FBI Fingerprinting for US Citizens
Living in Spain

FBI Fingerprinting in Spain for US Citizens

Living in Spain and need an FBI background check? Whether you’re applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, a Digital Nomad Visa, Spanish residency, or dual citizenship, MR Fingerprints provides FBI-approved Live Scan fingerprinting and ink card services for US citizens in Spain. We serve expats remotely — no trip back to the US required.

Who Needs FBI Fingerprinting for Spain?

US citizens living in Spain are required to submit an FBI background check for a variety of visa and residency purposes.
Common situations include:

Applying for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — Spain requires a clean criminal record certificate, and the FBI background check satisfies the US portion of this requirement
Applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) — remote workers and freelancers must submit FBI fingerprints as part of the application package
Applying for Spain's Golden Visa — investors purchasing property or making qualifying investments must submit background documentation
Renewing your Residencia or Tarjeta de Residencia — Spanish immigration authorities require a fresh FBI check (valid only 90 days) at renewal

Applying for Spanish citizenship or naturalization — long-term residents on the path to a Spanish passport need FBI clearance
Employment background checks — US companies, government contractors, and regulated industries operating in Spain often require periodic FBI checks
Teaching abroad — international schools in Spain and the Ministry of Education programs require FBI fingerprinting for foreign educators
International adoption — US families adopting through Spanish channels require FBI clearance as part of the home study process

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

This is one of the most common misconceptions among Americans living in Spain. The Embassy 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.

Spain Visa and Residency Requirements:
What You Need to Know

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most common route for retirees, passive income earners, and Americans who want to live in Spain without working. The Spanish Consulate requires a US criminal background check issued by the FBI and authenticated with an apostille. The background check must be dated within 90 days of your application. MR Fingerprints provides the FD-258 ink cards and Live Scan prints needed to obtain this check.

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023 under the Startup Act, allows remote workers and freelancers earning income from outside Spain to live and work legally in the country. As part of the application, applicants must submit an FBI background check. The same 90-day validity window applies. Our fingerprint service is ideal for applicants already living in Spain who cannot easily travel to Los Angeles.

Golden Visa

American investors purchasing real estate (minimum €500,000) or making other qualifying investments in Spain can apply for the Spanish Golden Visa. The application requires a background check from every country where the applicant has lived for the past five years. For most US citizens, this means an FBI background check with apostille.

Spanish Residency Renewal

If you are renewing your temporary or permanent residency (Tarjeta de Residencia), Spanish immigration may request an updated FBI background check. Note that FBI background checks carry a strict 90-day validity window for Spanish immigration purposes.

Spanish Citizenship / Naturalization

After 10 years of legal residency (or 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal), US citizens can apply for Spanish nationality. The naturalization process requires an FBI background check, apostilled and accompanied by a certified Spanish translation.

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 Spain. 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 notary, gestoría, or police station in Spain that provides ink fingerprinting. Legible, complete prints are critical — illegible cards are the #1 reason for FBI rejections.

3. Mail your completed fingerprint cards back to MR Fingerprints. We provide a pre-addressed return envelope. Use a trackable international courier (DHL, FedEx, or Correos International) for peace of mind.

4. We submit your prints to the FBI through our certified channeler process. Standard processing takes approximately 6–8 weeks. Expedited options are available. We will notify you once your results are received.

5. Obtain an apostille on your FBI background check. For Spanish visa and residency applications, your FBI background check must be apostilled through the US Department of State. We can guide you through this process or connect you with an apostille service.

6. Submit your apostilled background check with your visa or residency application. For some visa types, you will also need a certified Spanish translation (traducción jurada). Your immigration lawyer or gestoría in Spain can arrange this.

Pro tip: FBI background checks are only valid for 90 days for Spanish immigration purposes. Start the fingerprinting process as early as possible to avoid delays.

In-Person Fingerprinting

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 — the most accurate method available

Turnaround: Same-week appointments available

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

Address: Downtown Los Angeles

Ideal if you’re already traveling back to the US for any reason

Contact Us for Faster Expedited Service

Expedited service range from 1 – 7 Days

We Serve US Citizens Across All of Spain

No matter where you are based in Spain, our fingerprinting services reaches you. We regularly serve American expats in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Marbella, Alicante, Bilbao, San Sebastián, Palma de Mallorca, Granada, Murcia, and the Costa del Sol. Whether you are in a major city or a smaller town in rural Andalusia or Catalonia, 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 Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?

Yes. The Spanish Consulate requires a criminal background check issued by the FBI as part of the Non-Lucrative Visa application. The background check must be dated within 90 days of your visa application and must be apostilled. A certified Spanish translation (traducción jurada) is also required. MR Fingerprints provides the FD-258 ink cards needed to request your FBI background check.

Can I get fingerprinted at the US Embassy in Spain?

No. The US Embassy and US Consulates in Spain do not provide fingerprinting services for FBI background check purposes. You must use an FBI-approved channeler or submit your ink fingerprint cards directly to the FBI. MR Fingerprints is an FBI-approved service provider and can process your fingerprints for the FBI Identity History Summary.

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

For Spanish visa and residency purposes, FBI background checks are generally considered valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This is one of the strictest validity windows in Europe — plan your fingerprinting well in advance, especially if you are using a mail-in kit from Spain, to account for international shipping time.

Do my fingerprints need to be on FD-258 cards for Spain?

Yes. The FBI requires fingerprints to be submitted on standard FD-258 fingerprint cards. Live Scan digital prints can also be accepted if submitted through an approved channeler. MR Fingerprints offers both options. Our mail-in kit includes authentic FD-258 cards, and our Los Angeles location offers Live Scan for expats visiting the US.

Why are my fingerprints rejected by the FBI?

The most common reason for FBI fingerprint rejection is illegible or incomplete prints — smudged ink, insufficient ridge detail, or missing fingers. This is far more common with DIY ink fingerprinting than with professional Live Scan. If your prints are rejected, you will need to resubmit new cards, which adds weeks to your timeline. MR Fingerprints includes detailed instructions with every mail-in kit to minimize rejection rates. Re-print services are also available.

Do I need an apostille on my FBI background check for Spain?

Yes. For Spanish visa, residency, and citizenship applications, your FBI Identity History Summary (background check) must be apostilled through the US Department of State. Spain is a member of the Hague Convention and accepts apostilles. Once you receive your FBI results, you submit them to the US Department of State for apostille processing. MR Fingerprints can guide you through this step.

How do I get fingerprinted for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa?

The process is the same as for the Non-Lucrative Visa. You must submit an FBI background check, apostilled, along with your DNV application. Order a mail-in fingerprint kit from MR Fingerprints, complete your FD-258 cards, return them for FBI submission, then apostille the results. Allow at least 8–12 weeks total for the full process including shipping and FBI processing time.

How long does FBI fingerprinting take for expats in Spain?

Total timeline for US expats in Spain: 1–2 weeks for kit delivery to Spain, 1–2 weeks to return completed cards, 6–8 weeks for FBI processing (standard), plus 2–6 weeks for apostille. Plan for 12–16 weeks total from ordering your kit to having an apostilled background check in hand. Expedited FBI processing options are available and can reduce the FBI portion to 3–4 weeks.

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 Portugal
[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.

Why Choose Mr. Fingerprints

Navigating Spanish visa requirements is stressful enough without worrying about your fingerprints. MR Fingerprints handles the FBI submission process for you — fast, accurately, and with real human support if you have questions.

Located in downtown Los Angeles, we serve US expats in Spain and worldwide.

FBI Fingerprinting for US Citizens Living in Spain