Guide to Obtaining a Social Security Card in Germany
- Ricardo Batista
- Germany
- June 7, 2024
- Register your address at the local Resident Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Make sure you have your passport and proof of address, such as a rental contract.
- If you have a job, your employer will usually apply for a social security card on your behalf. They will ask for your details and contact the local Health Insurance Company (Krankenkasse) to initiate the process.
- If you do not have a job and are not an EU citizen, you will need to apply personally at the local social insurance office (Sozialversicherungsanstalt) for your social security card.
- Passport
- Proof of address (such as a rental contract)
- If you have a job, your contract of employment or the offer
- If you’re an EU citizen, proof of EU citizenship
Table of Contents
Description
What is it?
A Social Security card in Germany is needed for anyone who is working. It contains your social security number, which is a unique identification number for social security purposes.
Who needs it?
Every working individual living in Germany, including international students and expatriates.
Procedure
Required Documents
Providers that can do it for you
(We are currently curating the best providers. If you are or know a provider, please contact us or edit the page directly)
| Provider | Website | Timelines | Cost |
|---|
Additional details
The social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) should be kept safely. Do not worry if you lose it - your number is permanent. You can request a replacement card through the same procedure. Remember, everyone who is employed in Germany gets a unique life-long social security number in order to have access to social security, including health insurance, unemployment insurance, and pension fund.
Related Posts
Contribute
Improve this article by using the contact form or editing it through our open-source GitHub repository: tramitit/guides