Are you in Germany and need your tax identification number (Tax ID) but haven't registered your address yet? Don't worry: many people find the process confusing at first.
In this guide, we will explain the entire process step-by-step so that you can complete the form easily and avoid common mistakes.
Before we begin, let's first explain exactly what the German Tax Identification Number is and why you need it.
German Tax Identification Number
The German Tax Identification Number (officially known as Tax identification number o Steuer-ID) is a unique 11-digit number issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (Federal Central Tax Office – BZSt).
This number stays with you for life and is used to identify you for tax purposes and other official administrative processes in Germany.
It is also important to know that Germany uses several different tax numbers, which are often confused with one another.
Furthermore, along with the ANMELDUNG (how to register at this linkand the social security numberhow to get a social security number at this link) are the mandatory documents to be able to work in Germany.
Tax ID
A one-time, 11-digit personal identification number assigned for life. It is primarily used for:
- employment
- Income tax returnIncome Tax Return)
- Communication with the German tax office
Tax Number
A 10–11 digit number issued by your local tax officeTax officeIt is primarily used for:
- Freelancers
- Self-employed
- companies
This number may change if you move to another tax district.
VAT ID
A business identification number used for trading goods or services within the European Union. It begins with “DE” followed by 9 digits.
Type | Name auf Deutsch | Main use |
|---|---|---|
Tax Identification Number | Steuer-ID | National Insurance number used for employment, taxes and official dealings |
Tax Number | Tax number | Tax number used by freelancers, self-employed individuals and companies |
VAT Number | VAT ID | VAT number |
Who needs to apply for a German Tax ID?
Normally you DO NOT need to request it if:
- Have you completed yours Anmeldung in Germany
- you've officially registered your address
- Have you received your Tax ID through the post?
- You only need one Tax number or a VAT number for business purposes
You might need to apply if:
- you never received your Tax ID
- You live abroad but still need to pay German taxes
- Are you a freelancer or a business owner
- Your employer requested a Tax ID before you completed your Anmeldung
What form do you need?
Situation | Form |
|---|---|
Individual persons | Request for an existing tax ID |
Freelancers | “Tax registration questionnaire” |
Companies | Different forms depending on the type of company |
These forms can usually be submitted:
- online via ELSTER
- by post
- directly in the Tax office (In many cases, employees communicate primarily in German, so it can be helpful to bring a German-speaking friend or prepare translations in advance)
Checklist: documents you need before filling out the form
- Valid passport or national identity card
- proof of your foreign address
- Address details in Germany (if applicable)
- additional identification documents (if the Tax office requests them)
- Employer information (if the application relates to employment)
It is also recommended to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
How much does it cost?
There are usually no fees or costs to apply for a German Tax ID.
Step-by-step: how to fill in the German Tax ID application form
Important!
As we mentioned before, if you have already completed your Anmeldung, You do not need to fill in this form.
This form is mainly intended for people who are not registered in GermanyPersons not subject to reporting requirementsbut who nevertheless need a German Tax ID to work or for tax reasons.
You can download the official form from the German tax office website: 010250_Application_Award_IDNo
Step 1 – Select the reason for the request
At the top of the form, you will see the section:
Reason for issuing the ID number.
Here you need to choose why you need a German Tax ID.
You can usually select:
- Employee → if you need the Tax ID to work in Germany
- Other reason → For any other reason (e.g. tax, pensions or administrative procedures)
If you choose “Sonstiger Grund”, briefly explain your reason.
Step 2 – Enter your personal information
In the following section, please complete your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport or identification document.
You must provide:
- Name Surname
- First name Name
- Maiden name Surname at birth (only if different)
- Date of birth Date of birth
- Place of birth Place of birth
- Place of birth Country of birth
Please ensure all information matches your official documents.
Step 3 – Add your overseas address
In the section:
Foreign address
Introduce your permanent address outside of Germany.
You must include:
- Street and number
- Postcode
- city
- country
This section is mandatory for people living abroad.
Step 4 – Enter your address in Germany (if applicable)
If you already have a temporary address in Germany, complete the section:
Address in Germany
Includes:
- Street and number
- Postcode
- city
If you do not yet have an address in Germany, you can usually leave this section blank.
Step 5 – Indicate your stay in Germany
Here you will see the question:
Current stay in Germany
This means:
“Are you currently in Germany?”
Select:
- Yes Yes
- No → No
If you are in Germany, you must also indicate the estimated period of stay:
- vomit from
- Goodbye until
Step 6 – Authorise another recipient (optional)
The following section allows the tax office to send your Tax ID to another person or organisation.
For example:
- your employer
- Payroll company
- Tax advisor
You must provide:
- Recipient's name
- Recipient's address
- reason for sharing the information
For work purposes, select:
Income tax deduction (deductions for payroll tax)
This section is optional, but it can speed up communication with your employer.
Step 7 – Sign and date
At the end of the form:
- Introduce the city and the date
- sign the document
The signature should normally be handwritten, unless the form is submitted digitally.
Unsigned forms may be rejected.
Step 8 – Attach the necessary documents
As per the instructions on the form, you must include:
- passport or national identity card
- Additional identification documents (if requested)
It is usually recommended to send copies and not original documents.
Step 9 – Submit the form
Normally you can send the completed form to your local German tax officeTax office).
Depending on your situation, shipping can be done:
- by post
- through your employer
- directly in the Tax office
Step 10 – Wait for your Tax ID
After processing, the German tax office will create your personal Tax ID.
Processing times are usually:
- Around 4–6 weeks
You can receive the Tax ID:
- by post
- through your employer
- o en tu domicilio registrado
If you don't receive anything after several weeks, contact your Tax office to request an update.
What happens after submitting the application?
Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after registration, you should receive your Tax ID by post in a letter sent by the Federal Central Tax Office.Federal Central Tax Office – BZSt).
In some cases, the Tax office You can send your Tax ID directly to your employer or to a foreign address, even if you’ve provided a German address. This process is usually intended for cross-border commuters, so it doesn’t always work perfectly for people living in Germany.
It's also possible your Tax ID has already been created even if you've never received the letter. If you haven't received your Tax ID after 6 weeks, contact your Tax office Local to check the status.
Common mistakes to avoid
- confuse the Steuer-ID with the Tax number
- enter an invalid address
- forget to sign the form
- use unofficial translations
- introduce your employer's tax number instead of yours
How long does it take?
The normal processing time is usually 4 to 6 weeks.
Important: Registration is still mandatory
Although it is possible to apply for a German Tax ID manually, this does NOT replace the obligation to complete your Anmeldung (register of residence) in Germany.
The Anmeldung it is a legal obligation and serves as the basis for officially residing in Germany. According to the Federal Registration Act (Federal Registration Act), anyone moving into a residence in Germany must register their address within 14 days of moving in.
Although you can still manually request a Tax ID if the automatic system fails, you are still legally obliged to register your address once you have a permanent place to live.
Why is the Anmeldung so important?
It is mandatory by law
House registration is not optional in Germany. Failure to complete your Anmeldung This can result in fines of up to €1,000.
The registration system also helps local authorities manage public services such as:
- schools
- Healthcare
- transport
- Administrative services
In some cases, it is also used for the electoral register in local and European elections.
2. Registration is necessary for many essential services
Without the registration certificateMeldebescheinigung) that you receive after the Anmeldung, Many everyday services can therefore be difficult or even impossible to obtain.
For example, you might need it for:
- open a German bank account
- get health insurance
- Apply for or renew a residence permit
- sign internet or mobile phone contracts
- employ suppliers
3. Confirm your official place of residence
During the process of Anmeldung, you will normally need a document called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (owner confirmation).
This helps the authorities to verify that:
- The tenants live at a legitimate address
- The rental properties are correctly registered
- Housing and tax regulations are met
In this article, you can see all the information regarding registration in Germany: «Everything you need to know about Anmeldung in Germany: Step-by-step guide»
Important note regarding manual Tax ID requests
The manual Tax ID application form (Form 010250) is usually used as a temporary solution for individuals who are still unable to complete the Anmeldung — for example, people who are temporarily staying in hotels or Airbnbs and who still need to work legally in Germany.
However, receiving a Tax ID in this manner does not exempt you from the obligation to register your permanent address subsequently.
German tax forms can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the structure, the process becomes much simpler.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to apply for a German Tax ID step by step. If you still have questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
While you're requesting your Tax ID, don't forget to also request your social security number and sign up for German public health insurance. In this article, we'll provide you with an easy, step-by-step guide on how to apply online! How to join German public health insurance.