them to.

Upon brief investigation I realized that Reliability Screening Solutions in Ottawa charges a whooping $175 plus tax per person, while some firms in Alberta charge as low as $60 per person.

When you live outside of Canada, you don’t have to use the location where you used to live in Canada, so nothing is stopping us from using a firm in, say, Calgary. However. Some firms require simple online application (everything is uploaded online into their website, then you just mail fingerprints), and some want you to go through this elaborate application process PLUS they want notarized IDs.

We are obviously in Spain, so notary is likely to be Spanish, and notarization would likely to be in Spanish. Now, one place told us they are fine and don’t need a translation or an apostille for this (usually for a notary signature to be valid outside of the country where said notary has powers you need an apostille). But i assume this may change as companies in Canada realize they need it.”

“My wife did it in March 2025 and used Globeia. Total cost was $523 CAD + the cost of sending the fingerprints which is different depending on the courier you use. They send you the paper for the fingerprints and take care of the apostille and translation.

Price includes sending your documents back to Spain via UPS. And she didn’t need to provide a notarized copy of her ID. It’s not cheap, but it’s easier than having to deal with multiple organizations.”

“This is such a hassle and did not have the letter when I visited the science police station in Madrid (3, then 2 years ago), BUT it seems they were starting to crack down on it and when I was there the second time (2 years ago) without the letter from the embassy, most of the officers put me through, but the last officer I interacted with, who took my prints, told me it is a necessity and almost didn’t take my prints at all.

When I go to get prints done I always go with at least two forms, because then you can use the second form in the future, or you have it in case the prints were not readable on the first form.”

“I’ve used The Fingerprint Room in Richmond BC more than 3 times now. They are a bit expensive, I believe I just paid $250, but they are an Indigenous-owned company so I will continue to support this business. I’ve always found them fast and reliable. I just used their services two weeks ago and they do not need a notarized copy of your ID. They do need two forms of ID, but just sending them a photo of these through email is fine for them.”

Conclusion

Spainguru community members confirm that obtaining an RCMP Criminal Record Check (CRC) while in Spain is possible—and sometimes necessary—depending on the type of visa and application route. For Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) holders, the CRC is typically only required during the initial application process from Canada, not for renewals.

However, for other visa types such as the Digital Nomad Visa or student visa (especially when applying from within Spain), a new CRC may be needed.

The process involves coordinating with the Canadian Embassy, getting fingerprinted at a Spanish police station, and then sending those prints to an accredited Canadian agency. Companies like Globeia and The Fingerprint Room offer complete services—including translation, apostille, and return shipping to Spain—although at a higher price point.

Other options may be more affordable if you’re willing to manage each step independently and deal with potential notarization requirements. As procedures vary and can be affected by officer discretion or company policy, it’s advisable to plan ahead and confirm documentation needs in advance.

Key Takeaways

Service providers differ in cost and requirements

Globeia offers a complete (but pricey) package with apostille and shipping, while cheaper firms in Canada may require notarized documents and more hands-on involvement from applicants abroad.

CRC typically not needed for NLV renewals

Most NLV holders only need to submit the RCMP Criminal Record Check during the initial application from Canada—not for renewals.

Fingerprinting can be done in Spain

Local Spanish police stations are generally familiar with fingerprinting requests for Canadians. Some locations require appointments, and procedures may vary slightly by region.

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