FBI Fingerprinting for US Citizens Living Abroad
Need an FBI background check from outside the US? You start online and we handle the rest: fingerprinting instructions, FBI submission, apostille, and certified translations on request (quoted individually), for 60+ countries.
⭐ 4.9 Stars | 390+ Google Reviews | Partnered with an FBI-Approved Channeler | Serving 60+ Countries
How It Works: FBI Fingerprinting From Anywhere in the World
Four simple steps. No travel to the US required.
Tell us your country and application type. We confirm exact requirements and provide FD-258 fingerprint cards and instructions.
Visit a local police station for ink fingerprints on FD-258 cards. Mail your completed ink card to us.
We submit your ink card directly to the FBI by mail and coordinate your federal apostille via our DC partner. FBI processing takes 7-9 business days after the FBI receives your card. Add about 10 more business days if you need an apostille.
We deliver your apostilled, translated FBI Identity History Summary — ready to submit to any foreign government or employer.
Who Needs FBI Fingerprinting From Abroad?
Our process is used by US citizens living worldwide who need official FBI background checks for foreign governments, employers, and agencies — without traveling back to the US.
For US or foreign government use — Portugal, Spain, Germany, Italy, and 60+ countries
FBI results authenticated for international use — we coordinate federal apostille via DC partner
Healthcare (DHA, DOH, NMC), education (KHDA), finance — all require FBI clearance
I-800A and I-600A USCIS requirements — both parents need apostilled FBI documents
We work with attorneys handling client FBI submissions — contact us for referral arrangements
Italian, Irish, Portuguese citizenship by descent — all require apostilled FBI background check
Select Your Country: FBI Fingerprinting & Visa Requirements
We serve US citizens in 60+ countries. Select your country for specific requirements, visa types, and what to expect.
Europe
Middle East & Asia
Americas
All of our country guides
Americas: Canada | Mexico | Brazil | Colombia
Europe: Ireland | Netherlands | Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic and Estonia
Asia-Pacific: Japan | New Zealand | Australia | Singapore
Middle East: UAE / Dubai
Helpful guides: FD-258 fingerprint card | What is an FBI-approved Channeler? | FBI background check for immigration | FBI background check for employment
What Are You Applying For?
FBI fingerprinting requirements vary by application type. Here are the most common cases we handle.
- Long-stay visa (D visa)
- Temporary residency
- Permanent residency (PR)
- Golden / Investor Visa
- Citizenship by descent
- Jure sanguinis (Italy, Ireland)
- Naturalization
- Dual citizenship
- EU Blue Card
- Work permit abroad
- Professional licensing
- Government employment
- DHA / DOH (UAE)
- NMC (UK)
- MOH (Saudi Arabia)
- SCFHS licensing
- I-800A (Hague)
- I-600A (non-Hague)
- Home study requirement
- Both parents required
- Employment background check
- International employer
- Volunteer organizations
- Personal records request
After apostille, we can coordinate a certified translation for your destination. Translation is quoted individually, so tell us the language and document before you order.
Our Services at a Glance
Simple, transparent options. Every service can be started online.
| Service | Live Scan (In-Person) | Mail Your Cards | Get Apostille | Get Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FBI Background Check | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| FBI + Federal Apostille | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| FBI + Apostille + Translation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| UAE / Saudi Embassy Legalization (Coordinated for You) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| FBI Processing Time | 7-9 business days after the FBI receives your ink card. Apostille (if needed): about 10 more business days. | |||
Why US Expats in 60+ Countries Choose MR Fingerprints
We submit your completed FD-258 ink card directly to the FBI by mail on your behalf.
FBI processing takes 7-9 business days after the FBI receives your ink card. The apostille adds about 10 more business days.
Trusted by thousands of clients across the US and 60+ countries. Verified Google reviews.
You can start online from anywhere. Mail us your ink card from any country.
US Dept. of State federal apostille — never a state apostille. Correct process every time.
Translation is quoted individually. Tell us the language you need and we will arrange it with your apostilled documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over 350 Reviews of Satisfied Customers
See what US expats around the world say about working with MR Fingerprints.
I was living in Portugal and needed my FBI apostille fast. MR Fingerprints had everything sorted in 2 weeks. Incredible service — couldn’t have done my visa without them.
— Sarah M., LisbonThe team was incredibly helpful with my Italian citizenship by descent application. Hard copy, apostille, and Italian translation — all perfect. My attorney was impressed.
— Michael R., MilanGot my DHA license documentation handled completely. They knew exactly what UAE required and the embassy legalization was done without any issues. Highly recommend.
— Jennifer K., DubaiContact Us to Get Started
Email us your FBI PDF from anywhere in the world and we begin processing the same day.