According to Heise, a broad majority of the CDU/CSU, SPD, Greens, and Left Party voted in favor of the amended bill; the AfD abstained. Previously, the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) printed the certificates on special paper and sent them by mail. In the future, postal delivery times and the need to scan paper documents will be eliminated.
The digital document will feature a special barcode and QR code. Employers or associations can verify its authenticity using the free ZeSI mobile app from the Federal Printing Office. The legal basis for this is a new paragraph in the Federal Central Register Act. Anyone who still wants a paper certificate can apply in person and receive it by mail.
Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) sees the reform as a model example of modern justice administration. The BfJ is preparing everything so that the process can start this year. The Bundestag also called on the government to examine by March 2027 when paper mailings to authorities can be completely discontinued.
EuroPulse reported on May 22, 2026, about the pharmacy reform, which was also passed by the Bundestag (Bundestag approves pharmacy reform: benefits for patients).
Source: www.heise.de
