Biometrics
Biometrics
The submission of biometric data — fingerprints and a photo — when applying for a visa, residence, or citizenship. Often the only reason a personal visit to the country is needed.
- What it is
- Giving fingerprints and a photo when applying for a visa, residence permit or citizenship
- Where it applies
- Many citizenship and residence programmes, visas, passports
- Why
- Identification and protection against forgery
- Distinctive feature
- Often the only reason for an in-person visit to the country
- Can you prepare
- Yes: plan the visit and the appointment in advance
In plain words
Biometrics means giving biometric data — fingerprints and a digital photo (sometimes a face scan) — when applying for a visa, residence permit, passport or citizenship. The state uses them for precise identification and to protect documents against forgery and use by another person.
In investment migration, biometrics is often the very step that requires an in-person visit. Many programmes let you complete most of the process remotely — through a lawyer and a power of attorney — but fingerprints almost always have to be given in person, in the country or at its consulate.
Biometrics is usually given once, at filing or at the final stage. It is worth planning the visit in advance: book an appointment and combine it with the oath or collecting documents so as not to travel twice. Otherwise it is a quick procedure of a few minutes.
Where biometrics is needed
What matters about biometrics
- Fingerprints
- A digital photo
- Sometimes a face scan
- Precise identification
- Protection against forgery
- Against use by others
- In the country
- Or at the consulate
- At the final stage
- A visit is often needed
- Usually once
- A quick procedure
How biometrics works
- 01Booking an appointment
- 02In-person visit
- 03Giving fingerprints and a photo
- 04Linking to the application
- 05Stage completed
What you need to know
- Biometrics means fingerprints and a photo
- It is needed for identification and document protection
- Often the only reason for an in-person visit
- Most of the process can be completed remotely
- It is usually given once, and the procedure is quick
Common mistakes
- Not planning the visit to give biometrics
- Travelling twice by not combining it with the oath or collection
- Missing the booking and losing the slot
- Assuming the whole process can be done remotely
- Not confirming exactly where it is given — in the country or at the consulate
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We plan in advance where and when you need to give biometrics and, where possible, combine that visit with other in-person steps. Everything that can be done remotely we handle remotely, so that your personal attendance comes down to one short, convenient trip.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What does biometrics involve?
Usually fingerprints and a digital photo, sometimes a face scan. The data are used for precise identification and to protect documents against forgery.
02 /Do you need to attend in person?
Most often, yes: fingerprints cannot be given remotely. But in many programmes the rest of the process can be completed remotely, through a lawyer acting under a power of attorney.
03 /How many times is biometrics given?
As a rule, once — at filing or at the final stage. The procedure is quick, taking a few minutes.
04 /Where is biometrics given?
In the programme country or at its consulate — depending on the requirements. This is confirmed in advance so that the visit can be planned.
05 /Can it be combined with other steps?
Yes, and it is convenient: biometrics is often combined with the oath or collecting documents so as not to travel twice.
06 /Why is biometrics needed at all?
So that the state can identify the applicant precisely and protect the document against forgery and use by another person.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Plan the visit for biometrics?
We will handle everything possible remotely, and plan and combine the one in-person step — biometrics — conveniently.