If you’re claiming a second citizenship, whether through a parent or grandparent, through marriage or after years of living abroad, there’s a good chance you’ll be asked for your FBI background check somewhere along the way. Usually it has to be apostilled, and often it has to be recent. But not every route asks for one, and the rules are different in every country. Here’s how it works for the citizenships our clients apply for most.
Country by Country
Italy, by marriage. The Italian Consulate in Los Angeles wants two checks, not one: the FBI check and a state check, both apostilled, translated into Italian and less than six months old. Then, after your decree comes through, it asks for a fresh set before your oath ceremony. Our Italy page walks through all of it.
Germany, restoring citizenship (§ 15). If you’re restoring the German citizenship a parent or grandparent lost under the Nazi regime, Germany may ask for your FBI check partway through the process. When it does, it has to be the original and no more than six months old. See our Germany page.
Austria, for descendants (§ 58c). Austria asks for a criminal record extract with an apostille, no more than eight months old on the day you file. More on our Austria page.
Portugal, by naturalization. Most of our Portugal clients are after one thing: a Portuguese passport, and with it a place in the European Union. Portugal’s naturalization form asks for criminal records from the country you were born in, the country you’re a citizen of, and every country you’ve lived in since you were 16. For Americans, that includes the FBI check. Documents in English don’t need a Portuguese translation unless the office asks for one, according to the registry office’s naturalization form. See our Portugal page.
Mexico, by naturalization. Here’s one that doesn’t need it. Mexico asks for Mexican criminal record certificates, not an FBI check. Our Mexico page explains when an FBI check does come up there.
What Catches People Out
Every country has its own clock. Six months for some, eight for Austria, and the count usually starts when the FBI issues the report, not when it’s apostilled. Get it done too early and you’ll be doing it again.
The request often comes mid-process. Germany, for instance, asks for it when they’re ready for it, not at the start. Knowing the steps ahead of time means you can turn it around quickly when they ask.
Name changes. If you’ve changed your name, through marriage or otherwise, your records need to show it. Tell us at the start.
How We Handle It
Whichever country you’re applying to, the FBI part works the same way. In Los Angeles, we fingerprint you at the office or at home and send the prints to the FBI electronically; the FBI emails you the details to log in and download your report, and you send that PDF on to us. If you’re already living abroad, the local police can take your prints on FD-258 cards, and you mail them to us so we can submit them to the FBI in person. Either way, we take care of the federal apostille and any translation, and get the finished document to you wherever you are.
For every step in detail, see our step-by-step guide to getting your FBI background check apostilled.
Common Questions
Do I need an FBI check for dual citizenship?
It depends on the country and the route. Italy (by marriage), Germany (§ 15), Austria (§ 58c) and Portugal (naturalization) all ask for one. Mexico doesn’t.
Does it need an apostille?
For the countries above, yes: a federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State, because the FBI is a federal agency.
How recent does it need to be?
Usually six months, but Austria allows eight. Check the rule for your country before you start.
I already live abroad. Can you help?
Yes. Get fingerprinted on FD-258 cards at your local police station and mail them to us.
Ready to get started? Call or text (310) 526-0200, or message us on WhatsApp.
