What is the insurance number certificate?
The insurance number certificate (Versicherungsnummernachweis) is the official document confirming your German social security number (also called pension insurance number or SV number). It is issued free of charge by the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) and has been the successor to the former social security card since 1 January 2023.
The document contains:
- Your social security number (twelve characters)
- First and last name
- Maiden name
- Issue date
Important for employers: Since the 2023 reform, the general carrying requirement has been eliminated. Employers are obliged to retrieve the social security number electronically from the Pension Insurance Data Office (DSRV) – physical presentation of the certificate is normally no longer required. Exception: if the electronic retrieval does not return a unique number, the employee must present the certificate or a new number is requested.
The difference: insurance number certificate vs. A1 certificate
This is the most common point of confusion: the term "social security proof" does not mean the same as "insurance number certificate" – and certainly not in an international context.
In domestic context (employee works only in Germany):
→ "Social security proof" = insurance number certificate (the document with the German SV number)
For postings or cross-border employment (employee works temporarily abroad or foreign employee comes to Germany):
→ "Social security proof" to authorities = A1 certificate (or residence permit for non-EU citizens)
The A1 certificate documents which social security law applies to the person – e.g., that German law continues to apply even though they work temporarily abroad. The insurance number certificate, by contrast, merely confirms that the person has a number; it does not show which legal provisions currently apply.
Who must provide what?
| Situation | Required document | Issued by / Valid in |
|---|---|---|
| German employee works only in Germany | Insurance number certificate (only required if DSRV lookup fails) | German Pension Insurance |
| German employee posted to EU/EEA abroad for <6 months | A1 certificate | German statutory health insurance or Pension Insurance (for privately insured) |
| Foreign employee temporarily posted to Germany (EU/EEA) | A1 certificate from home country (or residence permit for non-EU) | Home country social security |
Relevance for business travel and postings
For companies with international staff, the distinction is critical. When planning business trips or postings, two things must be clarified:
- For German staff posting abroad: Request an A1 certificate well before travel begins (from your health insurance company or Pension Insurance). The insurance number certificate is not relevant for this. Legal basis: § 4 SGB IV (outward posting), EU Regulation 883/2004.
- For foreign staff posting to Germany: Verify that the A1 certificate from the home country (or EU/EEA equivalent) is present and valid. Caution: the German insurance number certificate is not the decisive document for temporarily working foreigners – the A1 (or residence permit for non-EU citizens) is decisive. Legal basis: § 5 SGB IV (inward posting), EU Regulation 883/2004.
Missing or invalid A1 certificates frequently lead to back-charged social contributions, penalties, or audit cost claims from foreign or German authorities.
Requirements during customs/FKS audits
The Financial Audit Office for Underground Employment (FKS) of the German Customs authority regularly conducts audits during cross-border work assignments – at construction sites, in service provision, hospitality, etc.
During these audits, the following rules apply:
- If foreign employees are posted to Germany: FKS demands the A1 certificate (or residence permit) as proof that the person remains insured in their home country – not the German insurance number certificate.
- If the A1 certificate is missing: The authority may assume that the person falls under German social security law and demand back payments or initiate administrative proceedings.
- If a German employee works abroad: Foreign authorities demand the A1 certificate as proof that German law continues to apply (so that no new social contributions are required in the host country).
Recommendation for employers: manage A1 certificates centrally, monitor validity dates and request renewals in time.
FAQ
How much does the insurance number certificate cost?
Nothing – it is free of charge. Replacements for loss or damage are also free. While there are providers online offering charges, this is not necessary; the German Pension Insurance issues it at no cost.
Are old social security cards still valid?
Yes – social security cards issued before 2023 remain valid. Exchange is not required, but anyone needing a new one will receive the new insurance number certificate.
Do I have to carry my insurance number certificate at all times?
No – the general carrying requirement ended in 2023. Exception: in sectors with ID requirements (construction, hospitality, logistics, etc.), you must carry a valid ID card or passport, not the insurance number certificate.
What is the difference between SV number and insurance number certificate?
The SV number (social security number) is the 12-digit number itself. The insurance number certificate is the document on which this number appears.
Can my employer look up the SV number themselves?
Yes – since 2023, employers are required to retrieve the number electronically from the Pension Insurance Data Office (DSRV). They no longer need to request the certificate from the employee – exception: if the retrieval does not return a unique number.