How much is police clearance in Germany? When applying for jobs, visas, or other formal processes in Germany (or abroad), one of the most common requirements is a police clearance certificate (in German, Führungszeugnis). This document—also known as a “certificate of good conduct” or “criminal records check”—is issued by the Federal Central Criminal Register (Bundeszentralregister) via the Federal Office of Justice (Bundesamt für Justiz).

A frequent question among applicants is, “How much does it cost?” Here’s a comprehensive breakdown.

How Much Is Police Clearance in Germany?

First, it’s useful to clarify what this certificate is. The Führungszeugnis is an official excerpt from the criminal records held by German authorities. It indicates whether you have any convictions recorded in Germany. German authorities issue these certificates on special green anti-counterfeit paper.

This document may be required for many purposes: employment, visa or residency applications, working with vulnerable people, applying for a professional license, or other legal or administrative processes.

How Much Is Police Clearance in Germany?

Standard Fee: €13

The base cost of obtaining a police clearance certificate in Germany is €13.

Here’s how it typically works:

  • If you apply locally within Germany (for example, through your city’s Bürgeramt or other registry office), you pay the €13 fee, and once payment is confirmed, your application is processed.

  • If you apply online, via the Federal Office of Justice (“Führungszeugnis online”), you can also pay the €13 electronically (e.g., via credit card).

Extra Costs: Authentication & Certification

While €13 covers the actual certificate, there may be additional costs, especially if you’re applying from outside Germany or through a German embassy or consulate. These extra charges are mainly for certifying your signature or confirming your identity.

Some typical scenarios:

Consular Certification Fee

  • If you apply from abroad, many German embassies or consulates charge a signature or identity certification (“Bescheinigung der Identität / Unterschrift”).
  • For example, the German mission in some countries charges €36 for this consular certification.
  • Once your signature is certified, you send the application and proof of the €13 payment to the Federal Office of Justice in Germany.

Over-authentication (Überbeglaubigung)

If the certificate is to be used abroad and needs to be “over-authenticated” (i.e., legalized for international use), there is a further fee of €25 on top of the €13.

Over-authentication means that the certificate itself will carry an additional official legal stamp or certification so that foreign authorities will accept it.

Apostille or End-Authentication

  • In some cases, you may need an apostille (or final authentication) from the German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt), depending on the destination country’s legal requirements.
  • The cost for such authentications varies; for example, the German Foreign Office may charge for an apostille (or “final authentication”) depending on the state or document.

Payment Method and Process

How Much Is Police Clearance in Germany?

When applying, here’s how payment typically works:

1. Bank Transfer: You transfer €13 to the Federal Office of Justice’s bank account.

2. Bank account details:

  • IBAN: DE49 3700 0000 0038 0010 05
  • BIC / SWIFT: MARKDEF1370

When you send your application (especially from abroad), include proof of payment (a copy of the bank transfer) so that the Federal Office of Justice can verify payment before issuing the certificate.

For online applications, you can often pay electronically, which may be more convenient for those in Germany.

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Fee Waiver Possibility

Under certain conditions, the €13 fee may be waived, or you may qualify for exemption.

  • For example, the Federal Office of Justice notes that fees can be waived in special circumstances, like if the applicant has very low income or for certain social purposes.
  • Some local city offices (e.g., in Zwickau) explicitly mention fee exemptions.
  • To apply for a waiver, you generally need to provide evidence of your financial situation or the special purpose of your request.

Processing Time

While your question centers on cost, it’s worth noting how long it takes, as timing can affect whether you might need faster (and potentially more expensive) options:

  • Standard processing for a Führungszeugnis typically takes 1–4 weeks when applying within Germany.

  • Some local registry offices (Bürgerämter) offer a “speedy” certificate for an additional €2, cutting the turnaround to just a few days (in some cases around 3 days).

  • For overseas applications, processing may depend on postal times (for sending the form and the returned certificate) and the time taken for certification.

Why the Cost is Relatively Low

Compared to background check fees in other countries, €13 for a police clearance in Germany is quite modest. There are several reasons:

  • The Führungszeugnis is issued by a central authority (the Federal Office of Justice), which standardizes the cost.
  • Germany prioritizes accessibility for key administrative documents, making such checks affordable.
  • The low base fee helps individuals meet legal and employment requirements without being burdened by very high costs.

Summary

  • Base fee: €13 for a standard certificate.
  • Extra cost for consular certification: ~€36 (if applying from an embassy/consulate).
  • Over-authentication: Additional €25 if required for use abroad.
  • Payment: Bank transfer to the Federal Office of Justice (IBAN: DE49370000000038001005, BIC: MARKDEF1370) or electronic payment for online applications.
  • Fee waiver: Possible for low-income applicants or special purposes.
  • Processing time: Typically 1–4 weeks, but can be sped up for an extra fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs on How Much Is Police Clearance in Germany?

Can I apply for a German police clearance certificate if I no longer live in Germany?

Yes. You can apply through the Federal Office of Justice even if you live abroad. However, you’ll likely need to have your signature certified (e.g., at a German embassy or notary) before sending your application.

What happens if I need the certificate for use in another country?

If you need the certificate abroad, you might require “over-authentication” (additional legal stamping) or an apostille, depending on the destination country. There is an additional fee for over-authentication (€25 on top of the base €13).

Do I need to pay the €13 before I apply?

Yes. The application can only be processed once the €13 fee has been paid, and proof of payment is usually required along with your application.

Is there a faster processing option if I need the certificate quickly?

Some local registry offices offer an expedited (“speedy”) Führungszeugnis service for an extra €2, which can reduce processing to just a few days.

Can the €13 fee be waived?

In certain situations, yes. The Federal Office of Justice may waive the fee based on financial hardship or if the clearance serves a special social or official purpose.

In conclusion, obtaining a police clearance certificate (“Führungszeugnis”) in Germany is relatively affordable compared to many other countries. With a base fee of just €13, it’s accessible for many individuals.

However, additional costs may apply depending on where you apply (locally or abroad) and what you need the certificate for. If you’re applying from outside Germany, be sure to factor in consular certification fees and potential costs for legalization or apostille.

Before applying, review the specific requirements of the requesting organization (employer, visa office, etc.), and decide whether you need the standard certificate or a version with extra authentication.

With proper planning and payment, the process is straightforward—and you’ll have your police clearance in hand without breaking the bank.