How to get your Social Insurance Number in Germany 

The Sozialversicherungsnummer or Social Insurance Number, used by the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance), is a unique identifier for individuals in Germany. It is a unique number assigned to you by the German State that remains unchanged throughout your life. 

Different Names for the Sozialversicherungsnummer 

In German, this number is known by several names: 

• Sozialversicherungsnummer (SV-Nummer or SVNR) 

• Rentenversicherungsnummer (RNVR) 

• Versicherungsnummer (though this term can also refer to a health insurance number) 

In English, it can be referred to as: 

• Pension insurance number 

• Social insurance number 

• Social security number 

What Does the Sozialversicherungsnummer Look Like? 

The Sozialversicherungsnummer follows this format: 12 123456 A 123. It is divided into four parts: 

1. Area number of the office that registered you (e.g., “04” for Berlin-Brandenburg). 

2. Birth date in the format DDMMYY (e.g., “230992” for September 23, 1992). 

3. The first letter of your last name (e.g., “S” for Smith). 

4. A unique identifier to distinguish you from others with the same name and birth date. 

Why You Need a Sozialversicherungsnummer 

When starting a job in Germany, your employer requires this number to process your pension contributions. It’s also necessary if you plan to leave Germany and wish to reclaim your pension payments. If you don’t have your Sozialversicherungsnummer yet, your employer can still pay you, so don’t worry. 

How to Get Your Sozialversicherungsnummer 

If You Have Recently Moved to Germany 

New residents in Germany usually do not have a Sozialversicherungsnummer upon arrival. 

• If You Have Public Health Insurance: You will automatically receive your Sozialversicherungsnummer after applying for public health insurance. The number will be mailed to your German address. 

• If You Have Private or Expat Health Insurance: You will not receive this number automatically. You need to contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung to obtain it. This can be done in person at a local office, through your health insurance broker, or sometimes with the help of your employer. The number is typically sent by post within 1 to 6 weeks, though it often takes less than 2 weeks. For immediate needs, visiting a local Deutsche Rentenversicherung branch is recommended. 

You will receive your Sozialversicherungsnummer printed on a Sozialversicherungsausweis (social insurance confirmation) via a letter from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. 

If You Already Have Public Health Insurance 

• Request your number from your public health insurance provider. You can ask for a Mitgliedsbescheinigung(membership certificate) or a Sozialversicherungsausweis. Most insurers offer this service online. 

If You Have Private Health Insurance 

• Individuals with private health insurance who have never had public health insurance likely do not yet have a Sozialversicherungsnummer. Contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung to request one. 

Ways to Apply for a Sozialversicherungsnummer: 

1. By Email: Send an email to your local Deutsche Rentenversicherung branch. You can write in English. Include a copy of your passport and your Anmeldebestätigung (registration confirmation). 

2. In Person: Visit your local Deutsche Rentenversicherung branch without an appointment. Bring your passport and Anmeldebestätigung. This is the quickest method, and you will receive your Sozialversicherungsnummer instantly. 

3. Through Your Employer: Your HR department may also help you obtain the Sozialversicherungsnummer. 

After applying, expect to receive your number by mail within 1 to 6 weeks, with most cases taking less than 2 weeks. For those applying in person, the number is issued immediately. 

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