What information does a standard private extract contain?
A standard private extract primarily contains convictions for felonies and misdemeanours committed by adults and related subsequent decisions. The rules on which convictions must be recorded are set out in Articles 18, 19 and 21 of the Criminal Records Register Act (CRRA).
In a small number of cases, convictions relating to juveniles are also recorded (see Art. 18 para. 2 and Art. 19 let. d no 2 CRRA).
What does a standard private extract look like?
A standard private extract is available in two formats:
During the ordering process, you will be asked to choose a main language (German, French or Italian) and an optional additional language (German, French, Italian or English).
In extracts with convictions, the content only appears in the main language, only the standard headings appear in the additional language.
When does a conviction no longer appear in a standard private extract?
The rules on how long convictions must be shown on a standard private extract are found in Articles 41 and 40 CRRA.
What can I do if the criminal records extract contains errors or I do not agree with its content?
In spite of all the care taken, errors do occur in extremely rare situations. In this event, we would kindly ask you to return the criminal records extract along with a copy of an official document certifying your identity, such as a passport, identity card or residence permit, and a note explaining what, in your opinion, is not correct. Please send these to the following address:
Federal Office of Justice
Register of Criminal Records
Bundesrain 20
3003 Bern
(Switzerland)
Why might I need a standard private extract?
A standard private extract may be required, for example, when applying for a job, for a visa, or for Swiss citizenship.
Does a standard private extract need an apostille or legalisation?
Legalisation or an apostille is usually necessary if the extract is required by a foreign authority or consulate (e.g. for a visa or in adoption proceedings). Please enquire in advance as to whether legalisation or an apostille is required.
We can arrange for the criminal records extract to be legalised for you by the Federal Chancellery at an additional charge of CHF 20 for each extract. In this case, your order will take longer to process.
Questions about ordering a criminal records excerpt
How do I order a standard private extract?
You have two options
You can order the extract online.
Enter your personal details under Order standard private extract. You have to print out the form, sign it and post it to us along with a copy of your ID document. This is necessary because you have to prove your identity by signing the form and enclosing a copy of your ID document so as to ensure you are the only person who can order an extract that relates to you.
You can order the extract over the counter at a Swiss post office.
To do this, you must go to the post office in person and present a valid ID document (passport, ID card, or foreign national's ID card). You have to pay immediately, over the counter.
A standard private extract costs CHF 17. If the same person requests several extracts, the charge is CHF 17 per copy.
If you want the extract to be legalised, the charge for legalisation is an additional CHF 20.
How can I pay?
You can pay online with a debit card, credit card, PostFinance card or TWINT, or over the counter in cash or by card if you order the extract at a post office.
I’m not sure if my online payment has been accepted
If the online payment process has been interrupted, the payment will not be transferred. Please follow the instructions given in the error message on your screen.
The printable order form is only generated after the payment has been made successfully. In order to complete the order, proceed as follows:
In the heading bar, you will see the transaction number (TAN). This number is used to identify and reproduce your data.
Federal Office of Justice
Register of Criminal Records
Service for Private Individuals
Bundesrain 20
3003 Bern
(Switzerland)
Who can order a standard private extract?
You are the only person who can order a standard private extract relating to yourself. If another individual (e.g. an employer) requires a standard private extract relating to you, and you have agreed to this, you can provide a "delivery address" when you place your order.
I’ve completed the order, but still have not received my criminal records extract.
It takes about two weeks to process your request after you have posted the signed form. If you still have not received the criminal records extract requested after this time, check whether you have posted all the documents (copy of your ID document) properly signed to the correct address.
Please contact us only after you have made sure that you have complied with all the requirements:
Federal Office of Justice
Register of Criminal Records
Service for Private Individuals
Bundesrain 20
3003 Bern
(Switzerland)
I cannot view or print the completed form
You must install suitable software to view and print the form as a PDF document. For example, download and install AcrobatReader free of charge (you will be required to re-start your computer).
Please note: if you have not saved the form or if you interrupted the order procedure by closing the browser, you will have to repeat the order procedure.
If you have completed the online payment but have been unable to print or save the form, please contact:
