Free Certificate of Good Conduct for Volunteers

Anyone who gets involved in Berlin takes on responsibility—whether in a sports club, in the neighborhood, or in youth work. Many organizations require an extended criminal background check for certain roles, for example, if you work with children, teenagers, or vulnerable individuals. The good news: If you’re doing this as a volunteer, you’ll receive your criminal background check free of charge.

 

A criminal record check is an official document that shows whether someone has a criminal record. The expanded criminal record check contains more information—primarily for the protection of minors or particularly vulnerable groups. Many organizations are only permitted to hire volunteers if this document is provided. It normally costs 13 euros, but the fee is waived for volunteers.

According to the Law on Judicial Administration Costs (JVKostG), the certificate of good conduct is free of charge if you are volunteering—that is, without pay and on behalf of a nonprofit organization, a government agency, or as part of a volunteer service program. This includes, for example, the Voluntary Social Year, the Voluntary Ecological Year, the Federal Volunteer Service, or programs such as “weltwärts.” Even those who are simply involved in a club, at school, in a community project, or in a neighborhood initiative can generally apply for the certificate of good conduct free of charge.

It's simple: You need a brief letter from your organization. It should state that you are a volunteer there and that you need an extended criminal background check for this role.

You can apply for the criminal background check in three ways:

1. In person at a municipal office

In Berlin, you can apply for the certificate at any Citizens’ Office. You don’t need an appointment. You can simply drop by during business hours. Applying without an appointment is possible at all Berlin Citizens’ Offices; some locations also continue to offer appointments.

2. Online

You can also apply for the certificate of good conduct online through the Federal Office of Justice’s Service Center for Certificates of Good Conduct . To do this, you’ll need an ID card or an electronic residence permit with an activated online ID function , your 6-digit PIN, and a compatible smartphone or card reader.

3. In writing by mail

You can also apply for the certificate of good conduct in writing at your local citizens’ office. To do this, you’ll need an informal, signed application, a copy of your ID card or passport, and a certificate from your club or organization confirming its nonprofit status and the need for the certificate of good conduct.

Please note: Depending on the local government office, additional requirements may apply to written applications. Therefore, check with your local government office in advance.

You’ll usually receive the certificate of good conduct by mail within one to three weeks. It remains valid for three months from the date of issuance—many employers require a new copy after that, especially if you’re starting at a different facility.

Many volunteers don’t even realize that they can apply for a certificate of good conduct for free. Yet this is a simple way to break down barriers and make it easier to get started as a volunteer. Organizations should actively inform their volunteers of this—it shows appreciation and makes volunteering more accessible.