When do you receive your SteuerID after Anmeldung?

After your Anmeldung, your SteuerID will arrive by post within 2-4 weeks. This is your lifelong tax identification number in Germany.

#What is a SteuerID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)?

• An 11-digit personal tax number
• Does not change throughout your life
• Mandatory for working, opening a bank account, and getting insurance in Germany
• Even children receive one after birth

#Process

#1. Complete your Anmeldung

• Register your address at the Bürgeramt
• The official transmits your data to the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt)

#2. SteuerID is generated

• The BZSt system automatically generates an 11-digit number
• It is sent by post to the address you provided during your Anmeldung
• It arrives as a letter (in a yellow/white envelope)

#3. The letter arrives

• Duration: 2-4 weeks (generally)
• In some regions, it can take up to 6 weeks
• It will arrive directly if your name is correct on the mailbox at your postal address

#Contents of the letter

• SteuerID (in large print)
• Your name + address Explanation (in German):
  • Give this number to your employer, insurance company, bank
  • You will use it for life
  • Keep it safe!

#What to do if it's delayed?

#If you've waited more than 4 weeks

1. Send a written inquiry to the BZSt

   • Form: bzst.de → "Antrag auf Mitteilung der steuerlichen Identifikationsnummer"
   • Attach a copy of your Anmeldebescheinigung
   • Response: 4-6 weeks

2. Phone (difficult + German required)

   • BZSt Hotline: +49 228 406 1240
   • Weekdays 8:00-16:00

3. Online inquiry (only for registered users)

   • Open an account on bzst.de → check SteuerID

#Address problem

• If there's no mailbox at your Wohnung, the letter cannot be delivered
• In a WG, your name must be on the doorbell label
• Address correction → reapply at the Bürgeramt

#Where do you use your SteuerID?

• Employer — mandatory for salary reporting
• Bank — when opening an account (Anmeldung + SteuerID)
• Insurance — for GKV/PKV applications
• Universität — sometimes requested after enrollment
• Kindergeld application — for child benefits
• BAföG application — for state student aid

#SteuerID vs Steuernummer (Difference)

#SteuerID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)

• Personal + lifelong
• 11 digits
• Arrives after Anmeldung
• For everyone, employed or unemployed

#Steuernummer (Tax number)

• Finanzamt-based (from the tax office)
• Can change if your address changes
• For self-employed individuals / company owners
• Generally not needed for students

#Practical Notes

• Do not lose your SteuerID letter! — you'll wait 4-6 weeks for a new one
• Take a photo + upload to cloud — as a backup
• A PDF/scan is sufficient for employers / insurance (original is not required)

#Individuals who have lived in Germany before

#Do you have an old SteuerID?

• If you lived in Germany after 2008, you already have a SteuerID
• Provide your old SteuerID when doing your Anmeldung
• The Bürgeramt will check it in the system

#Lost old SteuerID

• Written inquiry to BZSt (as above)
• Response within 4-6 weeks

#SteuerID for children

• A child born in Germany → automatically receives a SteuerID (after birth certificate)
• A child arriving from abroad → receives a SteuerID after Anmeldung
• The child's SteuerID is mandatory for Kindergeld applications

#Conclusion

• Do your Anmeldung → wait 2-4 weeks for post → SteuerID arrives
• Keep the letter, take a photo
• Use it for your employer / bank / insurance
• If delayed by more than 4 weeks: inquire with the BZSt

Related: Anmeldung process | Bank after Anmeldung.