How to Obtain Certificate of Good Conduct?

No criminal record certificate and better known as Certificate of Good Conduct in Belgium. The French name is ‘Extrait de Casier Judiciaire’ whereas, the Dutch name is ‘Uittreksel uit het Strafregister’. For US citizens, the term is FBI Clearance. Other term includes Certificate of Clearance (COC).

It is a certificate attesting that an individual has no criminal record found or any criminal conviction recorded in his/her country. This copy is usually required to present to the Immigration Department overseas when an individual wants to work, stay, form a family unit and getting a residence permit.

The processing time varies from days to weeks in different countries and the method of application (online/in-person). There might be an administration fee and a queue for obtaining the Certificate of Good Conduct.

The commune did not ask me for this certificate but may ask for it later. Nevertheless, I submitted it as part of my “proof of documents”. I want to increase my chance of getting the Residence Permit F Card.

Again, the need for submission differs in cities or from person to person. Even if someone from the same commune is not asked for this Certificate of Good Conduct, it does not mean that you will get the same exemption.

The Certificate of No Criminal Record has to be submitted within 6 months from the date of issue.

Getting Certificate of Good Conduct in Your Home Country

You can get this certificate from the Federal Police or Authority concerned in your country. State the reason for your request. First, you have to request for a ‘Letter of Introduction’ from the Belgian Embassy in your home country. Then, submit the letter to the local Police when introducing your application. The Police may take your fingerprints later.

Getting Certificate of Good Conduct in Belgium

Some people come to Belgium hoping that the Authority will not ask for it. Some arrive without knowledge that they may require it later. If the need arises, one can apply a Certificate of Good Conduct later to the State Police Department in their country. One can lodge the application online, by post or by fax depending on how it works in the country.

The lifting of fingerprints may be part of the requirement. One can obtain them from the Police Department in Belgium or the Embassy / Consulate. Mail the hard copy of your fingerprints to the State Police in your country.

This is a guideline. You have to check the actual procedure with your State Police or department concerned. Still, the most convenient way is to get the COC in your home country before arriving in Belgium.

Other Advantages of Possessing Certificate of Good Conduct

» For jobs involving domestic work

Children and elderly care such as au pair, babysitter, childcare, caregiver, housekeeping and teachers require the applicant to possess a Certificate of Good Conduct of criminal record clearance for the past 5 years. So, if you are planning to look for one of these jobs, please remember to bring the Certificate of Good Conduct.

» For the benefits of your future job

If you have no criminal record in your home country, use it to your benefit for your employment. The Certificate of Clearance is a good character reference for your prospective employers or any other unforeseen circumstances. Should your future boss ask for it, you can produce without hesitation.