Portugal’s Golden Visa has become one of the most successful residency-by-investment programs in the world. As part of your application, there are several hoops that you will have to jump through, such as attending a biometrics appointment and providing a thorough background check.
In this article, we’ll focus on the Portugal Golden Visa background check for US citizens, which is done through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or other companies that can provide a criminal record certificate.
You’ll also find out more about:
Portugal's Golden Visa Background Check
The Portugal Golden Visa program—formerly the Portugal Golden Residence Permit Program—is a five-year residency by investment initiative for non-EU nationals. With it, qualifying investors and their family members are granted the right to live, work, and study in Portugal.
The Golden Visa investment program is among the most popular, with investors worldwide making contributions. Since its inception, over 20,000 Golden Passports have been awarded to families worldwide, and over €4 billion in funds have been raised.
In addition to the right to live and work in Portugal, holders of the Golden Visa can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship (provided they meet the requirements) after five years.
However, regardless of nationality, you must undergo a background check as part of the Golden Visa application process. Portugal’s Golden Visa background check is a rigorous process to ensure the program’s integrity and maintain the country’s security.
You must provide a clean criminal record certificate from your home country and any other country where you have resided for an extended period (typically a year or more). Serious criminal offenses, especially those involving fraud, violence, or money laundering, will lead to rejection.
Portuguese authorities assess the source of the funds used for the qualifying investment during the application process. This ensures the money is obtained legally and is not tied to criminal activity, such as money laundering or tax evasion.
Additionally, all submitted documents, including proof of investment, identification, and residency, undergo scrutiny for authenticity.
Another aspect that the authorities check for is ensuring that you are not on international watchlists, such as those maintained by Interpol or local law enforcement, and does not pose a security risk to the country.
Why is an FBI background check needed?
The Portugal Golden Visa program requires applicants to submit criminal record documentation. For US citizens or residents, the Portuguese authorities request an FBI background check rather than a state—or county-level report from each country where they have resided for one year or more.
Sometimes called a “certificate of good conduct” or an Identity History Summary, the report is obtained from fingerprint submissions kept by the FBI and contains information on arrests, naturalization, federal employment, and military service.
Portugal requires a background check specifically from the FBI because it has the most comprehensive and centralized criminal record available in the United States.
It pulls information from all 50 states and federal databases, ensuring there are no gaps in a person’s criminal history. Other countries accept criminal record documentation from the local police, which can provide you with a Police Clearance Certificate.
However, Portugal prefers clearance from the highest authority possible—the FBI. A background check issued by the FBI carries the legitimacy that Portuguese immigration authorities require.
Additionally, the Golden Visa process entails strict due diligence to prevent money laundering, fraud, and criminal migration. This wider global compliance framework includes a thorough federal clearance for US citizens or residents.
How to Obtain an FBI Criminal Background Check
Only you can request a copy of your FBI criminal background check when applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa which is valid in Portugal for 90 days. Though the process can be quite time-consuming, the application is pretty straightforward.
According to the FBI, there are three ways in which you can request a background check: online, by mail, or through an FBI-approved channeler. Here’s how to obtain your FBI criminal record background check for each:
Online
Requesting a check online is the fastest route. Simply visit the Electronic Departmental Order page and enter your email address in the “Obtaining Your Identity History Summary” section to get started.
You’ll also need to submit your fingerprints, and you can go to any of the 1179 participating US Post Office locations to get this done. The USPO will send the fingerprints electronically directly to the FBI.
Then, you’ll need to make the payment, after which you’ll receive an email to confirm your request. You can use the same email to check on the request’s status.
After visiting a USPO location for electronic fingerprints, you should have your FBI background check in 48 hours.
By mail
Mailing in a request to the FBI for a background check takes about 50 days, so it’s not the best option if time is of the essence.
Step one: Download and complete the application
The initial FBI criminal background check step is to complete a one-page application form. The application form is quite simple to fill out, and you can download it from here.
You will need to provide basic information, such as your name, address, contact information, physical description, citizenship, and why you want a criminal background check. Suppose you require more than one report – for example, you are living in a foreign country or traveling with family.
In this case, each person must complete an application and sign their application form.
Step two: Fingerprints
Securing a copy of your fingerprints will be the most time-consuming part of the process, along with waiting for your report. Despite this, it should be quite straightforward, but make sure that you get the process started as quickly as possible.
You will need to have your fingerprints taken by a fingerprint technician. Many printing companies offer this service, or you can opt to go through a private company or a law enforcement agency, where you will be required to pay a small fee.
The FBI accepts fingerprint cards on standard white paper stock. You must include both rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingerprints, either as ink or live scans.
Note that the name on your fingerprint card must match the name on the application form and all your IDs (passport, driver’s license, etc.).
Step three: Payment
The FBI Identity History Summary costs $18 per person, and there are two different ways that you can pay. You can make the payment with a credit card or a certified check or money order for the exact amount ($18) made payable to the Treasury of the United States.
Step four: Submit your application
After completing the steps, you’ll need to review and submit your request. The options open to you are provided in the following section.
Through an FBI-approved channeler
If you prefer to use a different option, you can work with an FBI-approved channeler to submit your request on your behalf. A channeler is an approved private business that has been contracted to the FBI to provide the service. This helps speed up the delivery of Identity History Summary Checks on behalf of the FBI.
Go through the list of FBI-approved channelers for Departmental Order Submissions and follow the instructions for the one you choose. The channelers receive the fingerprint submission and relevant data, collect the associated fees, electronically forward the fingerprint submission with the necessary information to the CJIS Division for a national Identity History Summary check, and receive the electronic summary check result before sending it to you.
While it varies by channeler, FBI background checks take about two to three days.
Take a Look at our Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide
How and Where to Take your Fingerprints in Portugal
US citizens, Portuguese, or other foreign citizens who have resided in the US for more than a year and need an FBI background check can get their fingerprints captured by the US Government Employees’ Cooperative Association (COOP) of Lisbon. The office is located at the US Embassy in Lisbon.
The COOP doesn’t accept walk-ins, so it is crucial that you first make an online booking. Fingerprinting sessions are only available on Wednesdays and cost €60. Also, keep in mind that you can only make a booking up to 19 days in advance.
The COOP only takes your fingerprints on two FD-258 FBI cards and will hand them to you immediately following the fingerprinting process, as it is your responsibility as the person requesting the service, for mailing them to the FBI in the US.
How to Authenticate and Legalize your FBI Criminal Background Check
Authorities in Portugal may require legalizing the original FBI record and its translation. It’s also important to note that US Embassies and US Consulates cannot legally authenticate or legalize state-issued public documents, including criminal background checks.
All the US Department of Justice Order 556-73 fingerprint search results will be authenticated by the FBI by placing the seal and the signature of a division official, at the time of submission, on the criminal record background check.
After your fingerprints have been authenticated, the documents are then submitted to the US Department of State in Washington by the applicant for the document to be legalized.
Legalization comes through obtaining the Apostille seal. There are companies that provide the service of obtaining the apostille in the United States.
Any document with an apostille seal is legally valid and can be used in all countries that are party to the Hague Convention of 1961, including Portugal. Getting an FBI background check for a Portuguese Visa, such as the Golden Visa, is quite straightforward, provided you follow the required steps.
Please note that all documents, including the FBI background check, must be translated into Portuguese.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Visa Background Check
How to obtain an FBI background check?
The process to get an FBI background check include completing an application, having your fingerprints taken, and then completing a payment. You should ensure that you begin the process early. You will need to have a criminal background check as part of the Portugal Golden Visa program process.
How long does the background check for Portugal's Golden Visa take in 2025?
The background check is part of the broader Golden Visa application process, which has been streamlined to return to an expected timeline of 4-6 months for approvals. However, the FBI background check can take between 2 days and 50 days.
What documents are required for the background check in 2025?
The following documents are required for the background check:
- Valid Passport: To verify identity and nationality.
- Criminal Record Certificate: From the applicant’s home country and any country where they have resided for over a year.
- Proof of Legal Entry into Portugal: Such as a Schengen visa or equivalent documentation.
- Proof of Investment: Documents confirming compliance with the Golden Visa’s investment requirements.
Does Portugal's Golden Visa background check include a criminal record review?
Yes, the background check includes a thorough criminal record review. Applicants must provide a clean criminal record certificate from their country of origin and any other country of residence to ensure they meet the program’s integrity standards.
Are international criminal records included in the background check?
Yes, international criminal records are included. Applicants must submit criminal record certificates from their home country and any other country where they have resided for more than one year. This ensures a comprehensive review of the applicant’s background.
What documents are required for an FBI background check?
To request an FBI background check, you will need:
- A completed application form (e.g., FD-258 fingerprint card for personal requests).
- Fingerprint impressions captured electronically or via ink.
- A government-issued photo ID for identification verification.
- Payment of the required processing fee, usually around $18 for personal requests
Can I challenge or correct information in an FBI background check?
Yes, you can challenge or correct errors in your FBI background check. If you believe there is inaccurate information, contact the law enforcement agency that submitted the incorrect data to request a correction. You can also file a formal challenge with the FBI using their Record Review and Challenge process.
