How to get a social security number in Germany

In Germany, you usually do not apply for a social security number separately. Most people get it automatically after starting a job, and the German pension insurance sends the number by mail to your registered German address.

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How it works

If you have never worked in Germany before, your employer normally registers you with the social insurance system when you start your first job. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung then assigns your number and mails the social security card or confirmation letter to you.

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  • You need a registered German address for the letter to arrive.
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  • The number is used for work and social insurance records, not the same thing as your health insurance card number.
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  • If you already had one before, it stays the same for life.
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How to apply if you need one

If you do need to request it directly, the usual routes are online, by phone, or by paper request through the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. One source says the official letter can be requested online via the pension insurance services, by calling the service line, or by mailing an application.

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  1. Have a valid German mailing address.
  2. Give your personal details, including your name and date of birth.
  3. Request the number through your employer, health insurer, or the pension insurance service.
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How long it takes

Processing is usually fairly quick once the request is made. One guide says the card or confirmation is mailed within about 14 days, while another says it may take 2–6 weeks depending on the route used.

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Important distinction

A lot of people confuse the social security number with the tax ID or with a health insurance number. In Germany, these are different identifiers, and the social security number is specifically for the social insurance system.

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What to do first

  1. Start or prepare for a job in Germany.
  2. Make sure you are registered at your German address.
  3. Check whether your employer, health insurer, or pension insurance has already assigned the number.
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Useful contact

The Deutsche Rentenversicherung service line is listed as 0800 1000 4800, with weekday service hours.

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TL;DR: In Germany, the social security number is usually assigned automatically when you start working, and the official card/confirmation is mailed to your registered address. If you need to request it, use the pension insurance service, your employer, or your health insurer.

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