1. What is the Steueridentifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID)?
The Steueridentifikationsnummer is a permanent personal tax identification number consisting of 11 digits, assigned to every person living in Germany since 2008.
This number is valid for life and does not change, even if you:
move to a different address within Germany
leave Germany and return later
change your marital or legal status
2. Why do you need the Steuer-ID?
The Steuer-ID is a key identifier used in many official and tax-related processes:
| Purpose | Where it appears |
|---|---|
| Your annual tax return | Steuererklärung |
| Starting a new job | With your employer (Arbeitgeber) |
| Receiving state benefits (e.g. Kindergeld, Elterngeld) | At the Familienkasse and other offices |
| Opening a bank account | At the bank |
| Communication with the tax office | In all dealings with the Finanzamt |
3. How do you get your Steueridentifikationsnummer?
If you are a new resident in Germany, you receive your Steuer-ID automatically:
after your first registration of residence (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt (citizens’ office)
it is sent to you by post within about 1–4 weeks
the sender is the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office – BZSt)
4. What if you lose your Steuer-ID?
No need to worry – you can request it again for free:
Via the website of the BZSt:
https://www.bzst.de
Then go to:
“Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer” → “Anfrage für Privatpersonen”
Or use the direct online form
“Anfordern Steuer-ID”
Your Steuer-ID will then be sent by post to your officially registered address.
Important: Don’t confuse these numbers
| Number | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Steuer-ID | Personal, permanent tax identification number |
| Steuernummer | Variable tax number issued by the local Finanzamt (e.g. for businesses, self-employed) |
| USt-IdNr. (Umsatzsteuer-ID) | VAT identification number for companies in EU trade |
Key terms (German – English – Arabic)
| German term | English meaning | Arabic translation |
|---|---|---|
| Steueridentifikationsnummer | tax identification number (Steuer-ID) | رقم التعريف الضريبي (Steuer-ID) |
| Steuernummer | variable tax number | رقم ضريبة متغيّر من مكتب الضرائب |
| Bundeszentralamt für Steuern | Federal Central Tax Office | المكتب الاتحادي للضرائب |
| Anmeldung | registration of residence | تسجيل السكن في ألمانيا |
| Bürgeramt | citizens’ office | مكتب المواطنين |
The editorial team of our website aims to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may not be fully confirmed. Therefore, please treat the information in this article as an initial guideline only and always contact the competent authorities – especially the Finanzamt or the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern – for binding and up-to-date information.
