In most cases, you do not need a South African police clearance certificate to live or work in Germany.
However, it may be required if you are registering a regulated profession (such as a doctor, pharmacist, or attorney), and in some cases when applying for certain apprenticeships (Ausbildung).
For job applications, employers will usually ask for a German Führungszeugnis instead.
Official document issued by the South African Police Service confirming your criminal record status.
If you have no record → it states that clearly
.
If you do → it lists relevant convictions or cases
.
It’s based on a fingerprint check against the national criminal database
Usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue
Some countries may require it to be even newer (e.g. 3 months)
Timing matters—get it too early and it expires before you need it.
In South Africa, applications for a police clearance certificate can be submitted at your nearest police station. Processing times can be lengthy, taking up to six months.
For official guidance and requirements, visit the South African Police Service. An online application form is also available on their website.
According to the SAPS Website: “If you are already outside of South Africa, you can do the following:
“Applicants living abroad may forward the application and required documents directly to the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) for processing. Applications received from abroad will not be returned to the applicant.
The applicant must monitor progress via the SAPS website and, upon completion, arrange for collection as indicated on the application form. For security purposes, the certificate will only be handed over to the person nominated by the applicant or the chosen courier service. Note that certificates not collected within three months after finalisation will be destroyed.”
From the South African Embassy - "Applicants who wish to have their fingerprints taken at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Berlin or at the Consulate-General in Munich may do so, but by prior appointment only during the consular business hours. Such applicants must bring their original passport(s) and a photocopy of the biometric passport page. Please note that fingerprints are only taken on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
In addition to the companies listed below, many people use Police Clearances for South Africans by PostNet Pretoria CBD. They also provide step-by-step instructions for completing the process from outside South Africa.
The following companies are recommended by our Facebook members and can assist you with obtaining a police clearance certificate:
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A similar document can be obtained in Germany, known as a Führungszeugnis. This is essentially a certificate of good conduct covering your time living in Germany.
You can apply for a Führungszeugnis at your local town office (Bürgeramt), although in some areas the application must be done at the Rathaus. A simple way to find the right place is to search online for “Führungszeugnis” together with the name of your town (for example, “Führungszeugnis Leinfelden”).
To be eligible, you must be registered at the Bürgeramt and currently residing in Germany.
Some employers may request a Führungszeugnis before offering you a job. It is also sometimes required when applying for rental accommodation, along with a SCHUFA (credit report).
Online option:
Ihr Online-Wegweiser zu Ihrem Führungszeugnis
More information is available from the Federal Office of Justice.
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