Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)
Einstiegsgeld (§16b SGB II)
Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months. Provided by Jobcenter.
Key facts
- Amount
- Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months
- Duration
- up to 24 months
- Type
- Benefit-linked support
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype, Pre-revenue
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- No
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- DE
- Location
- Receiving Grundsicherungsgeld (SGB II) from your local Jobcenter
Who can apply
- Receiving Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld, SGB II)
- Self-employment as main occupation (at least 15 h/week), not yet started
- Personally suited; business plan shows you can leave benefits within 24 months
- Documents: CV, business plan, financing plan, 3-year revenue and profit forecast; third-party assessment may be required
- Discretionary decision of the Jobcenter, no legal entitlement
What usually blocks applicants
- No SGB II entitlement
- Business already started
- Plan not judged viable within 24 months
- Jobcenter discretion
What the official documents say
- Base amount up to 50% of your standard rate (Regelbedarf) (p. 15)
- +20% if unemployed 2+ years, +10% per extra household member; capped at full standard rate (p. 16)
- Or a flat rate up to 75% of the standard rate, without supplements (p. 17)
- Paid for at most 24 months, from the day the business starts (p. 14)
- Apply before you actually start working in the business (p. 9)
- Bring business plan, CV, financing plan, 3-year revenue and profit forecast, needed licences (p. 12)
Deadline and timing
No fixed dates; apply before starting the business.
Frequently asked
How much does Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld) pay?
Set case by case on top of Grundsicherungsgeld: base up to 50% of the standard rate (up to about EUR 281/month for a single person, 2026 rate EUR 563), plus 20% if unemployed 2+ years and 10% per extra household member; capped at the full standard rate. Alternatively a flat rate of up to 75% of the standard rate without supplements. Up to 24 months
Who can apply for Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)?
Receiving Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld, SGB II) Self-employment as main occupation (at least 15 h/week), not yet started Personally suited; business plan shows you can leave benefits within 24 months Documents: CV, business plan, financing plan, 3-year revenue and profit forecast; third-party assessment may be required Discretionary decision of the Jobcenter, no legal entitlement
When is the Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld) deadline?
No fixed dates; apply before starting the business.
Where do I apply for Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)?
On the official page: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/buergergeld/arbeit-finden/einstiegsgeld-fuer-selbststaendigkeit. Applications are accepted in DE.
Do I have to pay back Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld) or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Entry Allowance for Self-Employment (Einstiegsgeld)?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/buergergeld/arbeit-finden/einstiegsgeld-fuer-selbststaendigkeit
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/fw-sgb-ii-16b_ba034550.pdf
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/weisung-202609002_ba059717.pdf
- https://www.berlin.de/jobcenter-pankow/arbeit-und-ausbildung/existenzgruendung/
- https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/aktuelles/nullrunde-buergergeld-2383676
More funding in Germany (nationwide)
- EXIST Business Start-up GrantPer person per month for 12 months: EUR 3,000 (PhD), 2,500 (graduates), 2,000 (vocational qualification), 1,000 (students); + EUR 150 per child; + materials up to EUR 10,000 (solo) or 30,000 (team); + EUR 5,000 coaching
- EXIST WomenEUR 2,000 material budget per participant plus mentoring, workshops and coaching; some participants also get a stipend of up to 3 months (EUR 1,000 to 3,000/month by qualification, + EUR 150 per child), at the host's discretion
- Start-up Subsidy (Gründungszuschuss)6 months: last ALG I amount + EUR 300/month for social insurance; then optionally 9 months EUR 300/month (separate application). Tax-free
- Founder Coaching via AVGS voucherReasonable costs of an approved coaching measure paid by the agency via the voucher; scope and hours set on the voucher
- Support for the Self-Employed (SGB II 16c)Usually a loan, grant only in individual cases (grants capped at EUR 5,000 per business; loans can be higher) for necessary business equipment; plus free coaching via third-party providers
- Prototype FundUp to EUR 47,500 (individual) or EUR 95,000 (team) for 6 months; optional 4-month Second Stage up to EUR 31,667 (individual) or about EUR 63,000 (team)