The NLV is Spain's most popular residency route for retirees and the financially independent. One required document trips people up: the apostilled FBI background check. Here is how that step works, and how to get it in 7 to 10 business days.
The Non-Lucrative Visa lets you live in Spain without working, on proof of sufficient funds. Alongside your financial evidence, health insurance, and medical certificate, Spain requires a criminal background check covering the last five years. For Americans, that is the FBI Identity History Summary, and it must carry an apostille from the U.S. Department of State. It is a federal document, so only the Department of State can apostille it. Your state cannot.
Most Spanish consulates require the FBI background check to be issued within 90 days of your appointment, and after the apostille you still need a sworn Spanish translation. If you mail your check to the Department of State yourself, the 5 to 12 week timeline can eat your entire window. We walk documents in personally and return the apostille in 7 to 10 business days, so the clock stays on your side.
Upload it to our apostille order form. We apostille it and ship it back in 7 to 10 business days.
Get fingerprinted (livescan in Virginia, or an FD-258 card mailed in from anywhere for $95), get your result, then apostille it.
Yes. The Non-Lucrative Visa requires a criminal background check covering the last five years. For Americans this is the FBI Identity History Summary, apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
No. The FBI background check is a federal document, so only the U.S. Department of State can apostille it. A state Secretary of State apostille will be rejected.
Most consulates require it issued within 90 days of your appointment, though some allow up to six months. Plan for 90 days. Our 7 to 10 business day apostille protects that window.
Yes. Spain requires a sworn translation (traducción jurada) of the apostilled FBI background check into Spanish. Apostille first, then translate.
7 to 10 business days, federal apostille, return shipping included. We protect your 90-day window.