Tax ID / Steuer-ID

When registering in Germany, you apply at the same time for a tax ID; you can’t have one without the other.

Our Tax ID Service

The relocation process in Germany can be very challenging and stressful. That is why we gave our online registration form a simple structure and adapted it to the needs of our customers. Our online and multilingual service has been designed to make the filling in of forms and applying for the tax ID as easy as possible.

Enter the information in your preferred language and receive the filled in form in German. Then hand it in to the appropriate department, equipped with the necessary information for yourself and the public official.

Whether you want to live in Berlin, Cologne, Munich, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg or any other town in Germany - we provide an efficient online service for FREE. With our expert knowledge you avoid the stress of moving and streamline the relocation process.

Apply for your tax ID
Retrieve your tax ID
Apply for your tax ID
Retrieve your tax ID

Our Health Insurance Service Explained

 

Public or Private Health Insurance Plans for Employees, Freelancers, Students & Visa Holders.

 

In brief:

  • If you are unemployed, self-employed or currently looking for a job and you've just moved to Germany from a non-EU country, then you should sign up for Expat Health Insurance (limited to 5 years). Once you have a steady income, you can easily cancel and switch to Public or Private Health Insurance. Get expat health insurance now!

  • If you need health insurance to get a visa or residence permit then we recommend that you take out Expat Health Insurance. You can cancel anytime. Once you find a job in Germany, you can easily cancel and switch to public health insurance. Get expat health insurance now!

  • If you are a university student under the age of 30, be sure to take out Public Health Insurance. TK has an incredibly affordable offer made just for students so be sure to take advantage of it! Sign up here. [Add-on: Dental Insurance].

  • If you are in any other situation (job seeker, au pair, holiday workers, language student, guest researcher, tourist, etc.), we recommend that you take out Expat Health Insurance. This will not only make sure that you are covered in case of an accident, but it will also fulfil the legal requirement for living in Germany. You can switch easily to Public or Private Health Insurance at a later stage. Get expat health insurance now!

WHAT IS A TAX ID

The tax ID (in German: Steuer-ID, IdNr. or Steueridentifikationsnummer) is important for the purposes of taxation, government benefits and health care.

If you are an employee, you need to present your employer with the tax id when starting the new job (or as soon as possible) in order to avoid being taxed at the maximum rate possible.

Also, you might not be able to open a German bank account if you have no tax ID or proof of residence (in German: Anmeldebestätigung).

WHO NEEDS A TAX ID

Everyone  wanting to work in Germany;

Students wanting to work during their studies;

Everyone wanting to open a bank account;

Everyone wanting to file a tax return;

Basically, everyone registering in Germany will get a tax ID.

WHO NEEDS A TAX ID

Everyone  wanting to work in Germany;

Students wanting to work during their studies;

Everyone wanting to open a bank account;

Everyone wanting to file a tax return;

Basically, everyone registering in Germany will get a tax ID.

WHEN TO EXPECT A TAX ID

The tax office will send you the tax ID to your registered German address within 2-3 weeks of your residence registration; often even within one week.

If you do not receive the tax ID within those 3 weeks or you have lost the one you had, you can request a duplicate from the Finanzamt.

WHERE TO GET A TAX ID

After you have visited the Bürgeramt for your Anmeldung, the tax office will send you the tax ID by post. You just have to be patient and wait maximum 2-3 weeks. Make sure to have your name on the letterbox!

You can search for your local citizens office by inserting your postcode here.

If you have lost your tax ID, you can request a duplicate either online or by going in person to your local Finanzamt.

You can search for your local tax office by inserting your postcode here.

WHERE TO GET A TAX ID

After you have visited the Bürgeramt for your Anmeldung, the tax office will send you the tax ID by post. You just have to be patient and wait maximum 2-3 weeks. Make sure to have your name on the letterbox!

You can search for your local citizens office by inserting your postcode here.

If you have lost your tax ID, you can request a duplicate either online or by going in person to your local Finanzamt.

You can search for your local tax office by inserting your postcode here.

STEUER-ID & STEUERNUMMER

I didn’t receive my tax ID (Steuer-ID):
Maybe your full name wasn’t on the letterbox of your registered address?! Or, maybe the letter containg your tax ID got lost?!

If you did your Anmeldung but never received a tax ID, you can request a duplicate from the Finanzamt.

Don’t confuse Steuer-ID & Steuernummer:
The former is a unique ID which you will have for the whole of your life; while the latter can change every year and you have to request it from the Finanzamt if you intend to become self-employed or freelancer.

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APPLY FOR YOUR TAX ID

Sign up on our website and fill in your Anmeldung form in your preferred language.
Learn More

RETRIEVE YOUR TAX ID

If you have lost your tax ID or have never received it, even though you did your Anmeldung, you can fill in the online form from the tax office and ask for a duplicate. It can take a few days, or a few weeks, before you get it by mail to your registered address.

Alternatively, if you cannot wait, you can directly visit your local Finanzamt and request it in person. The tax ID will be handed over to you on the same day.

Get Started

APPLY FOR YOUR 'FREELANCER' TAX NUMBER

The tax number, or Steuernummer, is necessary if you want to become a freelancer in Germany. You can apply for a Steuernummer and a VAT number in English by filling this tax application form (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung) for free. You can also submit all of your annual tax reports as a freelancer for free and in English.

Important: To apply for a tax number, you must already have tax ID, health insurance and bank account in Germany.

Get Started

THE TAX ID IN 6 EASY STEPS

1. Sign up for free

Sign up for free on our website and start using our service.

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2. Fill in our Anmeldung form

Select your city and fill in the Anmeldung Form in your preferred language. It takes 5-10 minutes.

3. Proceed to checkout

Complete your order for FREE.

Once your transaction is complete, you’ll received 2 emails.

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4. Prepare all documents

Print & sign the completed Anmeldung form we’ve sent you by email.

We’ve also sent you another email including a ‘landlord letter’ template which needs to be filled in & signed by your landlord/ sublessor.

5. Visit your Bürgeramt

Book an appointment and visit the Bürgeramt (also called Kundenzentrum, Bürgerbüro or KVR) to get registered & receive a tax ID.

The registration is city-based, so you can choose your preferred citizens office within your city.

6. You will soon get a tax ID!

The official has now handed you over a proof of registration, which you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, get German health insurance, etc.

You’ll also get your tax ID sent to your German address within 2-3 weeks.

Create your free account now!

Sign up for a free account and complete your registration form to get settled in Germany.
Get Started

FIRST STEPS WHEN MOVING TO GERMANY

1. Find accommodation

If you are moving to Germany you will need to organise temporary accommodation while you look for permanent housing. Search here.

For long-term solutions, this flat listing site for Germany can help you.

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2. Register in Germany

If you want to live in Germany more than 3 months or work/ study in Germany, you are required by law to register your new residence by submitting an Anmeldung form to the Bürgeramt.

3. Apply for health insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for the whole population in Germany: you cannot live in Germany, even temporarily, without being covered by health insurance. There are two kinds of health insurances: Public (GKV) and Private (PKV).

4. Get your tax ID

Within 2-3 weeks after having done the so-called Anmeldung, you should receive, at your registered German address, a letter containing your tax ID (Steuer-ID) . Hand it over to your employer, possibly before getting your first payslip.

5. Open a bank account

You need to open a bank account if you want to live and work in Germany: paying a rent, receiving a salary, registering as a freelancer, and so on. Most of the banks require a proof of your registered address and/or your German tax ID.

6. File your tax return

Anyone who is employed should submit an income tax return for the previous year(s). The tax return has to be filed before the 31st of May. Additional time is granted if your tax refund is done by a tax adviser.
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