Relocating to another country? Nearly every visa and residency application requires an apostilled FBI background check. We personally walk your documents into the U.S. Department of State for the fastest turnaround in the country: 7 to 10 business days.
"From the beginning to delivering of my documents, Fingerprints & Apostilles took control and kept me informed every step of the way. I will without a doubt be a repeat customer for all my federal apostilles."
Akin O. · Google Review
You can absolutely do that. Here is what the experience looks like compared to using our service.
| Mail It Yourself | Fingerprints & Apostilles | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | 5 to 12+ weeks | 7 to 10 business days |
| Paperwork | You fill out every form | We handle everything |
| Cost | $20 apostille fee + your shipping | $120 all-in (shipping included) |
| Tracking | None | Status updates throughout |
| Risk of Rejection | High (incorrect forms, missing items) | We catch issues before submission |
| Return Shipping | Extra cost, you arrange | 2-day shipping included |
Whether you are retiring abroad, taking a job overseas, or starting a new chapter in another country, here are the most common destinations that require an apostilled FBI background check. See our detailed guides for Spain, Portugal, and France.
Spain requires an apostilled FBI background check for the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, student visa, work permits, and citizenship applications. One of the most popular relocation destinations for Americans. Learn more about apostilles for Spain.
Portugal's D7 Passive Income Visa and Digital Nomad Visa both require an apostilled FBI background check. Portugal has become a top destination for retirees and remote workers from the United States. Learn more about apostilles for Portugal.
Italy requires an apostilled FBI background check for Elective Residency Visas and citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) applications. Tens of thousands of Americans pursue Italian dual citizenship each year. Learn more about apostilles for Italy.
Germany requires an apostilled FBI background check for work permits, the freelancer visa, EU Blue Card applications, and long-term residency. Germany is one of the top destinations for American professionals moving to Europe.
The UAE requires an apostilled FBI background check for employment visas, residency permits, and Golden Visa applications. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are increasingly popular with American expats and entrepreneurs.
Over 120 countries accept apostilles under the Hague Convention. Popular destinations include South Korea, Japan, France, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Costa Rica. If your destination country is a Hague member, you likely need an apostilled FBI background check.
Get fingerprinted at one of our three Virginia locations in Alexandria, Fredericksburg, or Montclair, Virginia. FBI background check results are available in as low as 30 minutes.
Upload your completed FBI background check through our website, email it, or drop it off in person at our Alexandria office.
We personally walk your documents into the U.S. Department of State. Your apostilled FBI background check is returned with 2-day shipping included in the price.
After you order, you receive tracking texts, emails, and a personal tracking page so you always know exactly where your documents are. You know the ready date as soon as we drop your documents off at the Department of State. No waiting in the dark, no chasing updates. And if anything comes up, you have a dedicated point of contact who can help.
In most cases, yes. Any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention requires federal documents like FBI background checks to carry an apostille for official use. This covers nearly every popular relocation destination in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
7 to 10 business days. We personally walk documents into the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. instead of mailing them. This is the only way to get expedited processing. The standard timeline by mail is 5 to 12 weeks.
Over 120 countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention and accept apostilles on federal documents. The most common destinations for American expats include Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UAE, South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Costa Rica. If you are relocating to a Hague member country, you almost certainly need an apostille.
The FBI background check itself does not have an expiration date, but most countries and consulates require it to be issued within a specific timeframe. This is typically 3 to 6 months before your visa or residency application date. Always confirm the requirement with your destination country's consulate before applying.
If you are in the Washington, D.C. metro area, yes. Get fingerprinted at one of our three Virginia locations, receive your FBI background check (results in as low as 30 minutes), and we begin the apostille process immediately. This is the fastest way to go from fingerprints to apostille.
Yes. If you already have your FBI background check, you can send it to us from anywhere in the world. We handle the apostille and ship it back to you. International shipping is available when the customer provides their own shipping label.
Don't Have Your FBI Background Check Yet?
You do not need to arrive with your FBI background check in hand. We handle the entire process from fingerprints to apostille under one roof. Get fingerprinted at one of our three Virginia locations, receive your results in as low as 30 minutes, and we take it straight to the Department of State.
Book an appointment, get fingerprinted, and walk out. We handle everything from there. Your apostilled FBI background check arrives at your door.
7 to 10 business days. 2-day return shipping included. We walk your documents into the Department of State personally so you do not have to wait months.