FBI background check fingerprinting in Madrid.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our pricing is transparent: FBI Fingerprinting in Madrid is $85, the FBI Online Registration is $18 (paid by you directly to the FBI), the FBI Apostille is $150, 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.

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.

Please forward us the email confirmation that you have completed the FBI's online request and paid the $18 fee. The appointment itself takes about 30 minutes. Aside from that, nothing.

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

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.

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