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Papers · Germany
Updated September 2026

🔢 I just moved here — how do I get the national ID / tax / social-security number?

Direct answer

Everything — a job, a bank account, a doctor, a rental — needs the national identification number, so it is the first appointment after arriving. In Germany you get it from Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt (bmi.bund.de) when you register your address or, for non-residents, from Finanzamt — Einspruchsstelle (elster.de). Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (a rental contract or a host's declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, the residence permit or visa from Ausländerbehörde / BAMF (bamf.de). Appointments fill up: book before you arrive if the portal allows.

Call firstBürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt
Report toFinanzamt — Einspruchsstelle
If that failsAusländerbehörde / BAMF

🗣️ What to say

"I moved to Germany on [date] and live at [address]. I would like to register and obtain my [national number / tax number / social-security number]. I have [passport/ID, rental contract / host declaration, permit]. Which documents do you need and can I book an appointment?"

🪜 Step by step

  1. Book the registrationAt Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt: address registration and the number usually come together. Online booking where it exists; otherwise early morning in person.
  2. DocumentsPassport or ID, proof of address, birth certificate (sometimes with apostille), marriage certificate if relevant, permit or visa for non-EU citizens.
  3. Non-resident number: Finanzamt — EinspruchsstelleFor work or tax before you have an address — the tax office issues a provisional or non-resident number.
  4. Non-EU: Ausländerbehörde / BAMF firstThe residence permit or the registration certificate may be a precondition; check the order for your case.
  5. Then everything elseBank, health insurance, employer, GP — all take the number. Keep the letter with it safe.

📇 All contacts

Bürgeramt / EinwohnermeldeamtRegistration, certificates, tax ID, ID cardsWithin 14 days of moving in🔗 www.bmi.bund.de
Finanzamt — EinspruchsstelleObjections to tax assessments, deferral, enforcementWithin one month of the assessment🔗 www.elster.de
Ausländerbehörde / BAMFResidence permits, naturalisation, pending-application certificatesFor residence and citizenship🔗 www.bamf.de
Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der StadtPublic-order office: nuisances, noise, waste, registration, lost propertyFor anything the city regulates📞 115🔗 www.behoerdenfinder.de

❓ Frequently asked

I have a job offer but no address yet

Ask the employer for a hosting letter or use the non-resident route at Finanzamt — Einspruchsstelle; the number can be converted when you register an address.

How long does it take?

Same day in some countries, weeks in others. The appointment is the bottleneck, not the processing.

EU citizen — do I need to register at all?

Yes, after three months in most countries (sooner in some), and for the number you need it anyway.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “national id number new arrival Germany”
  • “register address get number Germany”
  • “tax number foreigner Germany”
  • “social security number apply”
  • “moving to Germany first steps”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🚚Register your address→⏳Residence permit delay→📜Apostille→🎓Diploma recognition→

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