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SHORT ANSWER
Your social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) is issued automatically when you start your first job with social security contributions – also a mini-job or apprenticeship. Your employer registers you, and the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) sends you proof of your number by post. It stays the same for life.
Application
Not needed
issued with your first job
Issued by
Deutsche Rentenversicherung
proof sent by post
Format
12 characters
e.g. 65 170839 J 003
Valid
for life
also when you change jobs
How you get your number
- Start your job. Your employer registers you for social insurance through a public health insurer – also if you are privately health insured.
- The number is created. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung assigns your number automatically.
- You receive it by post. Keep the letter (Sozialversicherungsnummernachweis) with your important documents.
What it is used for
The number identifies your pension account. Your employment periods, earnings and periods of unemployment or long illness are stored under it. Employers use it for social insurance reports, and a new employer can retrieve it when you change jobs. You also need it for many online services of the pension insurance and for some applications to other authorities.
Your pension account from day one
Every month of work in Germany counts towards your German state pension. From age 27, once you have at least five years of contributions, you receive an annual pension statement. It shows how much state pension you can expect – and how big your pension gap is.
Plan to leave Germany one day? Contributions are not lost: periods can count in other EU countries and countries with a social security agreement, and in some cases contributions can be refunded. What happens when you leave.
Your next step
- Back to: Register your address – Part of our first-steps series for expats.
- Pension calculator for expats – Estimate your German state pension and what you need on top.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for a social security number?
No. It is issued automatically with your first job that pays social security contributions.
I lost my number. What can I do?
You find it on your payslip and on letters from your health insurer or the pension insurance. You can also ask the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
Is it the same as the tax ID?
No. The social security number belongs to your pension account, the tax ID to your income tax.
Do I get a new number when I change jobs?
No. The number stays the same for life; your new employer uses your existing number.
Sources (checked 20 October 2026)
This page gives general information and does not replace personal advice. Tax aspects are not considered; finanXpats does not provide tax advice.