Madrid · By appointment

FBI background check fingerprinting in Madrid.

We handle your FBI Background Check, Apostille, and Sworn Translation. Start to finish.

Book an appointment See how it works

Our services

Three services, one seamless process.

We take FBI (FD-258) ink fingerprints at our Madrid office — Paseo de las Delicias 30, Planta 2 — Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00, by appointment. Fingerprints are express-shipped to the FBI in the U.S., and we can also arrange the apostille and sworn translation, start to finish. FBI fingerprinting is $85.

FBI Fingerprinting

We take two sets of ink fingerprints in person and express ship them to the FBI office in the U.S. Book an appointment below to get the process started.

Apostille of the FBI check

Once your background check comes back from the FBI, we drop off your background check at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC for expedited processing.

Sworn translation

Once the FBI background check is apostilled, we will have the document translated by our sworn translator officially recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How it works

From your first fingerprint appointment,
to a Spanish-ready document.

We guide you through every step of the process. Quick, clear, efficient, guaranteed.

How to get fingerprinted (in Spain) for your FBI background check

01

Book fingerprint appointment

Fill out our contact form to schedule a time to come have your fingerprints taken in Madrid (we are only available in Madrid).

~2 min
02

Fingerprints captured in Madrid

Visit our Madrid office on your appointment date to have your fingerprints taken.

~30 min
03

Receive FBI background check PDF

Once the prints are processed by the FBI, you will be able to access your background check PDF online.

Approx. 1 week

How to get your FBI background check apostille & translation

01

Apostille pick up & drop off

We cover the apostille fee and handle the drop-off and pick-up of your FBI background check at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Approx. 10 business days
02

Sworn translation

Your documents will be translated by a a sworn translator registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC).

2–3 days
03

Send documents

Depending on what you need, we will send you the digital copy, or the digital and physical copies of the FBI background check, apostille, and sworn translations.

Immediate - 1 week

Pricing

Transparent Pricing.

1

FBI Fingerprints

Fingerprints are taken with ink at our Madrid office by appointment only. Our service includes:

  • Two complete sets of fingerprints and forms
  • FBI registration fee ($18)
  • UPS expedited shipping from Spain to the FBI office in the U.S.
3–4 business days after FBI receives prints
€105
2

FBI Expedited Apostille

We handle your FBI background check apostille. Our service includes:

  • Completed apostille request forms
  • U.S. Sec of State apostille fee ($20)
  • Pick up and drop off of the background check at the U.S. Sec of State office
  • A digital copy of the FBI background check with apostille

If you need the physical copy, we can arrange shipping for an additional fee.*

10 business days from drop off
€135
3

Sworn Translation

All Spanish immigration and most official procedures require a sworn translation.

  • Our €50 fee covers a standard 2-page FBI apostille. If your background check is longer (e.g. it includes a criminal record), the fee increases based on the extra pages.
  • A digital copy is included in the service.

If you need the physical copy, we can arrange shipping for an additional fee.*

2–3 business days
€50

*Additional fee for delivery of physical documents is €50 for international shipping and €10 for domestic shipping.

Contact

Book an appointment
or ask a question.

Tell us what you need and we'll come back to you with a quote and the next available appointment, usually within one working day.

Request an appointment

We'll confirm your slot and send joining instructions within one working day.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

I already have my FBI background check — can you do just the apostille and sworn translation?

Yes. If you already have a recent FBI background check (PDF), we can handle the apostille at the U.S. Department of State and the sworn translation in Spain. Just email us the PDF of your background check and we'll take it from there.

Do I have to come to Madrid in person?

Only if you want us to take your fingerprints. Everything else (apostille, sworn translation) is handled remotely. If you're in Spain, some local police stations will take your fingerprints for free. Unfortunately, this can be hit or miss — some stations will make you wait, or won't take them at all. It really depends on the station and the employees working there.

How long does the whole process take?

From your fingerprinting appointment in Madrid, expect roughly 1–3 weeks for the FBI to process and return your background check, around 2 weeks for the apostille at the U.S. Department of State, and 2–3 days for the sworn translation. Total turnaround is typically about 4 weeks end to end.

Is the FBI apostille valid in Spain?

Yes. The apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, which both the U.S. and Spain are party to. Once apostilled and accompanied by a sworn translation, the document is accepted by Spanish consulates, immigration offices and other Spanish authorities.

Do I need a sworn translation of my FBI background check?

For most Spanish visa and residency applications, yes. Spanish authorities generally require a sworn translation ("traducción jurada") performed by a translator registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC). We arrange this as part of the standard service.

How recent does my FBI background check need to be?

Most Spanish consulates and immigration offices require the FBI background check to be no older than 6 months on the day you submit your application. However, some consulates still enforce the 3 month rule, so it's always best to check.

How much does the full service cost?

Our pricing is transparent: FBI Fingerprints in Madrid is €105 (including the $18 FBI registration fee and UPS expedited shipping), the FBI Expedited Apostille is €135, and the Sworn Translation is €50 for a standard 2-page FBI report. This includes a digital copy. If you need physical copies mailed to you, there will be an extra fee. See the pricing section for full details.

Can you ship the documents to me in the U.S. or in Spain?

Yes. We deliver the digital copies by email and ship physical copies to any address in Spain or the U.S. Shipping costs are added to your quote based on destination.

What do I need to bring to my fingerprinting appointment?

All you need to bring is an ID.

Do you offer FBI fingerprinting outside of Madrid?

Not at the moment. In-person ink fingerprinting is currently only available at our Madrid office.

Why ink fingerprints and not digital?

The FBI only accepts background check requests from outside the U.S. on physical fingerprint cards taken with ink. Digital prints (Live Scan) are not accepted by mail, so traditional ink prints are the standard approach for applicants based in Spain.

Can the FBI background check be used for more than one Spanish application?

Generally yes, as long as the document is still within the validity window required by the receiving authority.

Resources

Guides for the
FBI check & apostille process.

Full guides that walk you through the FBI request process in Spain or from the U.S.

FBI Check

FBI Background Check from Spain

How to get your FBI background check while living in Spain — so your documents arrive valid and ready for your visa appointment.

Read more

FBI Apostille

Background Check Apostille

Step-by-step guide to getting the Apostille on your FBI check from the U.S. Department of State — including expedited option.

Read more

Register Online

Register for FBI Background Check (Outside of U.S.)

How to submit and pay for your FBI background check request directly on the FBI website before sending in your fingerprints.

Read more

FBI Check

FBI Background Check in the U.S.

The fastest way to secure a background check in the U.S. is to use a FBI-approved channeler and have your fingerprints taken digitally (called Live Scan) at a location near your home.

Read more