How do I get my criminal record and can an employer demand it?
Yes, and it is free. Two myths to clear. First, the criminal-record extract costs nothing in Luxembourg: the Criminal Records Service issues it free of charge, online via MyGuichet.lu, by post or in person. Second, an employer cannot demand it "for any job". For an individual, three bulletins exist: bulletin no. 3 (the "standard" extract), no. 4 (which adds driving bans) and no. 5 ("protection of minors"). Bulletin no. 3 does not show everything: it notably excludes suspended prison sentences of ≤ 24 months, fines of ≤ €2,500 and community service. Above all, an employer can request no. 3 only if the requirement appears in the job advert and is specially justified by the needs of the post — not out of mere curiosity. The whole system is governed by the law of 29 March 2013.
📋 The rules
- The criminal-record extract is free; it is issued via MyGuichet.lu, by post or at the Criminal Records Service counter.
- For a natural person, you request bulletin no. 3, no. 4 (driving bans) or no. 5 (protection of minors).
- Bulletin no. 3 notably excludes suspended prison ≤ 24 months, fines ≤ €2,500 and community service.
- An employer can require no. 3 only if the request appears in the advert and is specially justified by the post.
- The bulletin is issued in French; a foreign resident can obtain it, but it shows only Luxembourg convictions.
🔓 Exceptions
- Bulletin no. 4 can be required only if a valid driving licence is indispensable to the post and stated in the contract.
- Bulletin no. 5 concerns activities involving regular contact with minors; it is for the person to provide it.
- Convictions of minors appear on no bulletin: they are recorded in a special register not open to the public.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The criminal record touches sensitive data, and its use is regulated. An employer who asks for a bulletin without mentioning it in the advert or justifying it by the post is outside the legal framework; the candidate may refuse, and the requirement can be challenged, including on data-protection grounds. Keeping or circulating an extract beyond what is necessary exposes the company to grievances. On the employee side, the real trap is to over-read your own bulletin: no. 3 does not show the lightest convictions, so an old fine will not appear — no need to "declare" it spontaneously. Conversely, a conviction that does appear can close access to certain regulated professions or to a business licence. Rehabilitation erases the entry after a period of 5 to 20 years depending on the penalty. Finally, a foreign national obtains in Luxembourg only their Luxembourg convictions: for a complete extract, they must apply to their country of origin.
📎 Official sources
- Justice.lu · criminal record (Parquet général) →
- Legilux · law of 29 March 2013 on the criminal record →
- Guichet.lu · criminal-record extract for a natural person →
❓ Frequently asked
Is the criminal-record extract chargeable in Luxembourg?
No, it is issued entirely free of charge by the Criminal Records Service, whatever the channel used. You can request it online via MyGuichet.lu, by post, by e-mail or by presenting yourself in person at the counter.
Can an employer force me to provide my criminal record?
Only if the requirement appears in the job advert and is specially justified by the needs of the post. A general request, with no justification tied to the role, falls outside the framework set by law.
Does a €200 fine show on bulletin no. 3?
No, bulletin no. 3 notably excludes fines of €2,500 or less, as well as suspended prison of up to 24 months. The lightest convictions therefore do not appear on it, unlike the full record reserved for the judicial authorities.
What is the difference between bulletins no. 3, no. 4 and no. 5?
No. 3 is the standard extract, no. 4 adds all driving bans and no. 5 covers convictions concerning minors. No. 4 and no. 5 can be required only in specific situations tied to the post, such as driving duties or work with children.
I am a foreigner — is my Luxembourg record complete?
No, if Luxembourg is not your nationality, the record shows only convictions handed down in Luxembourg. For a complete extract, you must request it from the competent authority of your country of origin.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “criminal record extract luxembourg”
- “criminal record bulletin 3 luxembourg”
- “criminal record free myguichet”
- “employer criminal record hiring luxembourg”
- “request criminal record luxembourg”
- “bulletin n5 protection minors luxembourg”