Social security ID (Sozialversicherungsausweis)
Next to your tax ID, it’s probably the most important set of alphanumerical characters for new arrivals.
The social security ID (Sozialverischerungsausweis or Rentenversicherungsausweis) is an important document that you need to have if you would like to work in Germany. If you are working in Germany, it is usually issued automatically to you when your employer enrolls you in the social security system.
The social security ID includes a 12-digit number used that is used to track all of your social security contributions and identify you with the German public pension office (Deutsche Rentenversicherung). This number is usually referred to as the insurance number (Versicherungsnummer), pension insurance number (Rentenversicherungsnummer).
Why would you need a Social Security number? You will be required to provide this number when you:
- Want to start a new job
- When you would like to claim benefits: Unemployment benefits (ALG1)
- Old-age care (Pflegeversicherung)
- When drawing pension (Rentenversicherung)
- When you would like to claim Parental benefits (Elternzeit & Elterngeld)
- When you would like to claim Child benefits (Kindergeld)
How do I get a social security ID?
- You receive your number automatically when you first sign-up with a public health insurance in Germany.
- Most employers will register you with the German pension office as soon as you are employed, and you will be sent a social security card containing your social security number by post.
- In case of urgency, when your employer asks for your social security number before starting a job, your health insurance provider can issue you with a document that acts as a temporary social security ID.
- If you’re a full-time freelancer or self-employed person, you only have a limited social security obligation. You have to pay for health and long-term care insurance, but you’re free to choose whether or not you want to contribute to pension, unemployment, and accident insurance. Even for limited contributions, you will still need a social security number. You can obtain it by signing up either to a public or a recognized private insurance provider
If you have lost your social security card, simply contact your health insurance provider.