How to get a criminal record extract in Switzerland

The criminal record extract is an official document issued by the Federal Office of Justice (OFJ), which manages VOSTRA, Switzerland's computerised criminal record. It shows whether a person has any criminal convictions that are still recorded. Since 23 January 2023, this area has been governed by the Federal Act on the VOSTRA Computerised Criminal Record (Criminal Records Act, LCJ), which replaced the former provisions of the Swiss Criminal Code.

You will often be asked for this extract when applying for a job, especially in security, finance, teaching or care. It is also requested in naturalisation procedures, for certain cantonal licences (trading licence, firearms permit, taxi licence), to obtain a residence permit or a visa abroad, or by a property management agency when you rent a home. Recipients usually require a recent extract, often dated less than three months ago.

There are two types of extract for private individuals. The standard extract (art. 54 LCJ) lists convictions for crimes and offences, as well as certain contraventions, as long as their display period has not expired. The special extract (art. 55 LCJ, formerly art. 371a CP) is reserved for people who carry out, or wish to carry out, an organised professional or voluntary activity involving regular contact with minors or other particularly vulnerable people, or an activity in the healthcare sector with direct patient contact. It only lists activity bans, contact bans and geographical exclusion orders currently in force. To order it, you need a confirmation signed by the employer or organisation. It contains a code that you enter when ordering, and it remains valid for three months.

You can order the extract in two ways. Online, on the OFJ website, you enter your personal details and pay by card or TWINT, then print and sign the form and send it by post with a copy of a valid identity document (passport, identity card or residence permit). At a Post Office counter, you fill in the form on the spot and show your identity document. The fee set by the OFJ is currently 17 francs per extract. The extract is then sent by post to your home, normally within a few working days.

If the extract is intended for an authority or an employer abroad, you can ask for a legalisation or an apostille, currently charged at 20 francs extra. Please note: a version with an electronic signature cannot be legalised. If you live abroad, you can still order online; you then send the signed form and the copy of your identity document by post to the OFJ, and the Swiss representation in your country of residence can give you more information.

The criminal record contains sensitive personal data. The request must therefore, in principle, be signed by the person concerned. If a relative needs to handle the process on your behalf, give them a written, signed power of attorney and a copy of your identity document, and check with the OFJ beforehand whether this approach is accepted in your case.

A clear cover letter stating your name, date and place of birth, nationality, address and the purpose of the request makes processing easier, especially when you send it by post. SwissDoc generates this letter addressed to the Federal Office of Justice in a few minutes, in French, German or Italian. Your first three documents are free, no credit card required.