Things to Do to Get an FBI Criminal Background Check in Portugal

There are several situations where you may need an FBI identity history summary check in Portugal, such as:

Employment

Portugal's growing job market is attracting interest from US citizens in fields such as healthcare, finance, and more. Many employers in Portugal require applicants to get an FBI background check to ensure they have a clean criminal record.

D7 Visa

The D7 visa is a popular option among US citizens who wish to live in Portugal, particularly those who are retired, work remotely, or have a reliable source of passive income. Since this visa is granted based on financial stability, applicants must complete an FBI criminal record check as part of the application process.

Portuguese Residency

US citizens who intend to reside in Portugal whether temporary or permanent basis must have an FBI background check. This background check has become a standard part of the Portuguese residency application process as it helps in maintaining a safe environment.

Business Visa (D2 Visa)

To start a business or startup in Portugal, US citizens need to apply for the D2 (Entrepreneur) visa. The visa application is required to complete an FBI criminal background check. This check verifies the applicant’s clear criminal history, establishing that they are suitable to do business in Portugal.

Adoption

When pursuing adoption, an FBI criminal background check is essential. This check provides a clear criminal history and assures the Portuguese government and adoption agencies that the applicant has no criminal background. Adoption is a matter of trust, responsibility, and legal considerations, so a clean record is important.

 

To complete an FBI criminal background check from Portugal, you will need to follow a few essential steps.

1. Understand the Requirement

Start by understanding your requirements, as this will help you complete the check smoothly. In some cases, you may also need to complete an apostille, authentication or legalization, or document translation to use the check in Portugal. Knowing these things beforehand will help you complete an FBI criminal background check in one go, saving you time and money.

2. Documentation

After you understand what you need, you have to prepare your documents. You must have two valid government-issued IDs, one ID should contain your name and date of birth, and the other should be a photo ID. You will be required to submit an official FBI application form and the official FD-258 or FD-1164 fingerprinting card.

3. Fingerprinting Process

The fingerprinting process is the most important step in completing an FBI background check. If you are in Portugal, you’ll need to visit a local police station or an FBI-approved fingerprinting agency to get your fingerprinting on the FD-258 or FD-1164 form. Make sure your fingerprints are clear and without smudges to avoid delays or rejections. It’s a good idea to take your fingerprints on two cards, so if one set is not properly taken, you have a backup. This will help save you time.

4. Apply with the Suitable Method

To complete a USA police clearance certificate, you can apply using a suitable way such as either mail directly to the FBI, using the FBI’s online platform, or using an online service provider like Globeia. If you use the mailing option, you have to properly mail and submit the documents on your own to the FBI. By choosing Globeia, you will get a reliable partner who will submit your documents on your behalf to the FBI and review everything beforehand, which will help save you from delays.

5. Complete the Payment

After completing your documentation and fingerprint card, make the payment. Understand the payment associated with the service and mailing charges as well. If you use our secure platform, you can pay directly with us. Recheck all documentation in your application, as any mistakes may cause delays.

6. Receive Your Results

If you are using Globeia’s service, we will submit your application to the FBI as soon as we receive the original fingerprints after the fingerprint quality check. Processing times can vary, but by using Globeia’s online service, you can obtain your results quickly through your selected method.

 

1.  Accurate Details

Make sure all the details you provide on the application are correct, including your name, date of birth, and address. Any errors can cause delays in the process or lead to the rejection of your application which will require you to start over. 

 

2. Experienced Service Provider

If you choose to use a third-party service for your FBI background check, make sure they are experienced. These agencies are familiar with the process and help you in completing each step.

 

3.  Affordable Services

Choose a platform that fits your budget and provides reliable and quality service. Avoid selecting services based on price alone. This is because some low-cost options may lack experience or reliability.

 

4.  Timeline

Processing times can vary greatly between applying directly to the FBI and using third-party services. Before you start, consider how quickly you need the background check. Direct requests to the FBI can take longer while using an online service like Globeia offers faster processing if you have tight deadlines.

 

5.  Postal Service

If you are mailing documents to the FBI or an online service provider like Globeia, use a reliable shipping service that offers tracking. This allows you to ensure your documents arrive safely and to track their progress. Standard mail may not have tracking options, which can result in delays if your application or documents go missing.