FBI Apostille for Expats

FBI Background Check Apostille for Expats Moving Abroad

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.

$120
First Document
7-10
Business Days
Nationwide
Service Area
390+
Five-Star Reviews
FBI Apostille Experts
7 to 10 Business Days
Return Shipping Included
Available Nationwide

Where Expats Need an FBI Apostille

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.

Spain

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

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

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

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.

United Arab Emirates

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.

Other Hague Convention Countries

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 Your FBI Apostille in 3 Steps

1

Get Your FBI Background Check

Get fingerprinted at one of our three DMV locations in Alexandria, Woodbridge, or Fairfax, Virginia. FBI background check results are available in as low as 30 minutes.

2

Send Us Your Background Check

Upload your completed FBI background check through our website, email it, or drop it off in person at our Alexandria office.

3

We Handle Everything

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.

Simple, Transparent Pricing

$120
first document, $95 each additional
  • Personal submission to the U.S. Department of State
  • 7 to 10 business day turnaround
  • 2-day return shipping included
  • Tracking updates throughout the process
  • Up to 10 documents per order
Get Started

Common Questions From Expats

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 DMV 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?

Get It Through Us. Results in 30 Minutes.

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 DMV locations, receive your results in as low as 30 minutes, and we take it straight to the Department of State.

  • FBI Background Check: $95
  • Results in as low as 30 minutes
  • 3 DMV locations: Alexandria, Woodbridge, Fairfax
  • Trained fingerprint technicians at every location
Schedule an Appointment Learn More

Bundle: Fingerprints + Apostille

FBI Background Check$95
Apostille (first document)$120
2-day return shippingIncluded
Total turnaround8 to 11 days

Walk in, get fingerprinted, and walk out. We handle everything from there. Your apostilled FBI background check arrives at your door.

Moving Abroad? Get Your FBI Apostille Now

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.