A clean criminal record is a mandatory requirement for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa. You must provide a background check from every country where you have lived for the past 5 years. For most applicants, this means a check from your home country.
For US Applicants: FBI Background Check
Americans need an FBI Identity History Summary, commonly called an FBI background check. Here is the process:
- Option 1: FBI eDO online portal (fastest) — Submit through edo.cjis.gov. Results typically in 3–5 business days. Costs $18.
- Option 2: FBI-approved channeler — Use a channeler like Identogo or PrintScan. Fingerprinting done in person, full result in 1–3 business days. Costs around $40–75.
- Option 3: Direct FBI mail submission — Mail your fingerprint card directly to the FBI. Takes 8–12 weeks. Costs $18.
After receiving the FBI check, you must get it apostilled by the US Department of State in Washington, DC, then have it sworn-translated into Spanish.
For UK Applicants: ACRO Police Certificate
British citizens need an ACRO Police Certificate (also called a Subject Access Request for international use):
- Apply online through the ACRO Criminal Records Office
- Processing time: approximately 10-15 business days
- Cost: around 55 GBP
- Then apostille through the FCDO and get it sworn-translated
Important Timing Notes
Background checks have a limited validity period — most consulates require them to be dated within 3-6 months of your application. Plan accordingly:
- Do not get the background check too early — it may expire before you apply
- Factor in apostille and translation time after receiving the check
- FBI channelers are much faster than direct FBI submission — use a channeler if your timeline is tight
Step-by-Step Process
- Get your background check (FBI/ACRO)
- Get the apostille (US Dept of State / UK FCDO)
- Get the sworn translation into Spanish
- Submit with your NLV application
Need your check apostilled for Spain?
After you receive your FBI/ACRO/RCMP/NPC check, the next step is apostille plus sworn translation into Spanish. We offer apostille services for the US, UK, and (coming soon) Canada.
Get apostille help →Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Immigration rules, consulate requirements, and financial thresholds can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with your specific Spanish consulate and consult a qualified immigration lawyer or tax advisor before making decisions based on this content. We make every effort to keep this information accurate and up to date, but we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy at any given time.