Apply for a startup grant
Support for unemployed individuals who start a self-employed business (Section 93 of Book III of the Social Code): A grant to cover living expenses and provide social security.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Apply for a startup grant mit dem zuständigen Arbeitsagentur in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for a startup grant.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Business plan with a feasibility statement · Identification card or passport
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
In person or by post at the office
- 4
Costs
300 €/Monat
How to proceed
- 1
Create a business plan and have it reviewed by an expert
Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Chamber of Crafts, tax advisor, or startup consulting.
- 2
Submit an application to the Employment Agency
Before becoming self-employed.
- 3
Funding for 6 months
The amount of the last unemployment benefit payment plus €300 per month.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
People who receive Unemployment Insurance I and are starting a self-employed business.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 2 weeks
Success rate
approx. 65.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Application submitted after incorporation (must be submitted before incorporation)
- •Business plan not verified by an expert
Common reasons for rejection
- •Remaining entitlement to unemployment benefits for less than 150 days
- •The viability of the business plan has not been demonstrated
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Questions & Answers
How much does it cost to apply for a startup grant?▼
300 €/month.
How long does it take to apply for a startup grant?▼
Typically about 14 business days—depending on the agency and its workload.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- Bundesportal (verwaltung.bund.de)
- Data quality
- 100 %