apply for a certificate of good conduct

For fast processing, you can conveniently use the online procedure at the Federal Office of Justice. There you will find all further information and also the "Online application for certificate of good conduct". You will find the link to the online application under "Further information" - "Online service" - "Online application for certificate of good conduct". It is no longer necessary to visit the Bürgeramt.

All you need for the online application is your ID card with the online ID function activated and a smartphone with the ID card app2. The online service guides you step by step through the application process. In just a few steps, you have applied for your certificate of good conduct quickly and securely. The certificate of good conduct will be sent to you by mail from the Federal Office of Justice.

If you have not yet activated a PIN for your digital ID card, please use the procedure on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Home Affairs. You will find the link under "Further information" - Online service" - "Order PIN reset letter".

Basisinformationen

Citizens who are registered as residents of Bremen or who usually stay in Bremen but are not subject to the registration requirement (e.g. homeless persons) can apply for a certificate of good conduct in exceptional cases, i.e. if they do not have a smartphone, at the BürgerServiceCenters of the Bürgeramt. An appointment is necessary for the visit. To do so, please contact the BürgerServiceCenter of your choice by e-mail. The Bürgeramt will then forward your application to the Federal Office of Justice.

National certificate of good conduct (§30 BZRG)

The national certificate of good conduct certifies whether the person in question has a criminal record or not. It is issued for private or official purposes.

Extended certificate of good conduct (§30a BZRG)

An extended certificate of good conduct is only required if it is needed for a professional honorary or other activity close to children and young people. There must be a written request from the office requiring the extended certificate of good conduct, confirming that the requirements are met. The (exemplary) note of the office "It is confirmed that the requirements according to § 30 a Abs. 1 BZRG are present" also meets the requirements.
If such a written request is not submitted, the application for an extended certificate of good conduct may not be accepted.

European certificate of good conduct (§30b BZRG)

Citizens who - in addition to or instead of German - hold the citizenship of one or more other member states of the European Union and apply for a certificate of good conduct as of August 31, 2018, will compulsorily receive a so-called European certificate of good conduct from the Federal Office of Justice. Previously, they could choose whether to be issued a national or a European certificate of good conduct. As a result of an amendment to the Federal Central Register Act, this right to choose has now been abolished. In addition to the German certificate of good conduct, the European certificate of good conduct contains the notification of entries in the criminal record of the Member State of origin in the language transmitted, provided that the Member State of origin provides for transmission under its law.

Voraussetzungen

Residence/habitual residence in Bremen
Minimum age: 14 years

Welche Unterlagen benötige ich?

Proof of identity
e.g. identity card or passport
For a certificate of good conduct for presentation to an authority: exact address of the authority and the purpose or file number
For an extended certificate of good conduct: written request from an authorised body

Verfahren

Apply for your certificate of good conduct quickly and easily online at the Federal Office of Justice. Only in exceptional cases (if you do not have a smartphone) is it possible to apply via the BürgerServiceCenter.

Online application:

Use the online portal of the Federal Office of Justice for fast processing. You will find the link on this page under "Further information" - "Online application for a certificate of good conduct".
All you need is your ID card or electronic residence permit with the online ID function activated and a smartphone with the ID card app2.
The online service guides you step by step through the application process.
In just a few steps, you have applied for your certificate of good conduct quickly and securely.
The certificate of good conduct will be sent to you by mail from the Federal Office of Justice.

Apply in person:

You can apply for a certificate of good conduct at your primary residence or at your secondary residence.
To do so, make an appointment at one of the BürgerServiceCenters at one of the e-mail addresses.
There you will have to identify yourself with your ID card and can apply for a certificate of good conduct.
For an extended certificate of good conduct, you must bring the written request of the office that would like to have the certificate of good conduct.
The BürgerServiceCenter will forward your request to the Federal Office of Justice. Certificates of good conduct are always requested online from the Federal Office of Justice. The application via a BSC always means a delay of a few days.
The Federal Office of Justice prepares the certificate of good conduct and sends it by mail to your registration address. The extended certificate of good conduct is usually sent directly to the office requesting it.

Kosten und Fristen

Wie lange dauert die Bearbeitung

(extended) certificate of good conduct: approx. 3-4 weeks
European certificate of good conduct: approx. 4-6 weeks

Welche Gebühren/Kosten fallen an?

13,00 EUR per certificate of good conduct

If the certificate of good conduct is to be used abroad, additional fees may apply. These are charged separately by the Federal Office of Justice (for over-authentication, currently 25 euros in total) or by the Federal Office of Administration (for apostille, currently 25 euros in total). You will find a link with further information from the Federal Office of Justice under "Further information" ("Using a certificate of good conduct abroad").