Do I need an FBI background check for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?

Yes. The Spanish Consulate requires a criminal background check issued by the FBI, apostilled, dated within 90 days of application.

Can I get fingerprinted at the US Embassy in Spain?

No. The US Embassy and Consulates in Spain do not provide FBI fingerprinting services. You must use an FBI-approved channeler like MR Fingerprints.

FBI Fingerprinting for US Citizens
Living in Portugal

FBI Fingerprinting in Portugal for US Citizens

Living in Portugal and need an FBI background check? Whether you’re applying for a D7 Passive Income Visa, a D8 Digital Nomad Visa, a Golden Visa, or Portuguese residency renewal through AIMA, MR Fingerprints provides FBI-approved Live Scan fingerprinting and ink card services for US citizens in Portugal. We handle the entire process — fingerprinting, FBI submission, apostille coordination, and certified Portuguese translation — so you can focus on your move. Our mail-in fingerprint kit ships directly to your address in Portugal. No trip back to the US required.

MR Fingerprints: Your Complete Portugal FBI Fingerprinting Solution

We are one of the few US-based fingerprinting providers that handles every step of the process for Portugal under one roof:

✅ FBI-approved Live Scan fingerprinting (in-person, Los Angeles)
✅ FD-258 ink card mail-in kit — ships to any address in Portugal
✅ FBI Identity History Summary submission and processing
✅ US Department of State apostille coordination
✅ Certified Portuguese translation by accredited translators

No coordinating between multiple vendors. One provider, one process, full support.

Who Needs FBI Fingerprinting for Portugal?

US citizens living in or relocating to Portugal are required to submit an FBI background check for a wide range of visa, residency, and legal purposes. Common situations include:

Applying for the D7 Passive Income Visa (Retirement Visa) — Portugal requires an FBI background check, apostilled and translated into Portuguese, as a mandatory part of the D7 application
Applying for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa — remote workers and freelancers must submit FBI fingerprints as part of their application package to the Portuguese consulate
Applying for the Portugal Golden Visa — investors making qualifying fund contributions or other eligible investments must provide a federal FBI background check, not a state-level report
Applying for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa — Americans launching a business in Portugal must submit FBI clearance as part of their business immigration documentation
Employment background checks — regulated industries including healthcare, education, finance, and security require periodic FBI checks for US citizens working in Portugal

AIMA residency appointments and renewals — Portugal's immigration authority (AIMA, formerly SEF) requires updated FBI documentation at residency appointments and renewals
Applying for Portuguese citizenship or naturalization — under Portugal's updated nationality law (Law No. 61/2025), US citizens now need 10 years of legal residency before applying; a clean FBI background check is required at the time of application
Partner Visa / Family Reunification — Americans joining a Portuguese citizen or EU national partner in Portugal may be required to submit FBI clearance as part of the family reunification process
Marriage in Portugal — some Portuguese civil registry offices require an FBI background check for foreign nationals marrying in Portugal
International adoption — US families adopting through Portuguese channels require FBI clearance as part of the home study and USCIS approval process

Important: The US Embassy and Consulates in Portugal do NOT provide FBI fingerprinting services

This is one of the most common misconceptions among Americans moving to Portugal. The US Embassy in Lisbon cannot process your fingerprints for FBI background check purposes. You must use an FBI-approved channeler — like MR Fingerprints — to submit your fingerprints directly to the FBI. Additionally, note that AIMA (Portugal's immigration authority, which replaced SEF in October 2023) strictly enforces document completeness — incomplete or incorrectly apostilled applications are rejected outright under the zero-defect standard introduced in April 2025. Getting your FBI documentation right the first time is more critical than ever.

Portugal Visa and Residency Requirements:
What You Need to Know

D7 Passive Income Visa
(Retirement Visa)

The D7 visa is Portugal's most popular route for retirees, pension recipients, and Americans with passive income — dividends, rental income, or investments. It requires proof of a clean criminal record from the FBI, apostilled by the US Department of State, and translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. The background check must be issued within 3 months (90 days) of your application submission. MR Fingerprints handles fingerprinting, FBI submission, apostille coordination, and certified Portuguese translation as a complete package.

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal's Digital Nomad Visa (D8) was introduced in 2022 and is now one of the most popular routes for remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Portugal. Applicants must meet a minimum income threshold (approximately €2,800/month as of 2025) and submit an FBI background check, apostilled and translated into Portuguese. The same 90-day validity window applies. Our mail-in kit is the most practical option for applicants already based in Portugal.

Golden Visa

The Portuguese Golden Visa — now focused on qualifying fund investments and other non-real-estate routes since the real estate option closed in 2023 — requires an FBI background check as part of the application. For US citizens who have lived in multiple countries, Portugal may also require criminal clearance from each country where you resided for more than one year. AIMA processes Golden Visa applications, and backlogs remain significant — starting your FBI documentation early is essential.

D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Americans relocating to Portugal to launch or acquire a business apply through the D2 Entrepreneur Visa. The application requires an FBI background check, apostilled and translated into Portuguese. The D2 carries stricter scrutiny than passive income routes — your documentation must be complete and correctly authenticated. MR Fingerprints provides the FD-258 cards or Live Scan prints required to initiate your FBI submission.

AIMA Residency Appointments
and Renewals

Once you arrive in Portugal on a long-stay visa, you must attend an AIMA appointment within 120 days to convert your visa into a residence permit. AIMA requires biometrics, photo, and a clean criminal record check. At residency renewals (every 2 years initially, then 3-year renewals), AIMA may request updated FBI documentation. Plan ahead — AIMA appointment slots are in high demand and wait times can be significant.

Portuguese Citizenship / Naturalization

Under Portugal's revised nationality law (Law No. 61/2025), US citizens now need a minimum of 10 years of legal residency before applying for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization (reduced to 7 years for CPLP country nationals). At the point of citizenship application, you must demonstrate a clean criminal record — a current FBI background check, apostilled and translated into Portuguese. MR Fingerprints can provide the fingerprinting and full document package when you reach this milestone.

Partner Visa / Family Reunification

Americans joining a Portuguese citizen partner or qualifying family member may apply for the Partner Visa or Family Reunification route. Depending on your specific situation and the processing consulate, an FBI background check may be required. The document must be apostilled and, in most cases, translated into Portuguese. Contact us if you are unsure whether your specific application requires FBI clearance — we are happy to help you confirm the requirements with your immigration lawyer or gestoría.

Certified Portuguese Translation —
Included in Our Service

Portugal is one of the few countries that strictly requires foreign official documents — including FBI background checks — to be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator before submission to AIMA or the Portuguese consulate. A bilingual friend, a generic translation app, or an uncertified translation will not be accepted.

MR Fingerprints provides certified Portuguese translation of your FBI Identity History Summary by accredited translators. Our translations meet the requirements of Portuguese consulates and AIMA and are delivered alongside your apostilled document as a complete, submission-ready package.

Step 1 — Fingerprinting

FBI-approved Live Scan or FD-258 ink cards

Mail-in kit to Portugal or in-person in LA

Near-zero rejection rate with Live Scan

Step 2 — Apostille

US Dept. of State federal apostille

Required for all Portuguese visa types

Portugal is a Hague Convention member

Step 3 — Portuguese Translation

Certified translation by accredited translators

Meets AIMA and consulate standards

Delivered with apostilled document

Our process is simple & quick!

1. Order your mail-in fingerprint kit from MR Fingerprints. We ship FD-258 standard fingerprint cards directly to your address in Portugal. International delivery typically takes 7–14 business days via tracked shipping.

2. Complete your fingerprints. Use our detailed instructions to complete your ink fingerprint cards at home, or take them to a local police station (esquadra de polícia) in Portugal — many will assist with foreign fingerprint cards. Legible, complete prints are critical — illegible cards are the #1 reason for FBI rejections. For the highest accuracy, visit our Los Angeles location for Live Scan fingerprinting if you are traveling back to the US.

3. Mail your completed fingerprint cards back to MR Fingerprints. Use a trackable international courier — DHL, FedEx, or CTT International with tracking. Allow 7–14 business days for return delivery.

4. We submit your prints to the FBI. Once we receive your cards, we submit them through our FBI-approved channeler process. Standard processing takes 6–8 weeks. Expedited options are available.

5. Receive your FBI Identity History Summary. We forward your results promptly once received from the FBI. You will receive both a paper original and a PDF copy.

6. We coordinate your US Department of State apostille. Your FBI background check is a federal document and must be apostilled at the federal level — not the state level. MR Fingerprints coordinates the apostille process on your behalf, or provides clear guidance if you prefer to handle this step directly. Standard apostille processing takes 6–8 weeks; expedited options are available.

7. We provide your certified Portuguese translation. Once your apostilled document is ready, our accredited translators produce the certified Portuguese translation required by AIMA and Portuguese consulates. Your complete package — apostilled original plus certified translation — is delivered to you ready for submission.

8. Submit your complete package with your visa or AIMA application. For most Portuguese visa types, you will submit the original apostilled FBI document and the certified translation. Confirm exact requirements with your Portuguese consulate or immigration attorney.

Pro tip: The 90-day validity clock starts from the date the FBI issues your background check — not from when you start the process. Begin fingerprinting at least 5–6 months before your planned submission date to comfortably account for shipping, FBI processing, apostille, and translation time.

In-Person vs. Mail-In Fingerprinting: Which Is Right for You?

MR Fingerprints offers two options depending on your situation:

✈️ In-Person (Visiting Los Angeles)

Best for: Expats traveling to the US or Southern California residents

Technology: Live Scan digital fingerprinting — highest accuracy available

Turnaround: Same-week appointments available

Rejection rate: Near-zero — Live Scan virtually eliminates illegible prints

Address: Downtown Los Angeles

Ideal if you have a US trip planned — knock out fingerprinting in one visit

📬 Mail-In Kit (From Spain)

Best for: US expats living anywhere in Portugal

Cards: FD-258 standard ink fingerprint cards, accepted by the FBI

Kit shipped to: Your address in Portugal

Return: Mail completed cards back with any trackable courier

Turnaround: Allow 2–4 weeks for international round-trip delivery

Includes full instructions — no fingerprinting experience needed

Contact Us for Faster Expedited Service

Expedited service range from 1 – 7 Days

We Serve US Citizens Across All of Portugal

No matter where you are based in Portugal, our mail-in fingerprint kit reaches you. We regularly serve American expats in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve (Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Vilamoura), Cascais, Sintra, Setúbal, Braga, Coimbra, Évora, Funchal (Madeira), and the Azores. Whether you are in a major city center, a coastal town on the Algarve, or a rural quinta in the Alentejo, the process is the same — we ship to you, and you ship back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an FBI background check for a Portugal D7 visa?

Yes. The Portuguese consulate requires an FBI background check — officially known as the FBI Identity History Summary — as a mandatory part of the D7 Passive Income Visa application. The document must be issued within 90 days of your application, apostilled by the US Department of State, and accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation. MR Fingerprints handles all three steps as a complete service package.

Does the FBI background check need to be translated into Portuguese?

Yes. Portugal requires that all foreign official documents submitted to AIMA or the Portuguese consulate — including FBI background checks — be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. A standard or uncertified translation will not be accepted. MR Fingerprints provides certified Portuguese translation of your FBI Identity History Summary, delivered alongside your apostilled document as a submission-ready package.

What is AIMA and why does it matter for my FBI background check?

AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) is Portugal’s immigration authority, created in October 2023 when it replaced SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). AIMA handles all residency permits, renewals, and immigration appointments in Portugal. Since April 2025, AIMA enforces a zero-defect standard — applications with missing or incorrectly authenticated documents are rejected outright. Your FBI background check must be properly apostilled and translated into Portuguese before your AIMA appointment. Getting this right the first time is essential.

How long is an FBI background check valid for Portuguese immigration?

For Portuguese visa and AIMA applications, FBI background checks must generally be issued within 90 days (3 months) of your application submission date. This is one of the stricter validity windows in Europe. Because the full process — fingerprinting, FBI processing, apostille, and certified translation — can take 12–18 weeks in total at standard speed, you should start the fingerprinting process as early as possible.

Can I get fingerprinted at the US Embassy in Portugal?

No. The US Embassy in Lisbon and the US Consulates in Portugal do not provide FBI fingerprinting services for background check purposes. You must use an FBI-approved channeler. MR Fingerprints is an FBI-approved service and can process your fingerprints for the FBI Identity History Summary — either through our mail-in kit program or at our downtown Los Angeles location.

Does the FBI background check need an apostille for Portugal?

Yes. Portugal is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Your FBI background check is a federal document and must be apostilled by the US Department of State — not by any state government office. This is a common mistake: state-level apostilles are not valid for federal FBI documents. MR Fingerprints coordinates the federal apostille process on your behalf.

How long does the full FBI fingerprinting process take for Portugal?

Plan for a total of 12–18 weeks from ordering your fingerprint kit to having a fully apostilled and translated document in hand. This includes: 1–2 weeks for kit delivery to Portugal, 1–2 weeks for return shipping, 6–8 weeks for FBI processing (standard), 6–8 weeks for apostille (standard), plus translation time. Expedited FBI and apostille options can reduce the total to 6–9 weeks. Always start early — the 90-day validity window begins the moment the FBI issues your report.

Do I need FBI fingerprinting for Portuguese citizenship?

Yes. Under Portugal’s revised nationality law (Law No. 61/2025), US citizens must complete 10 years of legal residency before applying for citizenship by naturalization. At the time of your citizenship application, you must submit a current FBI background check demonstrating a clean criminal record, apostilled and translated into Portuguese. MR Fingerprints can provide the complete fingerprinting and documentation package at this stage of your journey.

Can MR Fingerprints handle everything — fingerprinting, apostille, and translation?

Yes. MR Fingerprints is one of the few US-based providers that handles the complete process for Portugal under one roof. We provide FBI-approved fingerprinting (Live Scan in-person or mail-in FD-258 kit), coordinate the US Department of State apostille on your behalf, and deliver a certified Portuguese translation of your FBI Identity History Summary — all as a complete, submission-ready package. Contact us to get started.

Other Countries We Serve

MR Fingerprints provides FBI fingerprinting services for US citizens living in countries around the world. See our other country pages:

Fingerprinting for US Citizens in Spain
[Link: Fingerprinting for US Citizens in Mexico]
[Link: Fingerprinting for US Citizens in Germany]
[Link: Fingerprinting for US Citizens in the United Kingdom]
[Link: Fingerprinting for US Citizens in the UAE / Dubai]
[Link: Fingerprinting for US Citizens in Canada]
[Link: Fingerprinting for US Citizens in Australia]
[Link: FBI Fingerprinting for International Adoption]
[Link: All US Citizens Abroad — Fingerprinting Services Hub]

Don’t see your country? We serve US citizens worldwide. Contact us and we’ll walk you through the process for your specific location.

Trusted for Live Scan Fingerprinting in Los Angeles

Our customers share their experience.

4.9

Based on 269 reviews

review us on

Winner N.

21:05 11 Feb 26

The service is very good, welcoming and efficient

Ivan H.

19:55 09 Jan 26

Professional, cordial, pleasant and efficient. If you need these services, great choice!

Avila R.

06:56 28 Dec 25

Their live fingerprint scanning services are truly impressive and inspire immediate confidence. The facility is modern, well-equipped, and designed to ensure that every fingerprinting requirement is handled with accuracy, efficiency, and care. From start to finish, the process feels seamless and professionally managed. In addition, their FBI background check services are extremely reliable and convenient, making them an excellent choice for individuals and organizations that require thorough and trustworthy verification. Overall, this company stands out for its high standards, advanced capabilities, and exceptional service in this specialized field.

A. Jay A.

14:44 04 Dec 25

Everything about our experience being fingerprinted for our visa application went as we might have hoped: quick, easy, and professional, Mauricio was informative and helpful and a pleasure to converse with.

martin V.

04:52 15 Nov 25

The gentleman that assisted me with my fingerprints was very professional and quick with getting me taken care of right away. Great people skills and was pleasant. I would recommend this location to others. Thank you for your service sir and for valuing my time, i appreciate that the most!

Dong L.

20:12 07 Oct 25

I came to Mr. Fingerprints for my FBI background check, and it was an excellent experience from start to finish! The business owner was extremely attentive and handled everything with great care and professionalism. The whole process was smooth, fast, and very well organized. I truly felt welcomed — the environment was warm and comfortable, almost like home. Highly recommend this place to anyone who needs fingerprinting or background check services!

Partner With a Trusted Live Scan Provider in Los Angeles

We work with law firms, schools, agencies, and healthcare providers to deliver fast, accurate fingerprinting for their clients and staff.

Ready to Get Started? We Handle Everything.

Getting your FBI background check for Portugal doesn’t have to be complicated — but it does require getting the details right. Incorrect apostilles, missing translations, and illegible fingerprints are the three most common reasons Portuguese consulate and AIMA applications get delayed or rejected. MR Fingerprints eliminates all three risks.

We handle fingerprinting, FBI submission, apostille coordination, and certified Portuguese translation — start to finish, under one roof, from anywhere in Portugal.

FBI Fingerprinting for US Citizens Living in Portugal