# What Is the Steuernummer in Germany? [All blog posts](https://stayinsured.de/blog-subscription-page) [Life admin in Germany](https://stayinsured.de/life-in-germany-blog) ## What Is the Steuernummer in Germany? Feb 10, 2026 4 min ![](https://stayinsured.de/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_qgkaybqgkaybqgka.jpeg) Share # What Is the Steuernummer in Germany? When starting a business or working as a freelancer in Germany, you'll come across the Steuernummer, an essential tax number for filing taxes, issuing invoices, and communicating with the tax office. In this guide, we will explain what it is, who needs one, and how to get it. ## Steuernummer vs. Steuer-ID: What's the Difference? Germany has two main tax identification numbers, and they serve different purposes: Number German Name Who Gets It Purpose Steuer-ID Steueridentifikationsnummer Everyone registered in Germany Lifelong identifier for income tax Steuernummer Steuernummer Freelancers, self-employed, businesses Tax filings, invoicing, VAT ### Steuer-ID (Tax Identification Number) Your Steuer-ID is like your personal tax identity in Germany, it's assigned automatically when you register your address and stays with you for life . Its key features are: - It's an 11-digit number unique to you - It is used for employment income tax at work, your employer uses it for payroll - It is mostly for employees, which means that if you're working for a company, this is usually all you need ### Steuernummer (Tax Number) The Steuernummer is a separate number issued by your local tax office (Finanzamt) . It is used primarily for tax filing and communication with the tax authorities. Think of it as a reference number that the tax authorities use to track your tax filings, payments, and overall tax status. It's essential if you’re freelancing, self-employed, or running a business . Its key features are: - It changes if you move to a different tax office jurisdiction - It is required for freelancers, self-employed, and businesses - It must appear on invoices ## Who Needs a Steuernummer? not everyone in Germany needs a Steuernummer. Only individuals and businesses that need to file certain tax returns, such as freelancers, self-employed professionals, and business owners, receive a Steuernummer. Employees do not require one, as they use their Steuer-ID for income tax purposes. Situation Steuernummer Needed? Employee (only) ✗ (Steuer-ID is sufficient) Freelancer (Freiberufler) ✓ Self-employed (Gewerbetreibender) ✓ Business owner ✓ Sole proprietor (Einzelunternehmen) ✓ GmbH/UG company ✓ Side business alongside employment ✓ ## Why Is the Steuernummer Important? Your Steuernummer is required for different tax-related activities, such as: Activity Why It's Needed Issuing invoices It must appear on all business invoices Filing tax returns It identifies your business to the tax office VAT registration It is required for Umsatzsteuer (VAT) purposes Finanzamt correspondence It serves as your reference number for all communications with the tax office You cannot legally invoice for freelance or business work without a valid Steuernummer. ## How to Apply for a Steuernummer If you're starting a business or working as a freelancer in Germany, you'll need a Steuernummer. Here's how to apply: ### Step 1: Complete the Tax Registration Questionnaire The form is called Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung . You can fill it out online or request a copy from your local Finanzamt. Option Details Online via ELSTER Germany's electronic tax portal ([elster.de](https://www.elster.de/elsterweb/infoseite/unternehmensgruendung?locale=en_US)) Paper form Request from your local Finanzamt ### Step 2: Submit to Your Local Finanzamt Your assigned tax office is determined by: - Your residential address (for freelancers) - Your business address (for companies) ### Step 3: Wait for Processing Once you submit your Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung , your application will be reviewed. Here's what to expect: Timeline Details Typical processing time 2–6 weeks Result Steuernummer sent by post ## What Information You'll Need When filling out the questionnaire, make sure you have: Information Purpose Personal details Name, address, nationality Type of activity Brief description of your work Expected income Used for tax assessment Bank details For tax refunds or payments Steuer-ID Links the number to your personal tax record ## Finding Your Steuernummer If you already have a Steuernummer but can't find it, try these options: Method Details Check your previous tax returns Your Steuernummer is listed on all filings Check your tax assessment notices (Steuerbescheid) Often included in official documents Log in to your ELSTER account May be visible in your online profile Contact your local Finanzamt Call or email your local office There's no public online database for looking up Steuernummern, you must check your documents or contact the tax office. ## Not sure how it works? Our experts are here to explain. Book consultation ## Steuernummer Format The Steuernummer is your business tax number in Germany, and its format can vary depending on the federal state. It usually has 10-13 digits : Part What It Represents First digits Tax office code Middle digits Your unique identifier Last digit Check digit Example format: `12/345/67890` ## VAT Number vs. Steuernummer If you do business with other EU countries, you may also need a USt-IdNr (VAT identification number). Here's how it differs from your Steuernummer: Number Purpose When Needed Steuernummer Domestic tax filings Always for business or freelance work USt-IdNr EU cross-border transactions Optional, required for B2B invoices with the EU The USt-IdNr is separate from your Steuernummer and must be requested specifically from the Finanzamt. ## Timeline: Getting Set Up Here's an approximation of how long each step takes when starting your business or freelance work in Germany: Step Timeframe Register address (Anmeldung) Same day Receive your Steuer-ID 2–4 weeks Submit the Fragebogen form When starting business/freelance Receive your Steuernummer 2–6 weeks after submission ## Key Takeaways If you need a handy overview of both your Steuer-ID and Steuernummer, here's a quick summary of what you need to know: Topic Remember Steuer-ID Everyone gets it automatically, mainly for employment Steuernummer Only for freelancers/businesses, must apply to get it Required for invoicing You cannot issue invoices without it Apply via ELSTER The easiest way to submit your application Processing time Usually takes 2–6 weeks ## Getting Help Understanding German tax requirements and bureaucracy can be challenging. At [Stay](https://stayinsured.de/), we help international residents understand the administrative steps needed to work and do business in Germany. If you'd like guidance on getting your Steuernummer or other tax matters, we're here to help. ### Related Articles [14 min](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/switching-health-insurance-germany-mistakes-2026-refresh) Health Insurance [Switching Health Insurance Germany: Rules & Mistakes](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/switching-health-insurance-germany-mistakes-2026-refresh) [12 min](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/student-health-insurance-germany-guide-2026-refresh) Health Insurance [Student Health Insurance Germany: 2026 English Guide](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/student-health-insurance-germany-guide-2026-refresh) [16 min](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/health-insurance-after-job-loss-germany) Health Insurance [Health Insurance After Job Loss Germany: 2026 Guide](https://stayinsured.de/health-insurance-blog/health-insurance-after-job-loss-germany)