{"id":19580,"date":"2026-11-10T16:21:15","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T15:21:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peterfreundlaw.be\/?p=19580"},"modified":"2026-11-10T16:25:36","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T15:25:36","slug":"criminal-record-extract-belgium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peterfreundlaw.be\/en\/criminal-record-extract-belgium\/","title":{"rendered":"Criminal record extract in Belgium: what is on it and how do you get it cleared?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A criminal record extract in Belgium (uittreksel uit het strafregister) is an official document listing the convictions in your name. You request it from your municipality, often online through Mijn Burgerprofiel or the municipal e-counter. There are three models: 595, 596.1 and 596.2. A conviction disappears through automatic erasure or rehabilitation.<\/p>\n

The extract replaced the old certificate of good conduct (getuigschrift van goed zedelijk gedrag). In everyday Dutch it is also called a "strafblad".<\/p>\n

Which model of criminal record extract do you need?<\/h2>\n

The model you need depends on what you use the extract for.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Model<\/th>\nFor<\/th>\nExamples<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Article 595 (general model)<\/td>\nActivities without legal access conditions<\/td>\nMost jobs, a visa application if asked for<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Article 596.1<\/td>\nRegulated activities<\/td>\nTaxi driver, private detective, security jobs, football steward, weapon or fishing licence<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Article 596.2 (model for work with minors)<\/td>\nActivities with minors<\/td>\nTeaching, youth care, childcare, youth movements, activity leaders<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

For models 596.1 and 596.2, the employer or organisation usually fills in a standard form.<\/p>\n

That form states the activity you need the extract for.<\/p>\n

How to request a criminal record extract in Belgium<\/h2>\n

You request an extract from your municipality, or from the Central Criminal Records Office (Centraal Strafregister) if you no longer live in Belgium.<\/p>\n

Step 1: ask which model and for what<\/h3>\n

Ask the employer or organisation which model they want and what for.<\/p>\n

State that reason in your request, so the municipality issues the right model.<\/p>\n

Step 2: online or at the counter<\/h3>\n

In many municipalities you can request the extract online, through Mijn Burgerprofiel or the municipal e-counter.<\/p>\n

See the explanation of the Flemish government<\/a> (in Dutch).<\/p>\n

At the counter, bring your identity card or residence card.<\/p>\n

Step 3: for someone else<\/h3>\n

For another resident you can request the extract with a handwritten power of attorney (volmacht) and a copy of their identity card.<\/p>\n

Step 4: if you no longer live in Belgium<\/h3>\n

If you are no longer registered in a Belgian municipality, you request the extract from the Central Criminal Records Office of FPS Justice<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You can do that by email or by post, with the FPS Justice form.<\/p>\n

Companies and non-profit associations (vzw) also request their extract there.<\/p>\n

How recent the extract must be is usually decided by the employer or organisation that asks for it.<\/p>\n

Using your extract for a visa or a job abroad<\/h2>\n

Expats often need the extract for a visa, a residence permit or a job in another country, and foreign authorities usually set their own requirements.<\/p>\n

Ask the embassy or employer three things before you request it: which model, how recent, and in which form.<\/p>\n