Getting an FBI Background Check While Living in Switzerland

You’re one of the Americans sipping a morning coffee on the streets of Zurich, and somehow your U.S. past just caught up with you. Don’t panic, you’re not alone! Many find themselves needing an FBI background check in Switzerland, often for a work permit, residency application, or professional license.

On the bright side, you don’t need to abandon that peaceful Swiss morning to fly back for the paperwork. With the right approach, everything can be handled from a distance. Let’s explore how to do that in this post!

FBI Background Check Requirements for Applicants Living in Switzerland

Before ordering your report, it’s essential to clarify why you’re seeking an FBI background check for Switzerland. In many situations, the Swiss government may request one if you’re a U.S. citizen or a foreign national who lived in the U.S. 

U.S. Citizens Residing in Switzerland

American expats residing in the country usually need a criminal report to pursue employment, adopt children, or register credentials. Even if you haven’t resided in the States in years, you may still need one to prove a clean criminal record. 

Non-U.S. Citizens With Previous U.S. Residence

U.S. permanent residents and foreign nationals who legally lived, worked, or studied in the U.S. for an extended time may be asked to submit an FBI rap sheet. The reason is that Swiss authorities want to know about your conduct during that specific period, whether for work, naturalization, or any other official procedures.  

Swiss Immigration, Employment, and Licensing Applications

A clean criminal history is often mandatory for residency and long-term visas, including B (temporary residence) and C (permanent residence) permits. Various employers and licensing boards also demand this federal report, especially those in high-trust sectors such as finance, healthcare, and education.

Documents Required for an FBI Background Check Application

Requesting an FBI background check from abroad involves pretty much the same documents as applying within the U.S. Below is a checklist of what you must have on hand for a successful submission.

FBI Applicant Information Form

Applicants must file a formal Identity History Summary request form, which can be filled out online or downloaded from the FBI’s official website. The form asks for your basic information — name, DOB, and current mailing address.

FD-1164 Fingerprint Card or a Card Supplied by the Fingerprinting Provider

You’ll need to have your ten prints rolled onto the FD-1164 card or an equivalent acceptable card, such as the FD-258, provided by the fingerprinting service you use. Make sure your information is entered correctly with no blank fields.

Application Fee and Payment Documentation

The FBI charges a standard processing fee of $18 per rap sheet. Payment must be made at the time of online application using a card or PayPal. For mail submissions, include a money order, certified check, or credit card information via a payment form with the Treasury of the United States as the payee.

FBI Fingerprinting and Fingerprint Card Requirements in Switzerland

Here comes the most critical step in the process: arranging fingerprinting in Switzerland. The FBI’s search hinges on fingerprint data, making print quality the biggest factor in whether your request sails through.

Cantonal and Municipal Police Fingerprinting Availability

Most cantonal and municipal police stations provide fingerprinting services to the public for various purposes, including FBI background checks. Availability varies among cantons, and appointments are often required. Call ahead to confirm if they have FBI fingerprint cards in stock, or if you need to bring your own.

Private and Mobile Fingerprinting Providers

Many applicants turn to private service providers for convenience. Several of them also offer mobile fingerprinting across Switzerland. Technicians can travel to your home or office and capture FBI-compliant impressions for a fee.

Identification Required for the Fingerprinting Appointment

Regardless of whether you choose to visit a police department or private provider, you should have a valid passport and other government-issued photo IDs with you to the appointment. The technician will verify your identity and record the details onto the fingerprint card.

Rolled and Plain Fingerprint Impressions

A proper card must contain two types: rolled impressions where each of your fingers is rolled from edge to edge and plain impressions where all four fingers are pressed flat. Double-check your card afterward to ensure both sets are captured.  

Required Fields on the Fingerprint Card

Besides the biometric data, no field should be left blank on your card. It must include your full name, DOB, physical descriptions, citizenship, place of birth, and SSN if applicable. Sign and date the card in front of your fingerprint technician.

Legibility and Print Quality Standards

Improper pressure, missing ridges, or smears can lead to outright rejection. Low-quality prints not only cause you to resubmit a new card but also incur extra international shipping costs. Therefore, always choose an experienced provider to avoid this frustrating and time-consuming setback.

FBI Background Check Submission From Switzerland

Now that you understand how fingerprints must be taken, it’s time to tackle the actual request submission for an FBI background check from Switzerland. The method you choose to submit affects the timeline and how you receive the results. 

FBI eDO Registration and Payment

The Electronic Departmental Order (eDO) system is the most straightforward way to order a criminal report. Simply create an account, complete the request form, and pay the processing fee. You’ll receive a barcoded confirmation to be included with your mailed fingerprint card later.

Mailing the Fingerprint Card After eDO Registration

After completing online registration, mail the fingerprint card, along with the printed confirmation page, to the FBI’s CJIS Division in West Virginia for processing. Use a reliable delivery service that provides tracking information.

Direct Mail Application Without eDO

If you’d rather skip the online step, you can mail a completed request form, fingerprint card, and proper payment directly to the FBI. A paper application takes longer to process and lacks the status-tracking features of eDO, so it’s less recommended compared to other options.

FBI-Approved Channeler Eligibility for Applicants Living Abroad

Alternatively, the FBI allows you to request criminal reports via authorized third-party channelers. These private companies forward your application and accelerate turnaround time for a fee, but their services are mostly reserved for U.S. citizens. Check your eligibility first before going this route.

Receiving and Reviewing the FBI Identity History Summary Abroad

You may wonder how results will be delivered to you all the way in Switzerland. Again, it depends on your submission method, and here’s what to note down.

Electronic FBI Report Delivery

If you request via eDO or a channeler, you’ll typically receive a digital report (PDF) accessible for download through a secure portal. This is considered the fastest, bypassing time zone and international shipping delays.

Printed Report Delivery by U.S. First-Class Mail

For mail-in applications, you can expect a physical copy sent to the Swiss address you provided in your request form via U.S. First-Class Mail. Keep in mind that it often takes approximately 2 weeks to arrive without tracking information.

Reviewing the Report and Requesting Corrections

Once you receive the report, check every detail carefully for errors — spelling, date, and criminal history. If you believe something is wrong, incomplete, or outdated, you can send a challenge for corrections. Note that the average turnaround for this process is 45 days, which may subsequently derail your Swiss application.

Apostille Requirements for Using an FBI Background Check in Switzerland

Both the U.S. and Switzerland are Hague Convention members, so your FBI report needs proper authentication to become valid there. To avoid being caught off guard, let’s take a look at FBI apostille requirements for Switzerland. 

Federal Apostille From the U.S. Department of State

Since the FBI is a federal agency, your report must be authenticated with a federal apostille through the U.S. Department of State. You’ll need to mail the background check, a completed apostille request form, and the correct fee to Washington, D.C. 

Original FBI Report Requirements for Federal Apostille Processing

The State Department explicitly requires an original, physical copy of your rap sheet for processing. Don’t send in a photocopy or electronic version — it will be turned down right away. If you have a digital report, print it out properly in full color on standard white paper stock.

Translation and Acceptance Requirements in Switzerland

While some authorities accept FBI checks in English, translations may be required in specific cantons. In such cases, you’ll need to engage a certified translator in one of the official languages — German, French, or Italian. Also, check with the receiving agency for additional requirements, as they vary significantly by canton.

Processing Times and Application Planning

Overall, you can expect up to 12 weeks for the FBI background check depending on your submission method, from registration and fingerprinting to final report delivery. Factor in at least 5 weeks for federal authentication, plus international mailing time and translation services. It’s safe to start as early as possible and build in a buffer to avoid missing your Swiss deadlines.

Take the Stress Out of the Apostille Process

Sorting out the requirements for an FBI background check apostille while living in Switzerland doesn’t have to be a solo journey. If you’re feeling stressed after reading the above, reach out to EZ Apostille for a quick chat. Our team specializes in federal apostilles — and we’re happy to handle the legwork for you!

FAQ

Whether you’ve already moved to Switzerland from the USA or are still planning, these answers should help you clear up some lingering confusion. 

Can a family member in the United States manage the documents on my behalf?

A family member can’t order an FBI background check on your behalf under privacy laws. However, they may submit the document for federal authentication, as long as you provide them with the report and necessary information.

Does the U.S. Embassy in Switzerland issue FBI background checks?

No, embassies don’t issue background checks or take fingerprints for this purpose. You can only request an FBI rap sheet directly from the FBI or one of the approved channelers.

Can the FBI report be sent directly to a Swiss authority?

Usually, no. It must be authenticated with a federal apostille to be recognized in Switzerland beforehand. Sending it to a Swiss authority without proper certification may result in immediate rejection. 

Is notarization required for an FBI Identity History Summary?

No, an FBI criminal report is a federal document with an official signature and seal, so it doesn’t require notarization before the apostille.

Can one FBI report be used for applications in multiple countries?

Technically, yes. However, each government has its unique acceptance requirements, such as translation, formatting, and validity window. Your safest bet is to order multiple FBI checks and obtain separate apostilles for them.

Are separate applications required for spouses and adult dependents?

Yes, every adult applicant must have their own FBI background check, even if you’re submitting a family-based application to Switzerland.

Can fingerprints taken previously be reused for a new FBI request?

No, the FBI expects a fresh, recent set of fingerprints for every request. You can’t reuse a previous fingerprinting card, no matter how recent it is.