Criminal Record Certificate Assistance for Americans & Britons
Most Spanish long-stay visas require a criminal record certificate from every country you've lived in over the past five years. For Americans that means an FBI background check; for Britons, an ACRO or DBS certificate — both need an apostille before Spain will accept them.
We determine exactly which certificate your target consulate requires, coordinate the FBI or ACRO/DBS request and apostille step, and arrange sworn translation so it's ready when you need it.
What this document is and who needs it
Spanish consulates and immigration authorities require applicants for most long-stay visas — non-lucrative, digital nomad, work, and student visas among them — to submit a criminal record certificate covering their country of residence for the last five years, apostilled and translated into Spanish. Short-term visits and tourist stays do not require this document.
The exact certificate you need depends on your nationality and where you've lived:
- US citizens: an FBI Identity History Summary (often called an FBI background check), or in some cases a state-level criminal history record, depending on consulate requirements
- UK citizens: an ACRO Police Certificate, or in some circumstances a Basic DBS Certificate, depending on the specific consulate's guidance
Eligibility and process
United States — FBI background check
Requested through the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, either directly by mail with fingerprints or through an FBI-approved channeler for faster digital submission. Once issued, it must be apostilled by the US Department of State (a federal document) before use in Spain.
United Kingdom — ACRO or DBS certificate
ACRO Police Certificates are requested online through ACRO Criminal Records Office and are the certificate most UK consulates specifically ask for, since they're designed for use abroad. Only the physical, posted original with a wet signature can later be apostilled by the FCDO — a digital PDF copy cannot be apostilled.
After apostille, both certificates typically need a certified sworn Spanish translation. See our Apostille & Document Legalization page for the full authentication process.
Required documents
- Valid US or UK passport for identity verification
- Fingerprints (for FBI check) or identity documents (for ACRO/DBS)
- Completed request form for the relevant national authority
- Payment of the applicable government/agency fee
- Apostille request form once the certificate is issued
- Certified sworn Spanish translation, arranged afterward
Timeline & fees
| Item | Typical cost/time | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| FBI Identity History Summary | Modest government processing fee; mail requests can take several weeks, channeler services are typically faster | FBI CJIS / approved channeler |
| US federal apostille | $20 per document; mail processing often several weeks | US Department of State |
| ACRO Police Certificate | Standard service around £65 (roughly 10 working days); premium faster service also available | ACRO Criminal Records Office |
| UK FCDO apostille | Around £45 per document, roughly two weeks by standard post | FCDO |
| Sworn Spanish translation | Priced per document by the translator | Certified sworn translator |
| Spain Relocation service fee | Quoted per case after a free consultation | Spain Relocation (our consulting and coordination fee) |
These certificates typically have a limited validity window recognized by Spanish consulates (often around 90 days from issuance or apostille), so timing this step correctly within your overall visa application is important.
What we help with
We help clients determine exactly which certificate their target consulate requires, coordinate the FBI or ACRO/DBS request, manage the apostille step with the correct US or UK authority, and arrange sworn translation — all timed so the certificate is still valid when your visa application, such as a Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, is submitted.
FAQ
How long is a criminal record certificate valid for a Spanish visa application?
Most Spanish consulates require the certificate to have been issued (and apostilled) within roughly the last 90 days of your application, though exact windows can vary by consulate — always confirm the specific requirement for where you're applying.
USCan a US citizen use a state-level background check instead of an FBI check?
It depends on the consulate. Many require the FBI Identity History Summary specifically because it covers nationwide records, but some accept a state-level certificate if you've only ever lived in that state. Check with your specific consulate before ordering.
UKWhy do I need an ACRO certificate instead of a standard DBS check for a Spanish visa?
ACRO Police Certificates are specifically designed for use overseas and are what most Spanish consulates request. A standard Basic DBS Certificate is intended for UK domestic use and may not be accepted in the same way, though requirements can vary — it's worth confirming with your consulate.
Can I submit a digital copy of my ACRO certificate for apostille?
No. The FCDO will only apostille the original physical certificate with a wet ink signature. A digital PDF, even an official one, cannot be apostilled.
Do I need a certificate from every country I've lived in, or just the US/UK?
Spanish consulates typically require a certificate from every country where you've resided for more than a set period (commonly six months to a year) within the last five years, not just your country of citizenship. If you've lived elsewhere recently, additional certificates may be required.
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consulate-specific requirements and validity windows vary — we recommend a personal consultation to confirm what applies to your application.
Need your background check apostilled and translated in time?
We'll coordinate the request, apostille, and translation so your certificate is ready when your visa application is submitted.
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