Individuals who start a business out of unemployment can receive financial support. Depending on whether you receive unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld) or citizen’s benefit (Grundsicherungsgeld), you submit the application for funding either to the Federal Employment Agency or the Jobcenter. Do you need to apply for a residence permit that allows you to become self-employed in Munich first? Please review our online resources on the Residence Permit and Business plan viability check for the Foreigner’s Office.
Applying for the initial grant (Einstiegsgeld): Support from the Jobcenter
Are you receiving Citizen’s benefit (Grundsicherungsgeld, formerly known as Bürgergeld or ALG 2)? If so, you may be eligible for an initial grant (Einstiegsgeld) from the Jobcenter for self-employment. Whether you plan to work as a self-employed person as your primary or secondary source of income plays a decisive role in whether your application is approved. Our detailed guide: Citizen’s benefit (Grundsicherungsgeld) for the Self-Employed in Munich explains how these two models affect your potential funding.
Applying for the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss): Support from the Employment Agency
Are You Receiving Unemployment Benefits (Arbeitslosengeld) from the Employment Agency? If so, you can apply for the startup grant (Gründungszuschuss) at your local Employment Agency. Or detailed guide: Startup Grant (Gründungszuschuss) provides information on how to proceed.
Advice from Munich’s Business Startup Office (Münchner Gründungsbüro)
The Munich’s Business Startup Office answers your basic questions about starting a business, informs you about the most important steps involved, and connects you with the right contacts for further questions.
Take advantage of our two-step consulting process:
- Step 1: Attend the webinar (get an overview)
Before booking a personal consultation, please attend our compact online seminar: “How to start a business in Munich”. Here, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview on formalities, business plan, legal forms, taxes, social and business insurance, and financing options. - Step 2: Book an individual consultation (clarify specific questions)
Once you have acquired the necessary basic knowledge in the online seminar, we will address your individual questions in the next step. You can request a free consultation appointment online, which can take place either by phone or via video conference.
Clarify individual questions immediately
- by email to start@muenchen.de with a callback service if you send us your question and telephone number.
- by phone Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 089 233 721759