How to get your FBI Background Check from Spain

Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

I’m applying for Golden Visa (from Spain) and FBI background check is requested. I did it in the USA before and I’m familiar with the procedure. Anybody knows if it could be done online from Spain? My most recent check was in April 2022.

Answers

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

“Yes, you can do it online from Spain. You will still need to get it translated and Apostilled.”

“I can tell you some tricks to get it done while in Spain. Order the background check online with the online option at https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/. Do not select the mail option. Even with the online option, you can mail in your fingerprints…

Once you receive the background check by email, you will need to print it and mail it to the USA with a check or international money order in US$ for Apostille with the U.S. State Department Office of Authentications.”

“I tried in vain to apply online… I ended up traveling to Madrid, to work with a company that does electronic fingerprints, and electronically forwards them, along with the request form, to an FBI-recognized ‘channeler‘ in the US… I ended up spending about 1k euros.”

“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.”

“In case anyone is curious for those needing to get FBI background check done from Spain. The process took me a month exactly:
– got fingerprints taken at police station (need cita previa) on Aug 29 2025
– Sent fingerprints Aug 30 via ups
– received FBI summary sept 9
– used expediting service to get apostille and received sept 26.
– Then got local certified translator to translate by October 1 2025″

Read also our article How to get an FBI background check in 2 weeks instead of 6

Conclusion

For Spanish Visa applications from Spain requiring an FBI background check, it is possible to complete the process online from Spain.

Applicants need to order the background check online, mail in fingerprints, and ensure the document is Apostilled and sworn translated.

Here are Spainguru’s recommended Sworn translators and Apostille Services to obtain the Federal apostille for the FBI Background check.

Some applicants may face challenges with online applications from overseas ISPs or may prefer utilizing services in Spain for electronic fingerprinting, although they can be expensive. The costs of Fingerprints Spain in 2024 are 300€/655€ per person, depending on the service.

The introduction of FBI-approved channeling services has significantly expedited the process of obtaining an FBI background check, reducing the wait time from six weeks to potentially just two.

These channelers, such as Accurate Biometrics and National Background Check, Inc., come highly recommended by those in expat communities for their efficiency and effectiveness in streamlining what was once a daunting task. This modern method not only saves time but also alleviates much of the stress associated with the visa or residency application process for Spain.

Furthermore, with the option to produce fingerprints at home, following detailed online tutorials, applicants can manage this part of the process independently, without the need for official intervention or additional costs.

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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