What is the social security number?
The social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer) is a unique identification number that German authorities use to manage people in the social security system.
It is used to store and assign a person's social security information. The social security number is often shortened to "SV-Nummer".
Everyone who takes up employment subject to social security contributions in Germany automatically receives a social security number. The number stays with you throughout your working life and beyond, for various social benefits and insurance schemes. It appears on documents such as the social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) and payslips.
The social security number is important for correctly assigning social benefits, pension entitlements, health insurance and other aspects of social security.
Where can I find my social security number?
You can find your social security number on your social security card. If you no longer have the card, you can also find your social security number here:
- On an old payslip: The social security number appears there under the abbreviation "Versicherungs-Nr.".
- On letters from the pension insurance: Letters from the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) also show the insurance number.
Alternatively, you can ask for your social security number again at the following places:
- Contact your health insurance fund
- Call the German Pension Insurance (0800 / 1000 4800, free of charge from German landlines)
For data protection reasons, they usually do not give out the number by phone. Instead, you will receive a new social security card with your social security number by post within a few days.
How do I get a social security number for the first time?
Your social security number is assigned automatically and sent to you by post as soon as you first take up employment subject to social security contributions in Germany. The type of employment does not matter.
If you have never worked in a job subject to social security contributions, your employer applies for the social security number with your first payroll. In this case, you also need to tell your employer your place of birth.
Your social security number is NOT:
- Your health insurance number
- Your tax identification number or tax ID (Steuer-ID)
I still can't find my social security number
You followed this guide and still can't find your social security number? Then you can enter your place of birth, birth name and country of birth in our app. We can then request your social security number from the authorities and store it for you.
Conclusion: the social security number
The social security number is a central identification number in Germany's social security system. It is assigned automatically when someone first takes up employment subject to social security contributions. It stays valid for life. You can find the number on your social security card, your payslips or documents from the pension insurance.
If you cannot find your social security number, ask your health insurance fund or the German Pension Insurance. Also, do not confuse it with other identification numbers such as your health insurance number or your tax ID.
