Employment Background Checks in Germany

In this article by  Julia Zange, European Counsel for Legal Firm Jones Day, the author discusses in detail the nuances and legal principles involved in conducting employment screening in Germany. While similar to the United States, German regulations governing employers’ ability to obtain and use background check information differs in a variety of ways.

For example, German employers may ask prospective employees about criminal records or investigations, but only if the offenses are relevant to the position to be filled, much like  regulatory trends in the United States.

Unlike in the U.S., German employers may request a certificate of good conduct from the applicant, but only the applicant can obtain it from the police. In addition, all records are deleted after a certain period – between five and 15 years.

Topics covered include:

• Initial Position: The Employer’s Right to Ask
• Background Checks
• Verification of References
• Financial Background
• Criminal Background
• Health Checks
• Internet Inquiries

Article originally published here on page 9 (PDF)