International background checks
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What are global background checks?
A global background check (also called an international background check) is a screening process that helps organisations verify a candidate's background across multiple countries. This type of check can include searches in criminal, civil and financial records, depending on the countries involved and the purpose of the screening.
Global background screening is often used when organisations hire internationally, work with contractors abroad or build hybrid workforces across different regions. In some cases, international screening may also include online risk signals, such as an adverse media check, where public sources are scanned for potential red flags.
What does a global background check show?
The scope of a global background check depends on the role, the screening package and the countries involved. An international background check includes one or more of the following elements:
- ID Check
- Criminal Record Check
- Employment & Education Verification
- Reference Checks
- Credit Checks
- PEP and Sanction Checks
- Adverse Media Screening
- Dutch Criminal Record (VOG)
This flexible approach helps organisations choose the checks that match the responsibilities and risk level of each position.
The benefits of global background screening
Global background screening supports organisations that hire across borders and want to keep recruitment consistent, compliant and efficient. With international background checks, you verify candidate information in a structured way, without relying on time-consuming manual processes. A well-designed screening process helps HR teams make informed decisions, reduce uncertainty and maintain control when hiring internationally. It also supports a smoother candidate journey, especially when screening needs to happen digitally and at scale.
International background checks done the old way are a ton of work
While your security department comes with the question of whether personnel can be screened and compliant with laws and regulations, HR is struggling to onboard new staff. They don't know where to start, which leads to manual background checks that take too much time.
Streamlining hybrid workforces is getting harder
Onboarding international candidates digitally is complex and where do you start? For this you need global background checks designed under strict data privacy to be covered from start to finish. Easily verify candidates around the world and streamline your hiring process.
Compliance expects background checks
Background checks must be performed because the compliance department expects this. This is an expectation that arises because stakeholders and clients require it. Identify red flags, comply with regulations and protect your organisation's reputation.
HR Processes are not automated
Time really is money. Your HR department spends far too much time manually checking (international) candidate information. Automate and optimize your HR process and decrease your time-to-hire substantially with automated global background checks.
Why choose Pescheck for your international screening process?
A global background check is an important tool for organisations that need to verify candidates who will work across multiple countries. Pescheck supports international screening with a software-first approach. It helps HR teams manage global background screening efficiently, while maintaining strong standards for privacy and compliance.
Our platform is designed to support hybrid workforces and international hiring at scale. Whether you screen candidates occasionally or across multiple regions, Pescheck helps you stay in control of your screening process.
Smooth integration with existing HR systems
Pescheck integrates smoothly with your existing HR tools, making it easier to include international background checks in your recruitment workflow. This supports faster implementation, fewer manual steps and a more consistent process across teams.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Discrepancy detection and structured reporting
- Criminal history screening (where available and legally permitted)
- Identity verification workflows
- Consistent global screening standards
- Local compliance expertise per region
- Fast international results
Anna V. Cleared 
Mark D. In review 
Priya S. Cleared 
Tom B. Cleared Our different international screening services
Pescheck supports a wide range of international screening services across multiple jurisdictions. From identity verification to compliance-related checks, our solutions help you build screening packages that match your hiring needs and the level of risk involved. Global hiring requires flexibility. That's why our international background checks are tailored per role, location and screening requirement, while keeping the process structured, clear and candidate-friendly.
Credit Check
Get global insights into the financial situations of candidates
Learn morePEP and Sanction Check
Check if your candidate appears in PEPs and Sanction lists.
Learn moreAdverse Media
Scanning search engines for possible risk indicators regarding your candidate.
Learn moreWork Reference Check
Verify an individual's work history, job performance, and other qualifications
Learn moreInsolvency check
Check if a candidate is in a bankruptcy or insolvency register.
Learn moreIntegrity Check
A series of questions regarding the candidate's integrity.
Learn moreHow does a global background screening work?
Submit Request
Initiate international background checks through our user-friendly platform.
Global Search
We search relevant databases across multiple countries and jurisdictions.
Receive Results
Get standardized reports with clear, actionable insights for informed decisions.
Ready to streamline your international hiring process? Join global companies who trust Pescheck for reliable international background checks.
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Software company TalentExcellence selects Pescheck for employee screening. The company benefits from speed and reliability.
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Office Manager, TalentExcellence
Connect Pescheck with the HR stack you use every day
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Governance & Security:
Frequently asked questions about international background checks
Conducting a global background check can be a complex and time-consuming process. There are a few factors to consider, including the country of residence and the type of available records. Because Pescheck has access to +1000 databases around the world, we can often perform international background checks from minutes up to a few working days. For example, an ID check is immediately completed, while a more comprehensive background screening such as a reference check could take a few business days.
International background checks are especially useful for organisations that have employees or candidates in other countries, as they can help to ensure that everyone involved is who they say they are. By conducting global background checks, you can help to protect your business or organisation from potential fraud and identity theft. This is an important step in today's globalized world, where organisations need to be able to verify the identities of people from all over the world digitally.
International background checks must comply with data protection regulations in each country involved. In Europe, GDPR governs how personal data is collected, processed, and stored. Other regions have their own laws, such as the FCRA in the United States. Organisations must obtain proper consent from candidates, ensure data is processed lawfully, and work with screening providers who understand local legal requirements. Pescheck ensures all international checks are conducted in compliance with applicable regulations.
It depends on the scope of the check and the countries involved. Generally, international background checks tend to be more expensive due to the additional resources and time required to gather information from multiple countries and sources.
A global background check involves searching for information across various countries and regions, including criminal records, employment history, education verification, and other relevant data sources. This is typically done using a combination of online databases and local contacts and partners who have access to local records.
Common red flags in an international background check include discrepancies in employment history or education credentials, undisclosed criminal records, falsified identity documents, negative references from previous employers, adverse media coverage, and appearances on PEP or sanctions lists. These indicators help organisations identify potential risks before making hiring decisions and protect against fraud or reputational damage.
