Migrating to Portugal: FBI Background Check and Apostille

Frequently Asked Questions About FBI Background Check and Apostille for Portugal

Do I really need an FBI background check to move to Portugal?

Yes. For most long-term visas, residency permits, or citizenship routes in Portugal (including the D7 and other stay-over visas), authorities require an official FBI Identity History Summary Check to verify your criminal record. This is clearly stated by Portuguese consulates and is consistent with the requirements described on this page for “migrating to Portugal”. Our Los Angeles office helps you obtain the correct FBI report that Portuguese immigration will accept.

Why do I also need an apostille on my FBI background check?

Portugal is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, which means foreign public documents must carry an apostille to be legally recognized. After your FBI background check is issued, it must be authenticated with an apostille from the U.S. Department of State so that Portuguese immigration offices and SEF/AG authorities can accept it. Without this apostille, your FBI report is usually treated as incomplete and may delay or block your application.

How does the process work if I’m living in Los Angeles or nearby?

If you are in the Los Angeles area, we can collect your fingerprints locally (either in office or via mobile fingerprinting at your home or workplace), submit them electronically to an approved FBI channeler, and then handle the apostille process for you. This “one-stop” approach—fingerprinting, FBI background check, and U.S. apostille—matches the workflow already described on this page and helps busy professionals avoid mailing delays or multiple appointments.

How long does it take to get my FBI background check and apostille for Portugal?

In many cases, we can obtain your official FBI background check within about 24 hours after your fingerprints are submitted through an authorized channeler. The apostille from the U.S. Department of State generally takes several additional business days, depending on federal processing times and shipping. These timeframes match what we explain in the main article and reflect current, real-world turnaround times our Los Angeles clients experience.

Do I have to visit your Los Angeles office in person?

Not necessarily. Many clients choose our mobile fingerprinting services, where we come to your home, office, or law firm in the greater Los Angeles area to roll your fingerprints. From there, we coordinate the FBI background check request and manage the apostille by mail and courier, so you can complete the entire process with minimal disruption to your schedule.

Can I use an FBI background check I already have for my Portugal application?

Sometimes. Portugal and many consulates require that your FBI background check be recent (often issued within the last 90 days, though you should confirm with your specific consulate). If your report is older or was not properly apostilled, we recommend obtaining a fresh FBI Identity History Summary and a new apostille to avoid delays or rejections. We can quickly help you determine whether your existing report is still valid and, if not, start a new request from Los Angeles.

Can you help if I’m outside California but need an FBI check and apostille for Portugal?

Yes. Many clients who are moving to Portugal contact us while traveling or living outside California. As long as your fingerprints can be taken on an approved card or through an authorized collection site, we can still coordinate the FBI background check and complete the apostille process through our Los Angeles office. This centralized handling is often faster and more reliable than trying to piece together services in multiple locations.