Work and insurance
Sozialversicherungsnummer
Social security number
Last updated: September 28, 2026
What does Sozialversicherungsnummer mean?
The Sozialversicherungsnummer (SV-Nummer) is your German social security number: 12 characters, issued once by the Deutsche Rentenversicherung and kept for life. New arrivals get it automatically a few weeks after their first job registration. Employers need it for payroll.
Key facts
| Format | 12 characters |
| Issued by | Deutsche Rentenversicherung |
| When | Automatically after your first job registration |
| Replacement | Free |
What to do
- Look for it on your payslip (SV-Nr), your Versicherungsnummernachweis letter or your employer's annual social insurance statement.
- Give it to every new employer.
- Lost it? Request a free replacement from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung online or by phone.
Worth knowing
Your health insurance card may show a different number (the Krankenversichertennummer). Employers need the SV-Nummer, not the card number.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Sozialversicherungsnummer?
You do not apply for it in the normal case. When your employer registers you for social insurance, the Deutsche Rentenversicherung assigns it and sends it to you by post, usually within a few weeks.
Is the Sozialversicherungsnummer the same as the tax ID?
No. The Steuer-ID (11 digits) is for taxes; the Sozialversicherungsnummer (12 characters) is for pension, health and unemployment insurance.
Read next
Sources
More German terms: work and insurance
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and forms.