Steuer-ID
Your German tax identification number. It arrives automatically by post 2-4 weeks after Anmeldung. You need it for payroll, tax returns, and some bank accounts. No action needed — just wait.
Last verified: May 2026
What it is
The Steueridentifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID) is your permanent German tax ID. It’s an 11-digit number assigned to you once and stays with you for life — even if you leave Germany and come back.
You don’t apply for it. It’s issued automatically by the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (Federal Central Tax Office) when you complete your Anmeldung. It arrives by post, addressed to your registered address, within 2-4 weeks.
What you need it for
- Payroll — your employer needs it to set up your salary payments correctly. Provide it as soon as you have it.
- Tax returns — required to file an annual Steuererklärung
- Some bank accounts — DKB and a few others ask for it during setup
- Freelancers — needed to apply for your Steuernummer from your local Finanzamt
What to do
- Complete your Anmeldung. The Steuer-ID process is automatic from there.
- Wait 2-4 weeks for a letter from “Bundeszentralamt für Steuern” at your registered address.
- Keep the letter. Write the number somewhere safe — you’ll use it repeatedly.
If you haven’t received it after 4 weeks
You can request your Steuer-ID online at bzst.de — you’ll need your registered address and date of birth. They’ll send a new letter.
You can also ask your employer’s HR/payroll team to check — they can sometimes look it up if you’ve already started work.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Steuer-ID with Steuernummer. The Steuer-ID (11 digits) is your permanent personal ID. The Steuernummer is a shorter number issued per tax year by your local Finanzamt — freelancers need both, employees only need the Steuer-ID.
- Not telling your employer. Your employer will pay you without it initially, but it affects your tax bracket until you provide it. Give it to HR as soon as the letter arrives.
- Throwing away the letter. It looks like junk mail. It isn’t.