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Applying for residency in Portugal comes with a few essential steps, and one of the most important is the Portugal visa background check. Whether you’re pursuing the D7 Visa, the Digital Nomad D8 Visa, or the Golden Visa, every applicant must prove they have a clean criminal history.
This requirement helps protect the integrity of Portugal’s immigration programs and ensures a safe environment for residents and newcomers alike.
Portugal’s Visa Background Check
When applying for a residency visa in Portugal—such as the D7 Passive Income Visa, D8 Visa, or the Portugal Golden Visa—every applicant, regardless of nationality, must go through a formal background check. This step is essential for maintaining the integrity of the program and ensuring the country’s security.
As part of your application, you must provide a clean criminal record certificate for Portugal visa from your home country, as well as from any country where you’ve lived for more than one year. Portuguese authorities focus on serious offenses: if a crime translates into a penalty of more than one year of imprisonment under Portuguese law, the application is likely to be refused.
FBI Background Check for US Citizens
Americans moving to Portugal or investing the Golden Visa must provide an FBI background check for Portuguese Visa (Identity History Summary) rather than a state-level report. This is the official nationwide record used for immigration and is required because Portugal accepts only the most comprehensive and centralized criminal history available in the United States.
Once you receive the FBI report, it must be apostilled before being submitted with your Portugal visa application. If you have lived in any other country for more than one year, you’ll also need to provide police clearance certificates from those countries as well.
ACRO Police Certificate for UK Citizens
UK citizens relocating to Portugal must submit an ACRO Police Certificate, which serves as the UK’s equivalent to an FBI background check. The Basic DBS Check is not valid for Portugal visa applications. It’s the official document used for visas, immigration, and foreign residency processes, making it the only acceptable nationwide criminal record for Portugal’s visa applications.
The ACRO certificate provides a clear summary of any convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings, helping Portuguese authorities verify your eligibility for residency. Once issued, the document must be legalised/apostilled before it can be used in Portugal.
And just like US applicants, if you’ve lived in any other country for more than one year, you’ll need to provide police clearance certificates from those countries as well.
Portugal Golden Visa Background Check
Applicants for the Portugal investor visa are subject to the same strict Portugal Golden Visa background check requirements, with enhanced scrutiny due to the investment-based nature of the program. Every main applicant and dependent over the age of 16 must provide a clean Portugal Golden Visa criminal record certificate from their country of nationality, as well as from any country where they have legally resided for more than one year.
Portuguese authorities assess whether any past conviction would correspond to a prison sentence of more than one year under Portuguese law. If so, the Golden Visa application may be refused, regardless of the investment amount.
In addition to foreign Portugal Golden Visa criminal record, applicants must also authorize a Portuguese criminal background check, which is carried out internally by the authorities once the application is submitted. All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and, when required, translated into Portuguese.
Because Portugal Golden Visa applications involve larger financial commitments and longer processing times, ensuring that Portugal Golden Visa background check documents are accurate, complete, and up to date is especially critical to avoid delays or refusals.
How to Obtain an FBI Criminal Background Check (for U.S. Citizens)
Getting your FBI Criminal Background Check for Portuguese visa—formally called the Identity History Summary (IdHS)—is a key step for Portugal visa applicants. The process is relatively simple, but it does include a few technical requirements:
1. Submit your fingerprints
To start, you’ll need to provide a full set of fingerprints using the official FD-258 fingerprint card. This can be done electronically through an FBI-approved channeler, which usually results in faster processing, or by mailing the physical fingerprint card directly to the FBI. Most police stations, UPS stores, and private fingerprinting services can capture your fingerprints for you.
2. Apply online through the FBI portal
Next, visit the FBI’s Identity History Summary portal, create an account, and complete the online application. You’ll enter your personal information, upload your fingerprint file if you submitted fingerprints electronically, and pay the processing fee. If you mailed your fingerprints, simply print your confirmation email and include it with your fingerprint card when sending it to the FBI.
3. Receive your report
Once your request is processed—typically within 3–5 business days for electronic submissions, and a bit longer for mailed fingerprints—you’ll receive a digital PDF copy of your Identity History Summary, with the option to request a printed copy by mail. Portugal accepts the digital version, but it must be apostilled before use.
4. Apostille the document
Finally, because Portugal is part of the Hague Convention, your FBI background check for Portuguese visa must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. You can submit the report electronically through the State Department’s apostille system when eligible, or mail the physical document for authentication.
How to Obtain an ACRO Police Certificate (for UK Citizens)
The ACRO Police Certificate is the official nationwide background check used for visas and immigration, making it the document Portugal requires from UK applicants. The process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online.
1. Apply online through the ACRO website
Start by filling out the application form on the ACRO portal. You’ll need to upload proof of identity—such as your passport—as well as a recent photo. The system guides you through each step, making the process user-friendly even for first-time applicants.
2. Pay the fee and choose your processing speed
ACRO offers both standard processing and a fast-track option. Standard service takes longer, while the fast-track option is ideal if you’re on a tight visa timeline. You’ll simply select your preferred speed during checkout.
3. Receive your certificate
Once processed, ACRO sends your certificate either digitally or by post, depending on the delivery method you choose. The digital version arrives quickly and is easy to forward to your immigration lawyer or save for your visa application.
4. Get it legalised/apostilled
Before your criminal record certificate for Portugal visa can be used in the country, it must be legalised by the UK Legalization Office, which adds the apostille confirming its authenticity. You send your ACRO certificate to the Legalisation Office, and once the apostille is attached, it becomes valid for use in your Portugal residency application.
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How to Authenticate and Legalize Your Criminal Background Check for Portugal
For Portugal visa applications, both U.S. and UK citizens must authenticate and legalize their official criminal background check before submitting it to Portuguese authorities. This process ensures the document is internationally recognized and valid for immigration purposes.
Once you obtain your background check—whether it’s the FBI Identity History Summary (U.S.) or the ACRO Police Certificate (UK)—the issuing authority will include the appropriate seal and signature to confirm its authenticity. After that, the document must be sent to the relevant body for legalization through an apostille:
- U.S. applicants: The apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- UK applicants: The apostille is issued by the UK Legalisation Office.
Many applicants choose to use professional apostille services to speed up processing and ensure the paperwork is handled correctly.
Once a document receives an apostille, it is legally valid in all countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961, including Portugal. This step is essential for anyone applying for residency visas such as the D7, D8, or Golden Visa.
Finally, remember that all foreign documents—including your criminal background check—must be translated into Portuguese before being submitted.
Validity of the Portugal Visa Background Check
Understanding how long a Portugal background check stays valid is key to avoiding delays in your visa process. Whether you’re applying for residency, working, or entering the country on a visa, you’ll need a recent criminal record certificate.
In most cases, a Portugal background check is valid for about three months. Portuguese authorities want the most up-to-date information, so an older certificate may no longer reflect your current situation.
Because of this, it’s best not to request your background check too early. If you get it long before you submit your visa or residency documents, it may expire by the time authorities review your file.
Working with an immigration lawyer can help you time each step correctly and keep all your documents valid throughout the application process.
What to do When Fingerprints are Rejected
If your fingerprints are rejected during the background check process, you’re not alone—this is a common issue for both electronic scans and physical fingerprint cards.
Electronic scans are usually the fastest option, but they can be difficult to capture accurately, especially for older applicants or anyone whose fingerprints have naturally worn down from activities like swimming, manual work, or even exposure to cold weather. When the scan quality isn’t sufficient, the FBI cannot process the request, and the fingerprints must be taken again.
In these cases, moving to physical fingerprint cards is often the most reliable solution. Local police departments generally produce clearer, higher-quality prints, especially when handled by an experienced officer or technician. If your first attempt fails, explain the issue and request someone with more experience—small adjustments like this often make a big difference in image clarity.
A practical approach is to try electronic scanning first, since it’s quick and convenient, and keep a police department appointment scheduled as a backup.
How to Get an FBI Background Check from Portugal?
To obtain the FBI background check for Portuguese Visa you apply directly through the FBI’s website using the online application. Your fingerprints can be taken in Portugal, either through a private fingerprinting service or, in some cases, at a police station. Once completed, you upload or mail the fingerprints as instructed, and the results are usually issued electronically.
After receiving the FBI report, it must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. Since you’re outside the U.S., most applicants use a U.S.-based apostille service to manage this step on their behalf. You do not need to travel to the United States at any point in the process.
One important thing to keep in mind is timing: the FBI report should be recent (typically no older than 90 days at submission), and the apostille must be issued at the federal level, not by a state authority.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a background check for all Portugal residency visas?
Yes. Whether you’re applying for the D7, D8, Golden Visa, or any other residency route, a clean criminal background check is mandatory.
Which background check do U.S. citizens need to move to Portugal?
U.S. applicants must submit the FBI Criminal Background Check (Identity History Summary), not a state-level report.
Which background check do UK citizens need to move to Portugal?
UK citizens must provide the ACRO Police Certificate, as it is the only UK document accepted for immigration purposes.
How recent must the background check be?
Most Portugal visa authorities accept documents issued within the last 90 days. Older certificates are often rejected as outdated.
Do I need background checks from every country I lived in?
Yes. If you lived in another country for more than one year, you must obtain police clearance from that country as well.
Does the background check need an apostille?
es. All foreign criminal record documents must be apostilled by the appropriate authority (U.S. Department of State for FBI checks, UK Legalisation Office for ACRO certificates).
Does Portugal require the background check to be translated?
Yes. Background checks must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator before being submitted.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
You’ll need to retake them. Many applicants try electronic fingerprints first, then switch to physical fingerprint cards if prints are unclear.
Will a minor offense affect my Portugal visa?
It depends. Portugal focuses on serious crimes that would translate into sentences of over one year under Portuguese law. Minor infractions usually don’t cause problems.
Can I get my fingerprints taken in Portugal?
Yes. Fingerprinting can be done at select police stations, private fingerprinting services, and sometimes at U.S. or UK consular offices, depending on availability.
Does your criminal record show up when your passport is scanned?
No. Scanning your passport does not automatically reveal your criminal record. Passport scans are used to verify identity, travel history, and visa status — not criminal history. Criminal records are only checked when you explicitly provide consent as part of a visa or residency application.
Will a criminal record affect a visa application?
It can, but not always. What matters is the type of offense, how serious it was, and how it translates under Portuguese law. Minor or old offenses often don’t cause issues. Serious crimes that would carry a prison sentence of more than one year in Portugal are more likely to lead to refusal.
What disqualifies criminal history for immigration purposes?
Generally, serious crimes such as violent offenses, major fraud, drug trafficking, or repeated offenses are the main red flags. Each case is assessed individually, and context, timing, and rehabilitation all matter.
Can immigration see your criminal record?
Yes — but only during a formal immigration process. Immigration authorities review your criminal history through the police clearance certificates you submit and, in some cases, through authorized background checks in Portugal. They do not have automatic access to your records just because you enter the country.
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