A certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis) is required in Germany when applying for jobs in the public sector, schools, banks and security, and for some types of business activity.

Types of certificate of good conduct

There are four types: the standard certificate for private purposes, the certificate for submission to an authority (sent directly to the authority that requested it), the extended certificate for work with children and the European certificate of good conduct.

Ordering quickly online through the Federal Office of Justice

The most convenient way is to order the document on the official portal fuehrungszeugnis.bund.de. You need a smartphone with NFC, an ID card or electronic residence permit with the online ID function (eID) activated, and the AusweisApp.

Ordering in person at the Bürgeramt

If your eID is not activated, you order the certificate in person at the Bürgeramt. You show your passport, pay the fixed fee of €13 and state the purpose of the certificate.

Processing and delivery times

The Federal Office of Justice in Bonn prints the certificate on special security paper. It is usually delivered to you by post within one to two weeks.

What to check

  • Activate the eID function of your residence permit with the AusweisApp.
  • Check with your employer or the authority which type of certificate is required.
  • Pay the €13 fee online by card or at the Bürgeramt.
  • For an extended certificate, provide the written request from your employer.

Example situation

A candidate for a job at a financial company orders the certificate online in five minutes using the AusweisApp and receives the original by post eight days later.

Next step

Avoid dubious commercial intermediary websites; the official certificate costs €13 on the government portal.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.