Germany
In Germany, background checks are legal but must comply with strict regulations, particularly data protection and privacy.
Regulation
Legal Framework: Background checks must adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Bundesdatenschutzgesetz (BDSG), which is Germany’s Federal Data Protection Act. Employers must have a legitimate interest in the information they seek and ensure that the data collected is relevant to the job.
Type of checks
Common background checks in Germany include:
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Criminal Record Checks: Obtained through a certificate of good conduct (Führungszeugnis).
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Employment Verification: Confirming previous employment history.
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Education Verification: Checking academic qualifications.
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Reference Checks: Contacting previous employers or references.
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Financial Background Checks: For certain positions, especially in finance