A certificate from the Swiss register of criminal records lists all the convictions that person has for felonies or misdemeanours over a certain period of time, depending on the penalty imposed.
It can be requested by a prospective employer, if you are applying for a firearms licence or if you want to become a Swiss citizen, for example.
Each certificate costs CHF 20.
If your certificate is intended for a foreign authority or embassy (for a visa application for example), you must pay an additional 20 francs to have the certificate legalised.
Here you will find information on the procedure for legalising the certificate.
There is also a special certificate which only lists convictions that currently place you under a ban
on working in a particular profession or carrying out a particular activity,
on contacting a particular person or persons or
on entering a particular place or area
in order to protect minors or other especially vulnerable persons.
You may only be asked to provide this certificate if you are planning to be involved in an organised activity (e.g. as a sports coach or teacher) involving regular contact with minors or other especially vulnerable persons.
The procedure for ordering a special certificate is the same as for a standard certificate. However, the organisation or employer that requires your services must first complete and send you signed confirmation that the activity requires a special certificate.
You will find further information in the Federal Office of Justice FAQs on criminal records certificates and the special certificate.