Why this matters for job seekers
Many jobs ask for a Führungszeugnis before your first day. You see it often in care, childcare, security and jobs where you work with people. Until now, the certificate came on special green paper by post. That could cost you days, and sometimes the job went to someone else.
Now the waiting is mostly gone. Several news reports and the Bundesamt für Justiz (BfJ) confirm the new digital way. Berliner Zeitung writes that it usually takes only a few hours, unless extra checks are needed.
Which Führungszeugnis does your employer want?
| Type | When you need it | Digital? |
|---|---|---|
| Einfaches Führungszeugnis (normal, private) | Most employers who just "want a Führungszeugnis" | Yes, since 1 Oct 2026 |
| Erweitertes Führungszeugnis (extended) | Work with children or young people, e.g. Kita, school, youth work, sports coaching | Yes. You must upload a written request from the employer (§ 30a BZRG) |
| Europäisches Führungszeugnis | If you also hold citizenship of another EU country or the UK | Possible, but takes longer |
If you are not sure, ask the employer one simple question: "Brauchen Sie ein einfaches oder ein erweitertes Führungszeugnis?" For the extended one, they must give you a letter. Without that letter, the BfJ cannot issue it.
What you need before you start
- An ID with online function: German Personalausweis, eID card, or the elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel (eAT). Yes, the residence card counts. The BfJ says the online function is switched on automatically for cards issued after July 2017.
- Your PIN for that card.
- A smartphone with NFC (or a computer with a card reader) and the free AusweisApp.
- A credit card to pay the 13 € online.
- A BundID account. You can create it during the application.
Old paper residence permit or no PIN? Then the online way will not work for you yet. You can still apply in person at your Bürgeramt / Meldebehörde, as before. The certificate then comes on paper by post.
Step by step
- Open the official portal: fuehrungszeugnis.bund.de. Only this site. Do not use paid "service" websites that apply for you.
- Choose the type (normal or extended). For extended, upload the employer's letter.
- Choose the digital delivery to your BundID mailbox.
- Log in with your card: hold it to the back of your phone and enter your PIN in the AusweisApp.
- Pay 13 € by credit card.
- Wait. Check your BundID mailbox (Postfach). Download the PDF and keep a copy safe.
How your employer checks it is real
The PDF has an electronic seal and a visible QR code. An employer can check it with the app ZeSI mobile or digitally. This works even on a printout. So you can send the same PDF to more than one employer if you are applying in several places.
Tip: Many employers want a certificate that is not older than about three months. Do not order it months before you need it. Apply when the employer asks, or when you are close to a job offer.
When you still need paper
- When the certificate must go to a German authority directly (it is then sent to that office, not to you).
- When you need it for use abroad with an Apostille or other legalisation. These cannot be added to the digital PDF.
- When you simply prefer it. Paper is still offered.
Common mistakes
- Paying a middleman. The official fee is 13 €. Websites that charge you more only fill in the same form for you.
- Ordering the wrong type. Extended needs the employer's letter. Ask first.
- Forgetting the BundID mailbox. The PDF does not come by e-mail. Log in and look in the Postfach.
- Waiting for "perfect" timing. If the employer is waiting, apply the same day. A few hours now can decide whether you start on Monday.
Who to ask if something goes wrong
Questions about the certificate itself: the Bundesamt für Justiz. Questions about your job, contract or pay as someone from a non-EU country: Faire Integration gives free advice in several languages.
Next steps on DesiJobsDE
Sources (checked 12 Oct 2026): Bundesamt für Justiz – Führungszeugnis · Berliner Zeitung, 3 Oct 2026 · DOSB, 9 Oct 2026 · IamExpat, 1 Oct 2026