Social security number in Germany (Sozialversicherungsnummer)

Who needs it

Usually required. Everyone in a job covered by German social insurance needs a Versicherungsnummer (insurance number). People call it by several names:

• Sozialversicherungsnummer (social security number)
• Rentenversicherungsnummer (pension insurance number)
• SV-Nummer

They all mean the same number. It is also used for social benefits such as unemployment benefit and basic income support.

You don't need to do anything before you start work. The number is created when it is first needed, usually at your first job.

When

The number is assigned when you start your first job in Germany. Your employer registers you with social insurance, and the data centre of the German pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, DRV) assigns the number.

What you need

For your employer:

• your full name and any birth name;
• date and place of birth;
• your address;
• your health insurance details (see health insurance).

If you already have a German social security number from an earlier job, give it to your new employer.

How to do it

1. Tell your employer whether you have ever worked in Germany before. If you have, give them your number.
2. Your employer registers you. Since 1 January 2023, the employer normally gets your number back electronically from the pension insurance data centre.
3. If no number is found, your employer applies for one, or asks you for your Versicherungsnummernachweis if you already have one.
4. You receive a letter from the pension insurance: the Versicherungsnummernachweis (proof of insurance number). Until 2023 this was called the Sozialversicherungsausweis (social insurance card). Keep it safe.

What does the number look like?

By law the number is made up of:

• the area code of your pension insurance office;
• your date of birth;
• the first letter of your birth name;
• a serial number;
• a check digit.

It contains no other personal information.

What happens afterwards

• The number stays the same for life. Give it to every new employer.
• The Versicherungsnummernachweis only shows your number, your names and the date of issue. It has no photo.
• You no longer need to carry it at work. But in some sectors you must carry your passport or ID card at work for customs inspections. These include construction, restaurants and hotels, cleaning, transport and logistics, and security. Your employer must tell you in writing if this applies.
• Your contributions build up a pension record under this number. It matters later if you claim a German pension or a pension refund.

Common problems

My employer asks for my social security number but I don't have one yet.

That's normal for a first job in Germany. Your employer registers you and the number is assigned automatically or on the employer's application. You don't need to apply yourself.

I lost my Versicherungsnummernachweis. How do I get a new one?

Ask the Deutsche Rentenversicherung or your health insurer. Either can arrange a new one. The number also appears on letters from the pension insurance.

I changed my name. Do I need a new document?

The number stays the same. A new Versicherungsnummernachweis is issued automatically when your personal data changes. You can also request one from the pension insurance or your health insurer.

Can I have two social security numbers?

You should only ever have one. If you think you were given two, contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung so they can sort out your records.

Costs

Free.