Germany is modernising its public administration through digitalisation, aiming to simplify official procedures and reduce delays. One area affected by these reforms is the Police Clearance Certificate—known in German as the Führungszeugnis.
As of late 2024, important updates have been introduced to the application, apostille and certification process, particularly for international applicants who need to present the document abroad for employment, immigration or visa purposes.
This blog outlines what has changed, why it matters, and what applicants need to do differently in 2025.
The process for obtaining and certifying a Führungszeugnis has shifted significantly. Key updates include:
For those living abroad, this means they must coordinate directly with two federal authorities at different stages: the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz), which issues the certificate, and the BfAA, which handles apostille or certification.
A Führungszeugnis is Germany’s official criminal background check, issued by the Federal Office of Justice. It verifies whether an individual has a criminal record in Germany.
The main types are:
For international use, a Police Clearance Certificate often requires an apostille under the Hague Convention. This additional step authenticates the document so that foreign authorities accept it as valid.
Germany’s updated process streamlines payments and introduces digital management, but it also requires applicants to take greater responsibility for coordinating between multiple authorities. For those outside Germany, understanding the new rules in advance is critical to avoiding delays in visa, immigration or employment processes.
As of late 2024, important updates have been introduced to the application, apostille and certification process, particularly for international applicants who need to present the document abroad for employment, immigration or visa purposes.
This blog outlines what has changed, why it matters, and what applicants need to do differently in 2025.
What Has Changed for 2025?
The process for obtaining and certifying a Führungszeugnis has shifted significantly. Key updates include:
- New online portal: Applications for apostilles and final certifications must now be made via a dedicated portal operated by the Federal Office of Foreign Affairs (BfAA).
- No local forwarding: Local offices such as the Bürgeramt or Meldebehörde can no longer forward clearance certificates for apostille or certification.
- Personalised application form: Each applicant receives a unique form and identification number, which must be printed and submitted with the clearance certificate.
- Online payment: Fees must be paid upfront through the secure ePayBL system (no more cash or payment upon delivery).
For those living abroad, this means they must coordinate directly with two federal authorities at different stages: the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz), which issues the certificate, and the BfAA, which handles apostille or certification.
What Is a
A Führungszeugnis is Germany’s official criminal background check, issued by the Federal Office of Justice. It verifies whether an individual has a criminal record in Germany.
The main types are:
- Private Certificate (Führungszeugnis für private Zwecke) – issued directly to the applicant; typically used for employment, immigration or visa applications; can be apostilled for use abroad.
- Official Certificate (Führungszeugnis zur Vorlage bei einer Behörde) – sent directly to a German authority such as an employer, immigration office or public body; used in public service recruitment, naturalisation or domestic legal processes; not normally intended for international use.
- European Certificate (Europäisches Führungszeugnis) – available to German residents who are citizens of another EU country; includes entries from both German and home-country registers; may be apostilled but usually requires longer processing due to coordination with foreign authorities.
Apostille and Certification: Why They Matter
For international use, a Police Clearance Certificate often requires an apostille under the Hague Convention. This additional step authenticates the document so that foreign authorities accept it as valid.
Current requirements (2025):
- Apostille fee: €25, paid in advance via bank transfer.
- Processing time: around two weeks for apostille issuance, or up to four weeks total including certificate procurement.
- Separate handling: applicants must now manage communications with both the issuing office (Bundesamt für Justiz) and the certification office (BfAA).
Who Typically Needs a German Police Clearance Certificate?
- Visa and residence permit applicants abroad.
- Employees or contractors seeking positions with multinational companies.
- Applicants for naturalisation or long-term residence in other countries.
- Individuals undergoing background checks for compliance purposes.
How to Apply in 2025
- Request the certificate from the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz).
- Apply for apostille or final certification via the new BfAA portal using the personalised form and identification number provided.
- Submit the printed form together with the certificate and ensure payment is completed through the official ePayBL system.
- Allow for coordination between the two authorities, especially when applying from abroad, and ensure all documentation is submitted in the correct order.
Key Takeaway
Germany’s updated process streamlines payments and introduces digital management, but it also requires applicants to take greater responsibility for coordinating between multiple authorities. For those outside Germany, understanding the new rules in advance is critical to avoiding delays in visa, immigration or employment processes.
