Guide
FBI Background Check for Portugal’s D7 Visa
For a D7 filed in the U.S., the criminal record certificate has to come from the FBI and carry an apostille.
Quick answer
Yes. VFS Global’s U.S. checklist for Portugal’s D7 (retirement/passive income) visa requires a criminal record certificate issued by the FBI, either requested with an apostille or kept unopened in its original sealed envelope. It applies to the country of your nationality or where you have lived for over a year.
Key takeaways
- The criminal record certificate must be issued by the FBI.
- VFS asks for it with an apostille, or unopened in its original sealed envelope.
- It covers your country of nationality or where you’ve lived for over a year.
- You also sign a request allowing Portugal to check its own criminal records.
- Children are exempt; VFS documents put the cutoff at 16.
What VFS Global asks for
VFS Global processes Portuguese visa applications in the U.S. Its D7 checklist lists:
| Document | Criminal record certificate issued by the FBI |
|---|---|
| Which country | Your country of nationality, or the country where you have lived for over a year |
| Authentication | Requested with an apostille, or unopened in the original sealed envelope |
| Portuguese record | A signed request for Portugal’s immigration authority to check the Portuguese criminal record |
| Children | Not required for applicants under 16 |
The FBI report needs the federal apostille from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC. A state apostille on a notarized copy or on a state police check won’t work. See what an FBI report needs before it can be apostilled.
The D7 checklist doesn’t state a maximum age for the certificate or a translation rule. Confirm both with VFS or the consulate before you file.
Getting the FBI report ready
We handle the federal side. If you already have your FBI report, mail it to us for the FBI background check apostille — $299, about 10–12 business days. If you still need the report, the FBI check + apostille bundle is $399, about 12–14 business days, starting with an in-person appointment at our West Palm Beach or Miami office. You get back the original FBI report, issued by the FBI with its seal and signature, with the U.S. Department of State apostille attached. We review every document before we submit it.
Our bundle takes about 12–14 business days. Time it so the report is fresh when you file. Check your dates with the processing time estimator.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Portugal D7 visa need an FBI background check?
Yes. VFS Global’s U.S. checklist requires a criminal record certificate issued by the FBI, with an apostille or unopened in its original sealed envelope.
Does the FBI check need an apostille for Portugal?
VFS asks for it to be requested with an apostille, or kept unopened in its original sealed envelope. The apostille comes from the U.S. Department of State.
Do children need an FBI check for the D7?
No. VFS exempts applicants under 16.
Official sources: VFS Global USA (for Portugal) — Residency visa for retirement purposes (D7) · VFS Global USA (for Portugal) — Type D residency checklist · U.S. Department of State — Criminal Record Checks. Federal Apostille USA is a private service, not a government agency.
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