Since November 2024, Germany has been rolling out a new Business Identification Number, or Wirtschafts-Identifikationsnummer (W-IdNr.). This number is designed to serve as a unique, central identifier for anyone engaged in economic activity in Germany. The goal? To simplify and digitize tax and administrative processes.
Here’s what you need to know - how it works, who gets one, and how to find yours.
The W-IdNr. is like the personal tax ID, but for businesses and self-employed individuals. It ensures you can be clearly identified in tax and administrative systems, no matter what changes - whether you move, change your name, or restructure your business. And the best part? It stays with you for your entire “business life.”
The W-IdNr. is for anyone who’s economically active. That includes not only traditional companies and freelancers but also:
If you're doing business in any way, chances are, you’ll get a W-IdNr.
➡️ Do you know the different tax numbers in Germany?
Over time, this ID will reduce red tape and allow government offices to share information more efficiently. Thanks to the “once-only principle,” you’ll only need to provide your details once, they’ll be reused automatically where needed.
It doesn’t replace your existing tax numbers (like your personal tax ID or your regular tax number), but it complements them. It’s based on § 139c of the German Fiscal Code.
Your W-IdNr. comes in two parts:
💡 Important: The number doesn’t contain any personal or business data, it’s just an identifier.
You don’t need to apply for the W-IdNr. - it’s issued automatically by Germany’s Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt). The rollout is happening in three phases:
Examples:
DE123456789DE123456789-00001DE123456789-00002Examples of the Economic Identification Number:
| Description | Economic Identification Number |
|---|---|
| Your base number | DE123456789 |
| For your first activity | DE123456789-00001 |
| For a second activity starting in 2026 | DE123456789-00002 |
You don’t need to do anything to get your number. Notification will happen in one of two ways:
💡 Important: You need an ELSTER account and must agree to receive messages there. The number won’t be sent by email or phone for privacy reasons.
➡️ Letters from the Finanzamt explained!
➡️ Germany’s Federal Central Tax Office or Finanzamt - what's the difference?
Do I need to apply for the W-IdNr.?
No. It’s assigned automatically by the tax authorities when needed.
Who exactly gets a W-IdNr.?
Where can I find my W-IdNr.?
Is the W-IdNr. the same as the VAT ID?
Almost. They look the same (both start with “DE” and have nine digits). If you already have a VAT ID, it’s reused as your W-IdNr.
But they serve different purposes:
Even if you don’t have a VAT ID, you’ll still get a W-IdNr. eventually—same format, different function.
If you're a freelancer, small business, nonprofit, or any kind of service provider, this number is your new official identifier in the world of taxes and government systems. You don’t have to lift a finger to get it—but once you do, it’ll be a key part of running your business in Germany.
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Author - Sophia Merzbach
Sophia has been a key member of the Accountable team for many years, bringing a unique blend of journalistic precision and in-depth tax expertise to her work.
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