How to get a social security number in Germany (when it’s automatic and when it’s not)

If you work in Germany, you’ll need a social security number so your employer can register you for health insurance, pensions and unemployment benefits.

In most cases, you don’t need to apply for it yourself — it’s issued automatically when you sign up for public health insurance or start working. But not everyone gets it this way.

• What is the social insurance number in Germany and how do I get one?
• What do I need to get a German social security number?
• Is the German social security number the same as my tax ID number?
• How do I apply for my German social security number online?

How do you get a social security number in Germany?

Much like the Social Security Number in the US and the National Insurance Number in the UK, the German Sozialversicherungsnummer allows an employer to make the necessary pension contributions for you. It is also sometimes called a Rentenversicherungnummer, SV-Nummer, RNVR, or Versicherungsnummer, although this last one can also refer to your health insurance number, so double check which one you’re being asked for. 

If you sign up for public health insurance, your social security number is created automatically.

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When do you need to apply for a social security number yourself?

If you have private health insurance, you’ll need to request it from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Once issued, your social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) is sent by post. This usually takes around two weeks, but can take up to six.
If you need your number urgently, you can visit a Deutsche Rentenversicherung office in person and receive it on the same day.

What do you need to get a German social security number?

To get a German social security number, you need to be registered in Germany (Anmeldung), which means having a residence permit or registered address.

You don’t need to be employed yet. If you start working before receiving your number, your employer can still pay you; just make sure to provide it as soon as you receive it.

Is the German social security number the same as the tax ID number?

No , your social security number is not the same as your tax ID.

• Social security number: used for pensions and social security contributions
• Tax ID (Steuer-ID): used for taxes

Your employer will need both numbers, and they are issued by different authorities.

How do you apply for a social security number in Germany?

If you sign up for public health insurance, you will automatically be registered for your social security number. The big public health insurance organizations are Techniker Krankenkasse, Barmer, AOK and DAK. In some cases, your employer may apply for you, and you will receive your details in the mail. If you need to apply yourself, you can do so online at Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German). The process is in German, and you will need:

• Your resident permit or ID card with the activated online ID function
• Smartphone with NFC
• AusweisApp2

If you’ve been using a health insurance broker to source your private health insurance, sometimes they will get this process started for you, so it’s worth asking about it. 

Getting your German social security number

Getting a German social security number might seem complicated at first, but in most cases, the process happens automatically. Once you have it, you’ll use the same number throughout your working life in Germany.

Understanding systems like this is a big part of settling into a new country. If you’re learning German at the same time, being able to handle real-life situations like paperwork and appointments becomes much easier. With Lingoda's German courses, you can build the language skills you need to navigate everyday life in Germany with confidence.

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