Advice and answers

A digital criminal record extract is a PDF document protected by an electronic seal. This seal ensures the document’s origin, validity, and integrity. Any alterations made after its issuance are immediately detectable. The electronic seal is applied in accordance with the Swiss Signature Act (Art. 2 ZertES).

Yes, the paper extract and the digitally signed electronic extract are fully equivalent and legally recognized. The digital version is a PDF document with an electronic seal that ensures the origin, validity, and integrity of the document. This means that any subsequent modifications are immediately detected during verification. The seal is applied in accordance with the Swiss Signature Act (Art. 2 ZertES). You can verify the extract at any time via www.validator.ch. A detailed guide will be sent to you along with your criminal record extract via email.

Security is our top priority. FMSB GmbH, the company behind the criminal-records-excerpt.ch brand, operates its servers exclusively in Switzerland. This ensures that your data is processed and protected according to the highest Swiss data protection and security standards.

Entries in the VOSTRA criminal record information system are automatically deleted after legally defined periods to balance public safety with the rehabilitation rights of individuals. These timeframes depend on two main factors:

• Severity of the Sanction: The most severe sanction in a judgment determines the base period. Severe penalties, such as life imprisonment or institutional measures, remain visible for longer, while minor penalties, such as fines, have shorter timeframes. Depending on the type and severity of the measure, the period can range from 8 to 25 years.
• Additional Judgments: If multiple judgments are registered, the entry remains in the system until the longest period has expired. This ensures that the complete entry stays visible until all judgments can be removed.

For more detailed information, please consult: Information on Record Retention Periods.

At criminal-records-excerpt.ch, you benefit from a fast, secure, and eco-friendly process to obtain your criminal record extract, entirely online. The process is user-friendly, allowing you to input your data conveniently from your PC, tablet, or smartphone without the need for office visits, postal mail, or unnecessary paper prints. This not only saves you time but also actively contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions.

Criminal-records-excerpt.ch is a brand of FMSB GmbH and not an official criminal record office. As FMSB GmbH, based at Sihleggstrasse 23, 8832 Wollerau, our mission is to significantly simplify the process of obtaining criminal record extracts. With us, there's no need to visit the post office, print forms, or submit them manually. With criminal-records-excerpt.ch, you save valuable time and complete the entire process online – quickly, securely, and efficiently.

Get your criminal record extract in a few simple steps, conveniently online from your PC or phone:

1. Upload your document: Upload your ID or passport.
2. Enter your personal details: Fill in your personal information.
3. Sign electronically: Sign directly online – no need to print documents or visit the post office.

The duration for how long a judgment remains visible in the private criminal record extract depends on several factors. These periods are generally shorter in the private extract than in the official extract to encourage reintegration. The exact periods are determined as follows:

• Severity of the sanction: The most severe sanction in the judgment sets the base period for visibility. More serious sanctions, such as long prison sentences or inpatient measures, keep the judgment visible for a longer time. Lighter penalties, like fines, have shorter periods.
• Additional measures: Activity, contact, and exclusion orders or expulsion from the country may extend the period. In these cases, the minimum duration of such measures is compared with the base period. The longer period determines how long the judgment remains visible in the private extract.
• Calculation of the intermediate period: The base period and, if applicable, any additional minimum periods result in the so-called "intermediate period." This intermediate period ensures that only the longest period serves as the basis for non-appearance in the private extract.
• Multiple judgments: If there are multiple judgments, the intermediate period of the longest judgment is used. If a new judgment with a longer period is added, this period may extend the existing one to make repeated offenses visible. However, this extension is only possible up to a certain maximum.

Thus, for each judgment in the private extract, a period is calculated based on the severity of the sanction, additional measures, and if applicable, the existence of further judgments.

Immediately after placing your order, you will receive an order confirmation and your order number via email. The criminal record extract will be sent to you within 5 to 7 business days, along with a download link. You can also track the status of your order at any time.

• Official fees 17.-
• The remaining amount is used for:
• Postage & shipping to the DFJP
• Envelope, printing & paper
• Expenses for transaction fees
• Payment provider fees
• VAT
• General costs to operate this service (technical maintenance, staff, etc.)

We do not store your criminal record extract. It is stored for 60 days by the competent authority. During this time, you can download it via a download link on our website.

A criminal record extract is an official document listing all final convictions of a person. It is often required for job applications, naturalizations, or official purposes to check criminal history.

A criminal record extract may be required for various purposes, including:

• Job applications: Many employers require a private extract to ensure that potential employees have no relevant criminal records.
• Visa issuance: A criminal record extract is often required by embassies and consulates when applying for a visa.
• Naturalization applications: Authorities typically require a criminal record extract to assess the applicant's eligibility for citizenship.
• Rental agreements: Some landlords request a criminal record extract before renting out an apartment.
• Volunteering: Organizations often require proof of a clean record, especially for activities involving vulnerable groups.