FBI Apostille Visa Requirements by Country
This comprehensive directory lists all countries that commonly require apostilled FBI background checks for visa and immigration applications. Each country listing includes the specific visa types, document requirements, and links to our detailed country-specific guides. Use this page as your starting point to understand the FBI apostille requirements for your destination country.
Countries Requiring FBI Apostille — Complete Directory
The following countries require apostilled FBI Identity History Summaries for various visa categories. The apostille must be issued by the U.S. Department of State as the FBI is a federal agency. State-level apostilles from any Secretary of State are not valid for FBI documents.
| Country | Visa Types | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Non-Lucrative Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa | Spain requires FBI background checks apostilled for all long-term visa applications. |
| Colombia | Migrant Visa, Marriage Visa, Work Visa | Colombia immigration requires apostilled FBI checks for residency applications. |
| Italy | Elective Residency Visa, Work Visa, Student Visa | Italy requires FBI background checks for citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) applications. |
| Portugal | D7 Passive Income Visa, Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa | Portugal SEF requires apostilled FBI background checks for all residency permits. |
| Netherlands | DAFT Visa, Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, Partner Visa | The Netherlands IND requires apostilled FBI checks for DAFT treaty investor visas. |
| United Arab Emirates | Employment Visa, Investor Visa, Family Visa | UAE immigration requires apostilled FBI background checks for all work and residency visas. |
| South Korea | E-2 Teaching Visa, Work Visa, D-8 Investor Visa | South Korea requires apostilled FBI checks for all E-2 English teaching positions. |
| Germany | Freelancer Visa, Job Seeker Visa, Blue Card | Germany may require apostilled FBI background checks for certain visa categories. |
| Mexico | Temporary Resident Visa, Permanent Resident Visa | Mexico INM requires apostilled FBI checks for residency applications. |
| Brazil | VITEM V Work Visa, Investor Visa, Retirement Visa | Brazil requires apostilled FBI background checks translated into Portuguese. |
| Japan | Work Visa, Instructor Visa, Business Manager Visa | Japan immigration may require apostilled FBI checks for certain work permits. |
| France | Long-Stay Visa, Talent Passport, Student Visa | France requires apostilled FBI background checks for long-stay visa applications. |
| Costa Rica | Pensionado Visa, Rentista Visa, Investor Visa | Costa Rica immigration requires apostilled FBI checks for all residency categories. |
| Thailand | Non-Immigrant B Visa, Retirement Visa, Elite Visa | Thailand requires apostilled FBI checks for work permit and retirement visa applications. |
| Philippines | Work Visa (9G), SRRV Retirement, Investor Visa | Philippines immigration requires NBI clearance equivalent via apostilled FBI checks. |
General FBI Apostille Requirements for Visa Applications
Regardless of your destination country, the following general requirements apply to FBI apostilles for visa applications. The FBI Identity History Summary must be obtained directly from the FBI (not through a channeler), and the apostille must be issued by the U.S. Department of State. Most countries require the document to be recent (within 3-12 months) and some require certified translation.
Ready to Get Your Federal Documents Apostilled?
Professional federal apostille processing from our Washington, DC office. Call us at (760) 469-2997 or email submissions@federalapostille.org.
Starting at $120 | 10-12 business days processing
How the Federal Apostille Process Works — Step by Step
Getting your FBI background check apostilled through the U.S. Department of State is a straightforward process when you work with our experienced team. The federal apostille process is governed by the Hague Convention of 1961, which established the apostille system to simplify international document authentication. Here is a detailed breakdown of each step in the process:
Step 1: Submit Your Documents
Mail or deliver your original FBI background check to our office at 1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036. You can also upload your documents through our secure online portal. Include a completed order form specifying the destination country and number of apostilles needed. We accept documents via USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL for your convenience.
Step 2: Professional Review & Verification
Our team reviews every document to ensure it meets the strict formatting and authentication requirements set by the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications. We verify agency seals, authorized signatures, and document integrity before submission. If we identify any issues, we contact you immediately with clear instructions on how to resolve them before proceeding.
Step 3: Department of State Submission
We hand-deliver your documents to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications at the Office of Authentications in Washington, DC. Our courier service ensures secure chain of custody from our office directly to the federal processing center. Standard processing takes 10-12 business days from submission date.
Step 4: Secure Return Delivery
Once the apostille certificate has been issued and attached to your FBI background check, we securely return the completed documents to you via your preferred shipping method. We offer USPS Priority Mail, FedEx overnight, UPS Express, and international shipping options. Every shipment includes tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
Why Thousands of Clients Trust Federal Apostille and Notary Processing
Our office is located at 1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, just blocks from the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications. This proximity allows us to provide the fastest possible turnaround times for federal apostille processing. We have processed thousands of federal documents for clients across all 50 states and internationally.
- Washington, DC Location — Direct courier access to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications for same-day document submission
- Federal Document Specialists — We exclusively handle federal documents (FBI, FDA, USDA, IRS, SSA, USPTO, USCIS, federal courts) and understand the specific requirements for each agency
- Experienced Processing Team — Our team has processed thousands of federal apostilles for clients across all 50 states and over 100 countries worldwide
- Transparent Pricing — Standard processing starts at $120 with no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and no upselling
- Secure Document Handling — Bank-level security protocols for handling sensitive federal documents including FBI background checks, tax records, and immigration paperwork
- Dedicated Customer Support — Reach us by phone at (760) 469-2997 or email at submissions@federalapostille.org for personalized assistance with your apostille needs
Official Government Resources
The following official U.S. government and international organization resources provide authoritative information about the federal apostille process, document requirements, and the Hague Apostille Convention. We recommend reviewing these resources to understand the official requirements for your specific situation:
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries require an apostilled FBI background check for visa applications?
Most Hague Convention member countries require apostilled FBI background checks for long-term visa applications. This includes Spain, Italy, Portugal, Colombia, Germany, South Korea, UAE, Japan, France, Mexico, Brazil, and many more.
Do tourist visas require an FBI apostille?
Generally no. FBI apostilles are typically required for long-term visas such as work permits, student visas, residency permits, and immigration applications.
Related Federal Apostille Services
Explore our comprehensive federal apostille resources and services. Each page provides detailed information about specific federal document types, agency requirements, country-specific visa needs, and step-by-step processing guides:
