How long is the German health certificate valid?
Good news: it never expires. The first instruction under §43 IfSG is a one-time requirement that stays valid for life. Only two rules are worth knowing — the 3-month rule at your very first job start and the follow-up instruction your employer runs every two years.
Rule 1: the 3-month window before your first shift
The certificate must not be older than three months when you start your very first job involving food. That is why it is smart to complete the instruction shortly before or right after signing the contract. Once you have started, the window never matters again.
Rule 2: the 2-year follow-up at work
While you are employed, your employer must refresh your knowledge with a short follow-up instruction every two years and keep a record of it. This happens inside the company, costs you nothing and does not replace or invalidate your original certificate.
Job change, city change, career break?
None of it affects validity. Your certificate from years ago is still legally valid for a new job — the only practical question is whether you can still present the document. If it is lost, re-download the PDF (online certificates) or simply redo the instruction online in about 10 minutes for a one-time 25 €.
Frequently asked questions
Does the German health certificate expire?
No. The first instruction under §43 IfSG is valid for life. You never have to redo it just because time has passed — even if you change jobs or cities.
What is the 3-month rule?
When you take up your very first job with food, the certificate must not be older than three months at that moment. Once you have started working, the rule is fulfilled — permanently.
What happens every two years?
During employment your employer must repeat a short follow-up instruction (Folgebelehrung) every two years and document it. That is the employer's duty and free of charge for you — your original certificate stays valid.
I lost my certificate — is it still valid?
The instruction itself remains valid, but you need a document to show. If you completed it online you simply re-download the PDF; otherwise the fastest fix is redoing the 10-minute online instruction for 25 €.
One instruction, valid for life
Do it once, online, in about 10 minutes — and never worry about it again.
Start now