Your German health certificate (Gesundheitszeugnis) — online in about 10 minutes
The Gesundheitszeugnis is the food-handler certificate you need before you can work with food in Germany. It proves you completed the legally required first instruction („Erstbelehrung“) under §43 of the Infektionsschutzgesetz. The good news: you can get it completely online — no appointment, no public office, doctor-reviewed.
Who needs a health certificate in Germany?
You need one if you work commercially with open or perishable food anywhere in Germany — in gastronomy, kitchens, cafés, bakeries, snack bars (Imbiss), catering, food retail or canteens. This applies whether you are full-time, part-time, a mini-jobber or a student. In short: if food passes through your hands at work, the law requires it before your first shift.
What does it cost?
Online it is a one-time 25 € (incl. VAT, no subscription). At the public health office (Gesundheitsamt) you would pay roughly 25–35 € plus travel and waiting time — and you usually have to wait days or weeks for an appointment.
How it works — 4 simple steps
- Watch a short training video about safe food handling.
- Answer a few easy knowledge questions (you cannot fail — just retry).
- Verify your identity with an ID document.
- Receive your certificate instantly as a PDF.
How long is it valid?
The first instruction does not expire. When you start a job it must not be older than three months. After that, your employer simply repeats a short follow-up instruction every two years — your original certificate stays valid even if you change jobs or cities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the German Gesundheitszeugnis (health certificate)?
It is the everyday name for the first instruction under §43 of the Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz). It is not a medical examination but an instruction about hygiene, contagious diseases and activity bans that you must complete before working with food in Germany.
Who needs a health certificate in Germany?
Anyone who works commercially with open or perishable food — in restaurants, kitchens, cafés, bakeries, snack bars, catering, food retail or canteens. It applies to full-time, part-time, mini-job and student workers alike, before the first day of work.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Online it is a one-time 25 € (incl. VAT, no subscription). The whole process takes about 10 minutes — watch a short video, answer a few questions, verify your ID — and you receive the certificate immediately as a PDF.
Is the online certificate recognised across Germany?
Yes. The instruction is carried out under medical supervision in line with §43 IfSG and is recognised nationwide, exactly like one issued by a local Gesundheitsamt (public health office).
Do I need to speak German or visit an office?
No. The instruction is available in several languages and is completed fully online, 24/7 — no appointment and no visit to the Gesundheitsamt.
How long is the health certificate valid?
The first instruction does not expire. Once you start a job it must not be older than three months; after that your employer repeats a short follow-up instruction every two years.
Ready to start working with food?
In about 10 minutes and for just 25 €, get your German health certificate online — recognised throughout Germany.
Start now