German Police Clearance Certificate: Certified Translation for Visas, Jobs & Immigration
Your Führungszeugnis is only issued in German. For work visas, immigration applications or employment abroad, you need a certified translation that authorities will accept. Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote.
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner.
Why does it need to be certified?
In Germany, official translations must be done by a vereidigter Übersetzer, a translator officially sworn in by a German court. When you submit your Führungszeugnis to an embassy, immigration authority or employer abroad, they require proof that the translation is accurate and legally valid. A certified translation includes the translator's stamp, signature and registration number, which is exactly what authorities expect.
Your path to a certified translation
Send your document
Upload a clear scan or photo of your Führungszeugnis through our form or email it to us. The original stays safely with you.
Receive your quote
You usually receive your quote within a few hours, often sooner.
Confirm with one click
Your quote email includes a confirmation button. One click and our sworn translator begins working on your translation immediately.
Receive your translation
Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote. The stamped original follows by post.
Pay at your convenience
The invoice arrives with your translation. You have 14 days to pay by bank transfer, only after you have received your documents.
When you need a translated police clearance
Foreign authorities, employers and institutions need to understand your German criminal record certificate. Since the Führungszeugnis is only issued in German, a certified translation bridges that gap. Here are the most common situations:
Work visa or residence permit abroad
Immigration authorities in many countries require a German police clearance with certified translation and often an Apostille before issuing work visas or long-term residence permits.
- Passport
- Birth certificate translation
- University degree translation
Employment in sensitive sectors
Jobs in childcare, healthcare or security in Germany often require an erweitertes Führungszeugnis (extended certificate). If your employer is international, they also need a certified translation.
- CV and employment references
- Educational certificates
- Professional licences
Immigration or naturalisation
Applying for Canadian permanent residence, a US green card or citizenship elsewhere? Immigration authorities routinely request a translated German police clearance as part of background checks.
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of residence history
Volunteering or licensing
Whether you need a taxi licence, firearms permit or want to volunteer with vulnerable persons, authorities may require a Führungszeugnis. Foreign organisations need it translated.
- Identification documents
- Driving licence translation
- Other permits or certifications
What we need from you
Getting your police clearance translated is straightforward. Here is what you need to prepare:
- A clear scan or photo of your Führungszeugnis (you keep the original)
- The target language you need (English, Spanish, Arabic and 30+ others)
- Any specific requirements from the receiving authority (if available)
Good to know
Many embassies and employers require your police clearance to be no older than 3 to 6 months. If you also need an Apostille for international use, the Federal Foreign Office handles this separately. Plan ahead, as the full process (certificate, apostille, translation) can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Need your police clearance translated?
Individual price based on your document
Your questions answered
The Bundesamt für Justiz typically issues the certificate within 1 to 2 weeks if you apply from Germany. From abroad, add extra time for international post. If you need an Apostille, expect another 2 weeks. Delivery usually takes 3 to 6 working days; it may vary depending on the language and scope. Your personal delivery time is stated in your quote. For visa deadlines, start the process at least 6 weeks early.
No. A clear scan or photo of your Führungszeugnis is sufficient for the translation. Our sworn translator certifies the translation based on that copy. You keep the original safe for submission to authorities, who typically require the original document plus the certified translation.
Yes. Our translations are made by sworn translators (vereidigte Übersetzer) officially appointed by German courts. They include the translator's stamp, signature and registration number. This format is accepted by immigration authorities, embassies and employers worldwide. If you have specific requirements, let us know and we ensure the translation meets them.
You pay after you receive your translation, not before. The invoice comes together with your certified translation. You then have 14 days to pay by bank transfer. No upfront payment, no credit card needed.
The polizeiliches Führungszeugnis is an extract from the Federal Central Criminal Register showing certain criminal convictions. It has nothing to do with your health. A medical certificate of good conduct relates to physical or mental fitness and is issued by a doctor. These are completely different documents. Always check which one your authority requires to avoid delays. You can learn more about the Führungszeugnis on the Federal Office of Justice website.
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Often needed together
English translations
Police clearances for work visas and immigration are most commonly translated into English. Bundle with birth certificates or diplomas.
Spanish translations
For visas or residence in Spain and Latin America, you often need your German police clearance plus other civil documents in Spanish.
Arabic translations
Employment or immigration in Arabic-speaking countries requires your German documents, including the police clearance, translated by certified professionals.
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