Your tax number for self-employment or a business, and how it differs from your personal tax ID
Germany uses two tax numbers. The personal tax ID, the Steuer-ID, arrives by post after you register your address. The Steuernummer is different: the Finanzamt, the state tax office, issues it once you tell it that you are self-employed or have started a business, using the online questionnaire on the ELSTER portal. Which tax office is responsible depends on where you live or run your business.
How it works
Get a tax number or update your tax registration.
You may need a tax identification number to work, rent a home, open a bank account or start a business. In some countries it is issued automatically when you register your address; in others you request it from the tax office. If you become self-employed, you usually also have to register your business for tax. Bring your ID and proof of address, and check whether you already have a number before applying so you do not end up with a duplicate record.
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At a glance
Responsibility often depends on your address or your business
In Germany the Finanzamt, not the city registration office, handles tax registration, and large cities are split between several tax offices. Help ranges from phone advice to start-up sessions, while the questionnaire itself is filled in on the ELSTER portal.
Guides
Related services
For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.
For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.
For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.
For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
For anyone giving up their last home in Germany. See when you need to report your departure and which office accepts it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Warsaw, Łódź, and Kraków
Most offices in Seville, Valencia, and Zaragoza
Most offices in Akranes, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir
Where to next
Check which Finanzamt covers your address or business, whether you need an appointment and what help the office gives with tax registration.
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