Guide · Certified translations
Which criminal record certificate and translation do I need abroad?
Obtain the correct certificate before arranging translation. The recipient, destination country and required format determine the preparation needed.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Clarify the certificate type and whether paper is needed. The Federal Office of Justice states that apostilles or further authentication cannot be attached to the digital certificate. Existing multilingual information or an applicable multilingual form may also affect translation needs; ask the recipient about actual acceptance.
Check the certificate type before applying
Record the description from the recipient’s checklist, destination and any issue-date requirement. Do not apply solely on the basis of a shortened rendering of “police certificate”.
The BfJ FAQ describes application routes and use abroad. Check the appropriate certificate and additional steps there before selecting the final version for translation.
Read more: Federal Office of Justice: certificates of conduct and use abroad
Plan digital and paper versions separately
If the recipient requests authentication, clarify the suitable certificate format with the issuer. Do not wait until receiving a digital version to plan an additional confirmation that cannot be attached to it.
Establish the sequence of required steps and gather additional pages before agreeing scope. Identify clearly which version will be translated and actually submitted.
Check existing language information precisely
BfJ describes multilingual personal details and information on certificates without entries, plus a multilingual translation aid for certain EU cases. This does not establish a translation exemption for every overseas recipient.
Show the existing version to the recipient and ask about accepted language. If translation is needed, supply the complete source including all requested confirmation pages.
Read more: Federal Office of Justice: certificates of conduct and use abroad
Your next steps
Record the recipient’s requirement and certificate type.
Coordinate paper, digital format and authentication.
Check acceptance of existing language information.
Enquire using the final certificate and all attachments.
More questions
Do I always need an additional translation?
Ask the recipient using your actual certificate version and its existing language information.
Can a digital certificate be apostilled later?
BfJ excludes the stated authentication formats on the digital version. Clarify the need before applying.
Is an apostille included in the translation price?
Translation and official authentication are different services. Agree the actual scope expressly.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
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