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CertiDocsThe practical guide

Criminal record for working in Belgium

For an employer, the Belgian model depends on the activity. For a single permit or residence, check the authority’s list. Choose the right record before having it translated.

Understand the process
Editorial lead : CertiDocs Team8 sources

Criminal record for an employer: model 595, 596-1 or 596-2?

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The professional purpose determines the Belgian model. Give the municipality the exact activity; ‘work’ alone is insufficient. For regulated activities or work with minors, FPS Justice recommends having the employer or organisation complete its standard form before the request.

Criminal record for an employer: model 595, 596-1 or 596-2?
Your situationWhat to checkNext step
Model 595Basic model where 596-1 and 596-2 do not apply.State the purpose of the request.
Model 596-1Regulated activity, for example taxi driving.Have the occupation entered on the standard form.
Model 596-2Education, guidance, assistance, protection or supervision of minors in the relevant activity.Have the activity involving minors described.
Official sourceFPS Justice - Criminal record extract and models 595/596

Where do you request a Belgian criminal record extract?

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If registered in a Belgian municipality, request the extract there, including for use abroad. If no longer registered or removed from the register, FPS Justice directs you to the Central Criminal Register. This concerns a Belgian extract: separately check the issuing country required for a residence or single-permit application.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Criminal record extract and models 595/596

Preparation advice from CertiDocs

Employer and single permit: prepare two distinct requests

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Our advice: record who is requesting each extract before ordering. For the employer, confirm the activity and model. For residence or a single permit, copy the authority’s requirements: issuing country, accepted age, language and formalities. Confirm whether one document can serve both recipients.

  • For the quote, include the complete extract and translation instructions. Flag any name discrepancy with the passport without altering the document.

Belgian criminal records: rules since September 2026

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The new Criminal Code entered into force on 1 September 2026. FPS Justice distinguishes cases assessed under the old and new regimes in its erasure guidance. Do not assume older guidance guarantees removal of an entry: obtain the current extract and have content questions checked by the competent service.

Official sourceFPS Justice - Criminal Code in force on 1 September 2026FPS Justice - Criminal records and Criminal Code transition

Documents to prepare

  • Recipient identified: employer, municipality or residence authority
  • Activity and Belgian extract model confirmed
  • Issuing country and accepted age checked for each application
  • Language, annexes and formalities clarified before translation

Steps to follow

  1. Choose the right source version

    Start from the version of the criminal record the Belgian authority truly needs to read.

  2. Align the surrounding records

    Review identities, dates, references and connected records before the translation starts.

  3. Confirm formalities and their order

    Check exemptions, then confirm formalities for the original and translation with the recipient.

  4. File through the correct route

    Then file the criminal record with the records that make the procedure readable from start to finish.

Good to know

Budget

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Frequently asked questions

+Which record model should I request for a job?
595 is the basic model; 596-1 covers regulated activities and 596-2 the relevant activities with minors. Have the employer specify the activity so the municipality can issue the appropriate model.
+Where do I apply if no longer registered in Belgium?
If registered in a Belgian municipality, request the extract there, including for use abroad. If no longer registered or removed from the register, FPS Justice directs you to the Central Criminal Register. This concerns a Belgian extract: separately check the issuing country required for a residence or single-permit application.
+Can one record serve the employer and single-permit application?
Our advice: record who is requesting each extract before ordering. For the employer, confirm the activity and model. For residence or a single permit, copy the authority’s requirements: issuing country, accepted age, language and formalities. Confirm whether one document can serve both recipients.
+Is a sworn translation always required for a criminal record for working in Belgium?
Not always. Check the accepted language, exemptions and required format with the recipient before ordering a sworn translation.
+Do the annexes also need translation?
Have the recipient confirm the scope. Do not remove an annex yourself because it seems repetitive; supply the full document to the professional for assessment.
+Do I need the apostille or legalisation before translation?
The order depends on what must be authenticated: the original, a copy or the translator’s signature. Check exemptions and confirm the formalities for each document before ordering.

Official source

Official sources used

The references below are the public sources used to document this page. The competent authority always retains the final decision.

Official sourceBelgium.be - Working in BelgiumOfficial sourceImmigration Office - Visa D and long stayOfficial sourceFPS Justice - National register of sworn translators and interpretersOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Legalisation of sworn translationsOfficial sourceFPS Foreign Affairs - Legalisation and apostille of documentsOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Criminal Code in force on 1 September 2026Official sourceFPS Justice - Criminal records and Criminal Code transitionOfficial sourceFPS Justice - Criminal record extract and models 595/596

CertiDocs analysis: CertiDocs explains the process and helps connect users with a professional. CertiDocs is not a public service and is not affiliated with any authority.