{"id":6371,"date":"2022-06-17T20:47:09","date_gmt":"2022-06-17T18:47:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myjobgermany.com\/?p=6371"},"modified":"2022-08-02T09:15:58","modified_gmt":"2022-08-02T07:15:58","slug":"german-sozialversicherungsnummer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myjobgermany.com\/german-sozialversicherungsnummer\/","title":{"rendered":"German Sozialversicherungsnummer: What, why and how to get it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Germany, every citizen who starts working for the first time needs the German „Sozialversicherungsnummer“ (social security number). This applies as well to foreigners starting to work with a company. However, there may be some exceptions. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get started to learn the ABC of this formality. Once you’ve got your unique ID, it’s yours for a lifetime \ud83d\udc4b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the essence of what you need to know: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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We have more than one identity number in Germany, which are for different purposes. That‘ s different from the USA, for example, where ONE social security number is tied to all parts of a person’s life. Germans think this is a bit scary, for data protection reasons we split it up. Nevertheless, when you start a job, you can’t do without this number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is this German Sozialversicherungsnummer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The social security number is one of the most important identification numbers in the life of a professional working in Germany. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you start a job as an employee and receive a salary, you need to have the number. Salary cannot be paid without the number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The German public pension fund (Deutsche Rentenversicherung<\/a>) uses the Sozialversicherungsnummer to identify you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a unique number, and it never changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why do I need the Sozialversicherungsnummer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You need the number when you start your first job in Germany.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employers are instructed to ask to check the social security card or the corresponding letter at the beginning of employment. Your employer will ask you to submit it as soon as you’ve signed the employment contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is because the employer will register you officially and start preparing the process of preparing the salary calculation and payroll – and the number is needed to do this. With this number, your employer can deduct the pension contributions from your salary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, your number triggers the process of calculating other social security contributions like health insurance, long-term care, and unemployment insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case you want to leave Germany anytime later you need your number to retrieve your pension payments<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In case you find yourself unemployed, you need your Sozialversicherungsnummer to register at Agentur f\u00fcr Arbeit and apply for unemployment benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Anybody who does NOT need this number?! <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now, while every German citizen needs the Sozialversicherungsnummer in working life it’s a bit different for (some) foreigners. Because German social insurance law does not apply to foreign employees <\/a>by 100 percent! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few exceptions. In case of a question, your health insurance will be able to help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don’t need this German ID number if: <\/p>\n\n\n\n