Certificate of Good Conduct: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to obtain an official criminal record check for employment purposes in Germany.
A Certificate of Good Conduct is an official document that provides a record of your criminal history for legal and professional purposes.
Who it's for
This document is a standard requirement for many different types of employment roles. If you are entering a profession that requires a high level of trust or specific legal clearance, you will likely be asked to provide this record to your employer. It serves as a way for organizations to verify your background through official channels.
What you get
Upon completion of the process, you receive an official criminal record check. This document is issued by the Bundesamt für Justiz and serves as a formal statement regarding your legal standing. It is a standard way to prove that you meet the character requirements necessary for your specific job or role.
What it costs you
There is a fee of €13 for the processing and issuance of this certificate. You should be prepared to cover this cost as part of your application to ensure the document is generated and sent to you.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand is that you do not necessarily have to visit a government office in person. If you have your digital identity set up with the eID function, you can complete the entire request process online. Using this digital feature can save you time and allows you to manage your application from home.
How to apply
- Check if your employer requires a specific type of record or if the standard version is sufficient.
- Prepare your digital identity credentials and eID function if you intend to apply through the online portal.
- Access the official government portal to begin the request for your criminal record check.
- Complete the necessary digital forms and submit the application.
- Pay the required €13 fee to finalize your request.