Your Social Insurance Number & What You Need to Know

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The German Pension Fund (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund) is a key institution in Germany’s social security system. It manages pension contributions and provides essential documentation for employees working in Germany.

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How You Receive Your Social Insurance Number

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After registering with a health insurance provider in Germany, the German Pension Fund will automatically issue and send you a twelve-digit social insurance number (Sozialversicherungsnummer). This number includes your insurance ID and your date of birth (which appears in the middle of the number).

If you lose the certificate or change your name, you can request a new one from the German Pension Fund or your health insurance provider.

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When You Need Your Social Insurance Number

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You will need to provide your number in the following situations:

·         When starting a new job (your employer must have it)

·         When applying for a pension

·         When contacting the German Pension Fund

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Important: Keep It Safe

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The letter containing your social insurance number is a key personal document—comparable to a passport for employment purposes. It proves your legal employment and contributions to the social security system.

Store it in a safe place.

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Lost Your Social Insurance Number?

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If you can’t find the letter, you can request a replacement directly from the German Pension Fund. Please note: for privacy reasons, the number cannot be sent to third parties—even if they hold power of attorney.

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Further Information:

 

• In English: Deutsche Rentenversicherung – English Website

• In German: Deutsche Rentenversicherung - German Website