Step 1: Book an appointment
Search online for your local Bürgeramt. There are often short-term appointments or open consultation hours.
How to get a certificate of good conduct
Your path to a certificate of conduct: Fast and uncomplicated
At Zenjob, a certificate of conduct opens the door to many attractive jobs e.g., as a warehouse helper or in the childcare and youth sector.
We’ll show you how to apply for your certificate of conduct online or offline in just a few minutes. While you wait for the certificate of conduct, you can attend your booked shifts and apply for further shifts as usual.
What is a certificate of conduct?
The certificate of conduct provides information on whether or not you have a criminal record in Germany.
In Germany, it is common practice for employers to check the reliability of their staff. The certificate of conduct serves as a necessary proof of trust, especially if you take on responsibility for high-value goods or people.
- Non-EU citizens: Only entries from Germany are checked.
- EU/UK citizens: You will automatically receive a European certificate of conduct. For this, entries from Germany as well as your home country are checked.
The fee is €13. The certificate is called “Führungszeugnis” in German.
Option 1: Apply in person on-site
You can apply for your certificate of conduct in person at a citizens’ office (Bürgeramt).
Important: Since the certificate of conduct is sent exclusively by post directly to you, make sure you provide a correct address where the letter can be delivered.
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Step 2: Bring an ID
Pack your passport or ID card.
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Step 3: State the reason
If asked, simply say: “I need it for my employer.” (In German: „Ich benötige es für meinen Arbeitgeber.“)
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Step 4: Payment
Since not every office offers both card and cash payments, it is best to bring your bank card and cash.
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Step 5: Upload
The certificate of conduct will be sent to you by post after two to four weeks. Then upload it to the Zenjob app. You can continue working in the meantime.
Option 2: Apply online
If you have an electronic ID, you can save yourself the trip to the office. What you need:
- Electronic ID: ID card (eID) or residence permit (eAT) with the online function activated
- Your PIN: The 6-digit secret code (Forgot your PIN? Briefly go to the Bürgeramt, they will reset it immediately)
- The AusweisApp: Installed on your smartphone
- Payment method: Credit card
The Process
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Step 1: Use the ID App
Your data is securely read via the AusweisApp.
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Step 2: Create data
Select the type of certificate and specify your citizenship.
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Step 3: Pay
Pay the fee directly online.
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Step 4: Upload
The certificate of conduct will be sent to you by post after two to four weeks. Then upload it to the Zenjob app. You can continue working in the meantime.
Uploading the certificate of conduct
If you have a certificate of conduct that is not older than 3 months, you can upload it in your app.
Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for a Certificate of Conduct (FAQ)
What information does a certificate of conduct contain?
A certificate of conduct contains information on any previous convictions you may have. The data regarding criminal records comes from the Federal Central Criminal Register in Germany. The certificate of conduct is an extract from it. Its content is governed by the Federal Central Criminal Register Act. If the certificate of conduct contains no entries, this information is also stated.
I do not (only) have German citizenship. What do I need to consider?
EU & UK citizens: You will automatically receive the European certificate of conduct. It usually takes about 2 weeks longer to deliver, as your home country also gets a request.
Non-EU citizens: Nothing changes for you, only entries from Germany are checked.
Does Zenjob cover the €13 cost for the certificate of conduct?
You will receive a bonus of €15 if you work two shifts in specific job categories within 60 days after uploading your certificate of conduct. You can find the full terms and conditions for the bonus program here.
The bonus will be paid with the remaining salary after the second shift.
Where can I find my Bürgeramt?
If you google “Bürgeramt [your place of residence] Führungszeugnis”, you will usually quickly find the page where you can request an appointment at a Bürgeramt in your city. Make sure you end up on the official website of your city (e.g. “.de” or “.berlin.de”). There are private providers who charge money just for arranging appointments, this is always free at the actual office.
What should I say at the Bürgeramt?
A few sentences in German will make the conversation with the staff easier. If you are nervous about the language, simply show this sentence on your phone: “Guten Tag. Ich möchte ein einfaches Führungszeugnis zur Vorlage bei meinem Arbeitgeber beantragen.” (Hello. I would like to apply for a simple certificate of conduct to present to my employer.)
For the simple certificate, your verbal statement “for the employer” is completely sufficient. You do not need any further proof. If you need an enhanced certificate for a specific job, simply show the request letter we shared with you.
What happens if I don’t upload/apply for it?
If you are booked on a job that requires a certificate of conduct, please upload your certificate within six weeks. If we have not received the document by the end of this period, we will unfortunately have to issue you a strike.
While you wait for the certificate of conduct, you can attend your booked shifts and apply for others as usual.
My certificate of conduct is older than 3 months. Can I still upload it?
Unfortunately, no. We do not accept certificates of conduct older than three months. While there are no legal regulations on the duration of validity, the certificate of conduct accesses data that can change daily. It only reflects the status at a specific point in time. Therefore, we follow general practice and have defined a three-month limit.
What is a European certificate of conduct?
If you have citizenship of the EU or the UK in addition to or instead of German citizenship, you automatically receive a European certificate of conduct with entries from Germany and the country of your other citizenship. Entries from countries outside the EU and UK are not requested.
For EU/UK citizens without German citizenship, an eID card can be applied for, which also allows for the online application of the certificate of conduct.
Delivery of the European certificate of conduct can take up to 2 weeks longer.
Do I need a standard or an extended certificate of conduct?
For most jobs at Zenjob (e.g., warehouse helper), a simple certificate of conduct is sufficient. If an enhanced certificate of conduct is required for a special job, e.g. in the childcare or youth sector, we will explicitly inform you in the job description. In this case, we will also issue the necessary request letter for the office.
What is an enhanced certificate of conduct?
You need an enhanced certificate of conduct if it is legally required, e.g., for the professional supervision, care, upbringing, or training of minors. The enhanced certificate also contains entries that are of particular importance for assessing suitability for working with children and young people.
If you need an extended certificate of conduct for a Zenjob shift, you will receive a letter from us requesting the application and confirming that the requirements for issuing such a certificate of conduct are met. Print it out (for the Bürgeramt) or upload it as a PDF (for the online application).
What happens if I have an entry in my certificate of conduct?
An entry does not automatically mean that you can no longer work through Zenjob. However, it may mean that you are not admitted to sensitive areas. We check every case individually and discreetly.