How much does a background check cost? Prices and factors at a glance
The question of the cost of a background check is justified — and the answer is: It depends. Depending on the depth of the review, the scope, and the provider, the cost per check can range from 50 to several thousand francs.
This article gives you an honest overview of the pricing structure and helps you determine the right investment for your company.
Which factors influence the cost?
Depth of review: A simple identity check costs less than a comprehensive executive screening with OSINT analysis and international database searches
Number of checks: Individual checks are more expensive than volume packages. Most providers offer tiered pricing
International scope: Checks across multiple countries require access to local registries and databases
Speed: Express checks with results in hours cost more than standard checks with a turnaround time of several days
Typical price ranges
Basic check (identity + sanctions lists): 50–150 CHF — suitable for standard roles
Standard check (+ qualifications + media): 150–500 CHF — for positions with responsibility
Executive screening (comprehensive): 500–2,000+ CHF — for C-level executives, boards, and key hires
Due diligence report (investors): 1,000–5,000+ CHF — in-depth OSINT analysis for investment decisions
You can find a detailed cost comparison between manual and automated background checks in our separate article.
What does it cost not to check?
The real question is not what a background check costs — but what a bad hire costs:
Average cost of a bad hire: 3x the annual salary (recruiting, onboarding, severance, loss of productivity)
Reputational damage: Impossible to quantify, but often the biggest cost factor
Regulatory fines: In the event of compliance violations, they can quickly reach six figures
A background check for 150 CHF that prevents a 150,000 CHF bad hire is one of the best investments a company can make. Done properly, background checks are also a sign of professional HR practice.
Indicium pricing model
Indicium offers transparent monthly plans instead of opaque individual billing:
Free trial check to get to know the platform
Pay as you grow — no minimum purchase, no annual contracts
All prices are visible on the Pricing page — no hidden costs
Read on — related articles
Nabil el Berr, CEO
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a background check cost in Germany and Switzerland?
The cost of a background check in the DACH region varies depending on the depth of the check and the provider. A simple identity and sanctions list check starts at around 50–80 Euros or Swiss Francs. More comprehensive packages with qualification validation, reference checks, and adverse media screening range between 150 and 500 Euros. A complete executive screening with OSINT analysis and international review can cost several thousand Euros.
What factors influence the price of a background check?
The key pricing factors are: the depth of the check (basic check vs. executive screening), the number of screening modules (identity, qualifications, sanctions lists, media, references), international coverage (cross-border screenings cost more), volume (bulk discounts from around 50–100 checks per year), and whether manual or automated procedures are used. Automated platforms like Indicium are generally 60–80% cheaper than manual checks conducted by detective agencies or law firms.
Is a background check financially worthwhile?
Yes. A single mis-hire costs companies, according to studies, between 50,000 and 150,000 Euros — Kienbaum estimates even 150 % to 300 % of the annual salary. There are also hidden costs such as productivity loss, team conflicts, renewed recruiting costs, and potential compliance fines. A background check for 100–300 Euros is, therefore, one of the most cost-effective risk mitigation measures in HR.
Which is cheaper — manual or automated background checks?
Automated background checks are significantly cheaper than manual checks. A manual check conducted by a detective agency or law firm can cost 500 to 3,000 Euros per case and often takes 2–4 weeks. Automated solutions deliver results in hours instead of weeks and cost a fraction of the price. They are also more scalable, consistent, and provide a complete audit trail for compliance purposes.
