Employment Certificates
A one-page certificate of your employment history.
A formal certificate summarizing your role, dates of employment, and responsibilities — the standard "service certificate" used across Europe and Asia.
Who it's for
- Visa applications
- Job applications abroad
- Professional licensing
What's included
- Employer letterhead
- Dates of service
- Positions held
- Responsibilities summary
What it proves
- Complete employment history at one company
What this document actually is
Outside the US, employers issue a formal "service certificate" or "employment certificate" when you leave (and often on request while you're still there). It documents the entire arc of your time at the company: start date, end date, every position held, and a short responsibilities paragraph. It is the primary employment document for immigration in most of Europe, Asia, and Africa — many visa processors won't accept LinkedIn as a substitute.
When people reach for this document
You're applying for a skilled-worker visa and need to prove 5 years of experience
UK Skilled Worker, EU Blue Card, and Australian 189 all ask for certificates from every past employer covering the qualifying period.
You're licensing as a doctor or engineer in a new country
Professional licensing boards want a certificate from every past employer detailing role and responsibilities, not just a job title.
You're applying for jobs in Germany or Japan
Local hiring managers often ask for "Arbeitszeugnis" or "履歴書" style certificates during the interview process.
What the delivered document looks like
- Employer letterhead
- Employee full name and (optional) national ID
- Employment start and end dates
- All positions held with dates
- One-paragraph responsibilities summary per major position
- Reason for leaving (optional, standard in DE/JP)
- HR signatory with stamp
What reviewers check
- Dates line up with what's claimed on the CV
- Positions are internally consistent (promotions make sense)
- Responsibilities match the seniority claimed
- Letterhead and signatory are legitimate
Questions specific to employment certificates
How is this different from a VOE?
A VOE confirms current employment. A certificate documents the entire history — often after you've left.
Should I include reason for leaving?
Standard in Germany and Japan, unusual elsewhere. Include only if the reviewer asks or the destination country expects it.
Can I get one after leaving?
Yes. Most employers will issue a certificate on request even years after separation.