The FBI document rules change with your visa purpose and the Spanish consulate handling your application. Start with the correct checklist before ordering a translation.
Use an available FBI or approved channeler route. Our in-person FBI check is available at its Virginia locations.
The FBI report is a federal document. Submit it for a U.S. Department of State apostille; a state apostille is not the route for this document.
Check the current instructions for your purpose and filing authority before ordering translation of the FBI report or apostille page.
For Washington non-lucrative, telework, and study applications, the published instructions call for an FBI check with a federal apostille. The FBI check needs an accepted Spanish translation; the Washington instructions say the apostille page does not need translation.
The checked Washington non-lucrative and telework instructions use a six-month FBI issuance window. Do not apply a blanket 90-day rule to Spain. Check the current instructions for your purpose and filing post.
These sources were checked October 6, 2026. Requirements may change, and your filing post can add instructions.
Order the federal apostille for your FBI report. If your filing post requires a translation, confirm its exact scope before you buy.