FBI background check fingerprinting in Madrid.
We handle your FBI Background Check, Apostille, and Sworn Translation. Start to finish.
Our services
Three services, one seamless process.
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.
Book an appointment-
Fingerprints captured in Madrid
~30 minWe take your fingerprints at our Madrid office.
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Receive FBI background check PDF
Approx. 1 weekThe FBI processes your prints and you can download your background check.
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Apostille pick up & drop off
10 business daysWe handle the apostille at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
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Sworn translation
2–3 daysYour documents are translated by a MAEC sworn translator. Sworn translations are produced by a translator certified by the MAEC, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They are valid for all immigration and other official procedures in Spain.
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Send documents
Immediate – 1 weekDigital copies, plus physical copies if you need them.
FBI Services Timeline
FBI background check
~1 weekWe take your prints and express ship them to the FBI. Once they're processed, your background check PDF is available online.
Apostille
~10 business daysWe fill out your apostille request forms, pay the $20 apostille fee, and drop off and pick up your FBI background check in person. Then we email you a digital copy of your apostilled background check.
Sworn translation
2–3 daysA sworn translator registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) translates your documents. Your digital copies are sent as soon as it's done.
Shipping
~1 weekWe ship your physical documents to you. You can also pick up your documents at our Madrid office at your leisure.
Typical times. FBI and U.S. Department of State processing times can vary.
Pricing
Transparent Pricing.
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.
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.*
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.*
*Additional fee for delivery of physical documents is €50 for international shipping and €10 for domestic shipping.
Prices do not include 21% EU Value Added Tax (VAT).
Book an appointment
Book your fingerprint appointment online.
- 1Choose your services
- 2Pick an appointment time at our Madrid office
- 3Complete the intake form for your FBI registration
Have a question?
We'll get back to you within one working day.
Prefer email? info@blueprint-spain.com
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?
After your fingerprinting appointment in Madrid, the FBI typically takes about a week to process and return your background check. The apostille from the U.S. Department of State takes around two weeks, and the sworn translation another two to three days. End to end, plan on roughly four weeks.
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 about getting an FBI background check from SpainFBI 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 about the FBI background check apostilleRegister 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 about registering for an FBI background check from outside the U.S.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 about getting an FBI background check in the U.S.