FBI Background Check for Spain Visa: My Complete US Process
Quick Answer
The FBI Identity History Summary Check (required for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa) took me 12 weeks to process as a US citizen. I submitted my request online through the FBI’s website ($18), received the results by mail, then got them apostilled by the US State Department (additional 2-3 weeks, ~$20). Start this process early—it’s the longest part of document prep for Americans.
If you’re an American applying for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, one of the most time-consuming requirements is the FBI background check. And when I say time-consuming, I mean it—this single document held up my entire timeline more than anything else.
Here’s what nobody tells you upfront: the FBI background check isn’t just a background check. It’s a specific type of report, it needs to be apostilled (a whole other process), and it takes months to complete. Not weeks. Months.
So if you’re reading this and thinking “I’ll start gathering documents next month,” let me save you some stress: start the FBI check today. Right now. I’ll wait.
What Exactly Is the FBI Identity History Summary Check?
The document Spain requires is officially called an FBI Identity History Summary Check. You might also see it referred to as FBI background check, criminal record check, Identity History Summary, or “FBI clearance.” It’s all the same thing—a summary of your criminal history (or lack thereof) based on FBI records.
Why Spain Requires This
Spain wants to know you don’t have a serious criminal record before granting you a long-term visa. For US citizens, it’s the FBI check. For Canadians, it’s an RCMP check. For UK citizens, it’s a DBS check.
My Timeline: How Long It Actually Took
Let me be upfront about this: 12 weeks. From the day I submitted my request to the day I held the physical document in my hand, it was almost exactly 3 months.
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Submitted online request to FBI | Day 1 |
| FBI processed my fingerprints | ~2 weeks |
| FBI generated my report | ~10-11 weeks |
| Report mailed to my US address | ~12 weeks total |
| Got it apostilled by US State Dept | +2-3 weeks |
| Total time from start to apostilled doc | ~14-15 weeks |
I requested my FBI check before I moved to Spain. I was still in the US when I submitted the request, which made things simpler because I had a US address for them to mail it to.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Your FBI Background Check
Step 1: Go to the FBI Website
The official site is: fbi.gov — look for Identity History Summary Checks. Do NOT use third-party services for this initial request. Go straight to the FBI’s site.
Step 2: Choose Your Submission Method
Option 1: Online submission (what I did) — Submit fingerprints electronically through an approved channeler. Slightly more expensive but faster processing. Option 2: Mail-in submission — Get fingerprinted at a local police station or UPS Store. $18 processing fee. Results mailed to you.
Step 3: Get Fingerprinted
I used IdentoGO, one of the FBI-approved channelers. They have locations all over the US. I scheduled an appointment online, showed up with my ID, and they took my fingerprints electronically. The whole thing took maybe 15 minutes. Cost: $18 (FBI fee) + ~$40 (IdentoGO service fee) = $58 total.
Step 4: Wait (And Wait Some More)
After your fingerprints are submitted, the FBI processes them. This is where the 12-week timeline comes in. There’s no way to expedite this. The FBI doesn’t offer rush processing. You just have to wait.
Step 5: Receive Your Report
The FBI will mail your Identity History Summary to the address you provided. Mine said “No record found.” If your report shows a record, consult an immigration attorney who specializes in Spanish visas.
The Apostille: Another Step You Can’t Skip
Getting your FBI check is only half the battle. Spain also requires that the document be apostilled—an international certification that authenticates the document for use in foreign countries.
For FBI documents, the apostille must come from the US Department of State. You can mail it directly (free but 8-12 weeks) or use a third-party service ($20-$80, 1-3 weeks). I used a third-party service and they turned it around in 2 weeks for $60.
Important: Apostille Before You Leave the US (If Possible)
If you’re still in the US when you get your FBI check, get it apostilled immediately. Don’t wait until you’re in Spain, because mailing documents internationally is slow and risky.
My Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
Mistake #1: I Didn’t Start Early Enough. Even though I gave myself what I thought was plenty of time, the FBI check still became a bottleneck. I should have started it 4-5 months before my planned move.
Mistake #2: I Didn’t Factor in the Apostille Time. I thought the FBI check was the hard part. I forgot about the apostille. That added another 2-3 weeks.
Mistake #3: I Almost Waited to Request It. I kept thinking “I’ll wait until I have everything else ready.” Bad idea. The FBI check is the one thing you should start first, not last.
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| FBI processing fee | $18 |
| IdentoGO fingerprinting service | $40 |
| Third-party apostille service | $60 |
| Total | $118 |
Key Takeaways
- ✅ Start this process ASAP. Even if you’re not ready to move yet, request your FBI check now.
- ✅ Budget 12-14 weeks for the FBI check alone, plus another 2-3 weeks for the apostille.
- ✅ Use an FBI-approved channeler (like IdentoGO) for electronic fingerprinting.
- ✅ Get the apostille done immediately after receiving your FBI check.
- ✅ If you’re applying from within Spain (like I did), make sure you have a US address lined up for receiving mail.
What’s Next
Once you have your FBI check apostilled, it’s ready to include in your Digital Nomad Visa application packet. This is one of the core documents Spain requires, and you can’t move forward without it. For me, this was the longest and most tedious part of the entire prep process. But once I had it in hand, it felt like I’d cleared a major hurdle.
I’ll be posting about the other required documents next—including health insurance requirements, proof of income, and what happened when I tried to navigate the empadronamiento process in Barcelona with Google Translate as my only Spanish backup.
FAQ
How long does the FBI background check take for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa?
In my experience as a US citizen in 2026, the FBI Identity History Summary Check took 12 weeks from submission to receiving the physical document by mail. Add another 2-3 weeks for apostille processing. Total timeline: 14-15 weeks.
Can I request my FBI background check from Spain?
Yes, but you’ll need a US address for the FBI to mail your results to. I recommend having a family member or friend receive it, or using a mail forwarding service. The FBI only mails to US addresses.
How much does the FBI background check cost?
The FBI processing fee is $18. If you use an electronic fingerprinting service like IdentoGO, expect to pay an additional $40-50. Apostille services range from free (State Department, 8-12 weeks) to $60-80 (third-party services, 1-3 weeks).
Do I need to apostille my FBI background check for Spain?
Yes. Spain requires that all foreign documents, including FBI checks, be apostilled. For US citizens, the apostille must come from the US Department of State.
Can I expedite the FBI background check?
No. The FBI does not offer expedited processing for Identity History Summary Checks. Standard processing is 12-14 weeks, and there’s no way to pay extra for faster results.
This post reflects my personal experience as a US citizen and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. FBI processing times and requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with official sources. Terms & Conditions →
Written by Aracely — an American digital nomad living in Barcelona on a Digital Nomad Visa I obtained via the in-country UGE route in 2026. Follow my journey →
