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BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders

BBBwelcome

Guarantee for your bank loan: up to 70% (exceptionally 80%) of the loan; fees 1.5% one-off plus 1.75% p.a.. Provided by BBB Bürgschaftsbank zu Berlin-Brandenburg (counter-guarantee from the State of Berlin).

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Check if you qualify for BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders

Answer a few questions about you and your project. The co-pilot opens BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders for you and shows what already fits, what blocks you and what to do next.

  • Concrete reasons, not a score
  • Deadline and first steps
  • Other programs that fit you
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Key facts

Amount
Guarantee for your bank loan: up to 70% (exceptionally 80%) of the loan; fees 1.5% one-off plus 1.75% p.a.
Duration
up to 8 years (working capital) / 15 years (investments)
Type
Loan
Who receives it
Founder or team
Equity
Equity-free
Repayable
Yes
Stages
Pre-revenue, Revenue, Incorporated
Solo founders
Yes
Full-time required
Yes
Company required
No
University link required
No
Application languages
DE, EN
Location
Seat, branch or project in Berlin; main owner a recognised refugee/protection holder or a non-EU national

Who can apply

  • Solo self-employed, freelancers and SMEs whose main shareholders are refugees or non-EU nationals in key management roles
  • Refugees: recognised under asylum law or holding at least a temporary residence permit for humanitarian / international-law reasons
  • Solo self-employed must earn at least 51% of income from the business (main occupation)
  • Covers start-ups, working capital, equipment, takeovers, expansion; applied for with your bank or via the guarantee banks' financing portal

What usually blocks applicants

  • Still need a bank or Sparkasse willing to lend
  • Not for restructuring or renovation financing
  • German or EU citizens are not eligible for this track

Deadline and timing

Rolling; no deadline published.

Frequently asked

How much does BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders pay?

Guarantee for your bank loan: up to 70% (exceptionally 80%) of the loan; fees 1.5% one-off plus 1.75% p.a.

Who can apply for BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders?

Stages: pre-revenue, revenue, incorporated. Solo founders can apply. You can apply before registering a company. Location: Seat, branch or project in Berlin; main owner a recognised refugee/protection holder or a non-EU national. The full list of conditions is under Who can apply above.

When is the BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders deadline?

Rolling; no deadline published.

Where do I apply for BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders?

On the official page: https://be.ermoeglicher.de. Applications are accepted in DE, EN.

Do I have to pay back BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders or give up equity?

Yes, it is repayable. It takes no equity.

Can solo founders apply for BBBwelcome guarantee for refugee and non-EU founders?

Yes, solo founders can apply.

Sources and verification

Checked on 19 October 2026. Most facts read from the official source; some details need confirmation. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.

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