An FBI apostille authenticates your FBI Identity History Summary (criminal background check) for use in foreign countries.
State-level background checks only cover one state's criminal records. Since Americans move frequently, a state background check can miss criminal history from other states. The FBI maintains a nationwide database, ensuring foreign governments get a complete picture of your U.S. criminal history (or lack thereof). This is especially critical for work visas, residency permits, and teaching positions abroad.
FBI apostilles are required for dozens of international applications. Here are the most common use cases:
Italian immigration (elective residence visa, self-employment visa, retirement visa) requires an FBI background check apostilled for use in Italy. Must be dated within 90 days of application.
Learn more: Italy Apostille →EU Blue Card, skilled worker visa, and job seeker visa applications in Germany require an apostilled FBI background check. Germany's Federal Foreign Office requires fingerprint-based clearance.
Learn more: Germany Apostille →China requires apostilled + Chinese consulate authenticated FBI background checks for Z (work) visas. Processing involves U.S. Dept. of State apostille, then consulate authentication. Timeline: 3-6 weeks.
Learn more: China Apostille →Spanish immigration (non-lucrative visa, golden visa, student visa) requires apostilled FBI clearance. Spanish consulates strictly enforce the 90-day validity window.
Learn more: Spain Apostille →Teaching positions, healthcare roles, and some student visa categories in the UK require apostilled FBI checks for U.S. citizens who lived in the U.S. within the past 10 years.
Learn more: UK Apostille →Choose your processing speed based on your deadline. All packages include the U.S. Department of State apostille and return shipping.
15-20 Business Days
10-12 Business Days
5-7 Business Days
Timeline Note: Processing time begins once we receive your FBI background check. If you need help obtaining your FBI report, we can coordinate channeler services or guide you through the FBI's direct application process (adds 3-5 business days).
FBI apostilles are accepted in 120+ countries worldwide. We handle international shipping with tracking to ensure your documents arrive safely.
Residency, citizenship
Golden visa, work permits
EU Blue Card, employment
Z work visa (+ consulate auth)
Teaching, healthcare jobs
Long-stay visa, residency
E-2 teaching visa
Work permits, ALT positions
Skilled migration, 482 visa
Employment visa, residency
Temporary/permanent residency
All Hague Convention members
Not sure if your country accepts FBI apostilles? Contact us and we'll verify the requirements with your destination country's embassy or consulate.
Call (770) 727-3618Everything you need to know about FBI apostilles
Standard processing takes 15-20 business days ($175). Expedited service is 10-12 business days ($275). Rush service is 5-7 business days ($400). Timeline includes obtaining the FBI background check and getting it apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
FBI apostilles are accepted in all 120+ countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, including Italy, Spain, Germany, France, UK, China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and more. Each country uses FBI background checks for different purposes like residency, employment, or visa applications.
It depends on the receiving country's requirements. Many countries (especially for work visas, residency permits, or teaching positions) specifically require an FBI background check because it covers your entire U.S. criminal history regardless of which states you've lived in. State background checks only cover one state. Always verify with your destination country, embassy, or employer.
Yes. You'll need to submit fingerprints to the FBI to obtain your Identity History Summary (background check). We can coordinate fingerprinting services or guide you through the FBI's channeler process. Once you have the FBI report, we handle the U.S. Department of State apostille.
FBI documents are federal documents and must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. (not your state's Secretary of State). This involves mailing to D.C., longer processing times, and federal-level authentication. Our pricing ($175-$400) includes the entire process: document retrieval coordination, shipping to D.C., State Department fees, and return shipping.
An apostille is used for countries that are part of the Hague Convention (120+ countries like Italy, Spain, Germany). Authentication (also called legalization) is used for non-Hague countries and requires additional steps through the destination country's embassy. We handle both processes depending on your destination country.
Get an instant quote or speak with our apostille specialists. We'll handle the entire U.S. Department of State process for you.
Or email: scheduling@theburneygroup.com