FBI Background Check · Germany
FBI Background Check Apostille for Germany
Route, timeline, translation and price for using a FBI Background Check in Germany — based on the official Hague Convention status table.
Quick answer
Germany accepts a U.S. apostille. Your FBI Background Check needs one apostille from the U.S. Department of State — 10–12 business days with us. Certified German translation typically required.
- Route
- Apostille — one step
- Hague member since
- 13 February 1966
- Issuing authority
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Translation
- Certified German translation typically required.
Is Germany a Hague Convention country?
Yes. The Apostille Convention has been in force for Germany since 13 February 1966, and for the United States since 15 October 1981 — so a U.S. apostille is accepted in Germany with no embassy step.
The route to Germany
A FBI Background Check is issued by Federal Bureau of Investigation, a federal authority, so it is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. — never by a state office. For Germany, that apostille is the finish line.
People most often send documents to Germany for work permits, marriage registration, residency. Receiving offices set their own requirements, so confirm what yours asks for — we’ll help you read it.
About the FBI Background Check
How to apostille an FBI background check for use abroad.
This is one of the documents we can obtain for you. If you don’t have your FBI Background Check yet, we can request it and prepare it for Germany in the same order.
Timeline and price
| Stage | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of State apostille | 10–12 business days | Hand-delivered in Washington, D.C. |
| Certified translation | Alongside | Ordered with the authentication so nothing waits in sequence |
| Return shipping | 1–3 days in the U.S. | Tracked courier; worldwide delivery available |
Price: $299 per document, government fees and U.S. shipping included.
If we obtain your FBI report for you, add $149 — or choose our $399 FBI check + apostille bundle for Hague countries.
Translation for Germany
Certified German translation typically required. We coordinate certified translation alongside the authentication so the document arrives ready to file.
How it works
Confirm the route
Tell us you’re sending a FBI Background Check to Germany. We confirm route, price and timing before any payment.
Get the document to us
Ship it to our processing office, or to any of our U.S. offices and we route it internally.
Pre-submission review
We check it against authentication requirements to catch the problems that cause rejections.
Department of State
Hand-delivered to the Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
Certified translation
Arranged alongside so it arrives ready to file in Germany.
Delivery
Returned to you by tracked courier, or sent directly to your recipient in Germany.
Sources: HCCH — Apostille Convention status table (updated 30 June 2026) · U.S. Department of State — Authenticate Your Document.
FBI Background Check for Germany — FAQ
Is Germany part of the Hague Apostille Convention?
Yes. The Convention has been in force for Germany since 13 February 1966, so a U.S. apostille is accepted there directly.
How long does it take to prepare a FBI Background Check for Germany?
About 10–12 business days for the U.S. Department of State apostille, plus return shipping. Certified translation runs alongside.
How much does it cost to send a FBI Background Check to Germany?
$299 per document, with government fees and U.S. shipping included. We confirm your exact price before any payment.
Do I need a translation for Germany?
Certified German translation typically required. We can arrange certified translation with your order.
Can you obtain the FBI Background Check for me?
Yes — we can request it and prepare it for Germany in one order.
Do I have to be in the United States?
No. Most Germany orders are handled entirely by mail, and we can ship the finished document anywhere.
Related: FBI Background Check — full guide · All documents for Germany · Apostille vs. embassy legalization · Why apostilles get rejected
Ready to start?
Order online in minutes, or call and we will walk you through it. Federal documents from anywhere in the U.S. — one flat price, all government fees included.