If you employ people in Germany, then you are obligated to apply for a company number (Betriebsnummer). The company number is a key element in the German social security system and ensures that every business is clearly recorded. Company numbers are particularly important for growing businesses and those hiring staff for the first time. They need this number to manage processes correctly.

This article explains what a company number is and who needs one. We also provide step-by-step instructions for filling out a company number application and explain what to do if your company information changes. Lastly, we provide an example of what a company number looks like.

What’s in this article?

• What is a company number?
  
• Who has to apply for a company number?
  
• How can German businesses apply for a company number?
  
• What happens if my company information changes?
  

What is a company number?

The company number (Betriebsnummer) is an eight-digit identification number assigned to every employer in Germany that has employees liable for social security. The company number enables social security providers—such as public health insurers and pension providers—to assign the reports they receive to the right employer. This helps them process social security payments correctly and pay out the corresponding benefits.

The information captured with the company number also helps the Federal Employment Agency (BA) generate official employment statistics. These statistics are used to analyze the regional and economic structures of the labor market.

A company number’s structure

The company number is made up of eight digits. The first three digits indicate the local employment agency issuing the number. The next four digits are unique to the company and are used in social security reporting and payment processes. The last digit is a verification value and is the sum of the preceding digits.

Example company number

Here’s an example of a company number. It might look like this: 61541225.

Each number serves a specific function—from the relevant employment agency to the specific business and verification value. At the same time, this example illustrates that the digits do not contain any industry-specific information. This number is used solely to identify an individual company.

Legal basis

The legal basis for issuing and using company numbers is the German Social Code (SGB), Book IV, in particular Section 18i. According to this code, employers in Germany are obligated to apply for a company number from the BA to register for social security.

Who has to apply for a company number?

In Germany, all employers with employees who are liable for social security must apply for a company number. This is regardless of the industry or size of the business. This means many companies are required to apply for a company number when first incorporating to ensure that they report social security and withhold the correct amounts.

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In addition to incorporation, here are some other reasons why you need a company number:

Changes in company structure

Fundamental changes to your company structure generally require you to apply for a new company number. One example includes fundamental changes to the legal formation of the company (e.g., changing from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company [GmbH]). A new company number is also required in the event of mergers or acquisitions. What’s important is that social security payments can be correctly assigned to specific, individual companies.

Multiple places of business

Each location with employees liable for social security is assigned its own company number. This is the case even if individual locations conduct different types of activities or are physically separated. That means you need to apply for a company number for every new location you open.

Self-employment with employees

Self-employed people who have employees also need a company number. Even if the business owner is not liable for social security, their employees are subject to the same reporting obligations as those at a traditional company.

Part-time or “mini-job” employment

Employers who only employ people on a part-time or so-called “mini-job” basis are also required to apply for a company number. While these employers can be exempt from paying certain dues, they are still obligated to report to social security providers. Therefore, they require a company number to ensure that the correct amount of social security is withheld from their employees.

Seasonal or project-based employment

You are also obligated to apply for a company number if your company hires staff on a seasonal basis or for particular projects. Although these staff are hired temporarily, you still need to report them to the social security providers.

The BA website has a decision-making flowchart that gives you a clear overview of business types that need a company number.

How can German businesses apply for a company number?

In Germany, the BA’s Company Number Service is responsible for issuing company numbers. Applications must be submitted online using the application form provided. The entire process is automated—from reviewing company information to issuing the company number. This means you typically receive your company number instantly.

However, there are some areas where the BA does not have jurisdiction. Mining companies—such as traditional mining operations or mineral extraction businesses—receive their company numbers from the German Pension Insurance Association for Miners, Railway Workers, and Seafarers (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Knappschaft-Bahn-See, or DRV KBS). This special regulation also applies to maritime and fishing businesses that also apply for company numbers from the DRV KBS.

Prerequisites for applying

To apply for a company number, you must provide details about your company, including the following:

• Name and legal formation of your business

• Address(es) of your place(s) of business

• Economic activity or main industry

• Contact person and contact details

Following the 2024 amendment to Section 18i.2 of Book IV of the SGB, you will also need a business number provided by the statutory accident insurer. If your company does not have a business number, you can apply for one when you apply for your company number. More information on business numbers and how these are issued is available from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) organization.

Applying for a company number: Step by step

Access the online application

Start by opening the online application form on the BA website. This will take you through the seven steps of the application process. First, you will see some important information about business numbers, data protection, and technical support from the BA. Once you have read and acknowledged the privacy notice, click “Next.”

Select your function

Then, indicate the capacity in which you are applying for the company number. You can choose from the following:

• Companies (e.g., employer or employee authorized by the employer)

• Service provider for employer (e.g., tax advisor, payroll provider, attorney, etc.)

• Property manager

• Insolvency manager

• Private household

• Central customs office

• Collection agency

• Social security audit services for the statutory pension provider

• Rehab service provider

• None of these

After this, you can select from a number of more specific roles. For example, if you wish to apply for a company number as a “Company pension paying agent,” you will be informed that the Statutory Health Insurance Agency’s Information Technology Service Center (ITSG) is responsible for issuing your company number. You will be redirected to the next page if you do not pick one of the specific roles listed.

Provide details for social security reporting

The next page involves social security reporting, and you will be required to pick from one of the following options:

• I intend to report social security for employees of this business.

• A final decision concerning my obligation to submit social security reports has not yet been made because the status assessment is still outstanding. However, it is my opinion that I am engaging paid employees/employees liable for social security.

• I am applying for a company number for a service provider charged with carrying out social security reporting (e.g., tax advisor) that does not have its own employees.

• I do not intend to report social security for employees of this business.

If you select one of the first three options, you will be asked to indicate whether the employer already has a company in the same municipality. If you select one of the first two options, the system will ask for the date on which you wish to hire employees. Please note that this date can be no more than six months in the future.

Provide company details

You can now enter key business information in the online form. This includes information on your company’s legal formation, address, and place of business. If you have multiple locations, you must provide the corresponding information for each one. Then, provide your contact details, and select your industry.

Review and submit the application

Finally, double-check the information you have provided, and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted.

Receive your company number

The company number is typically issued quickly. However, for data protection reasons, the Company Number Service only sends confirmation of your number by mail. Therefore, you will have to wait a few days to get your confirmation. It will contain your official company number and important information about how to use the number and manage it within the context of social security. You can use your company number in your social security reports as soon as you receive it.

What happens if my company information changes?

You must report changes to your company information to the Company Number Service immediately. This includes changes to the legal formation, termination of business, or company relocation. Register these changes electronically with the company data maintenance record (DSBD). You can find detailed information in this handbook about electronic change notifications.