Your Social Security number in Germany: What you need to know?

If you've just started working in Germany or are about to, you'll soon encounter a term that sounds more complicated than it actually is: Sozialversicherungsnummer. Don't worry – we're here to break it down for you in simple terms.

What exactly is a Sozialversicherungsnummer?

Your Sozialversicherungsnummer (also called SV-Nummer, Rentenversicherungsnummer, or simply social security number) is your unique identifier in the German social security system. Think of it as your social insurance ID that never changes throughout your life.

The number follows this format: 12 123456 A 123.

Here's what each part means:

First two digits: the area code of the office that registered you
Next six digits: your date of birth (day, month, year)
Letter: the first letter of your last name
Final three digits: a unique sequence to differentiate you from people with the same name and birthday

Why do you need it?

Your employer needs this number to deduct your pension and social insurance contributions from your paycheck. You'll also need it if you apply for unemployment benefits or a disability pension, or if you leave Germany and want to claim back your pension contributions.

Important note: This is different from your health insurance number (Krankenversichertennummer) and your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer). Germany loves its paperwork, and each system has its own number.

How do you get your Sozialversicherungsnummer

The good news? For most people, you don't need to do anything special.

If you have public health insurance (GKV)

You'll receive your social security number automatically by post after you register for health insurance. It typically arrives within 1-6 weeks, though most people get it within 2 weeks.

If you have private health insurance (PKV)

You'll need to request it yourself. Here are your options:

Visit in person (fastest option): Go to your local Deutsche Rentenversicherung branch with your passport and Anmeldebestätigung (registration confirmation). You'll get your number immediately – no appointment needed.
Online form: Write to your local Deutsche Rentenversicherung branch. You can write in English. Include copies of your passport and Anmeldebestätigung.
Through your employer: Your HR department can also help you request the number.

Already have it but can't find it?

Your social security number appears on several documents:

All your monthly payslips (Gehaltsabrechnung)
Your annual social security statement from your employer (Meldebescheinigung zur Sozialversicherung), issued between 1st of January and 15th of February
Any letters from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung
The original letter you received when you first got the number

If you've lost it completely, contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. For security reasons, they won't tell you the number by phone or email, but they'll send you a new letter.

What if I start working before I have the number?

Don't panic! You'll still get paid. Your employer needs the number as soon as possible, but not having it immediately won't stop your first paycheck. Just make sure to provide it once you receive it.

Questions about your health insurance?

Navigating Germany's insurance system can feel overwhelming, especially when you're new to the country. At Versicherungsbüro Weiss, we've been helping expats understand and manage their insurance situations for over 25 years.

Whether you need help choosing the right health insurance, business insurance, pension plan, or anything else, we’re here to make the process simple and transparent.

‍Get in touch with us today – we speak English, and we're happy to answer all your questions without any obligation.

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Your Social Security number in Germany: What you need to know

Versicherungsbüro Weiss