Business start-up from unemployment

To avoid being unemployed, many people try to set up their own company.

Please note: Unemployment or pending unemployment should not be the only motive for a business start-up. Ideally the wish to become self-employed should already exist beforehand.

If you want to set up a business from unemployment, get information on the following supports:

State support

Often, business start-ups do not fail due to a lack of technical knowledge and skills but because of inadequate business competence and financing problems. The Federal Employment Agency therefore provides special support.

Business founders who received unemployment benefit can, subject to certain requirements, apply for the business start up subsidy. A competent body (for example the chamber of industry and commerce or chamber of craftsmen) must assess the planned start up and confirm its feasibility.

You can receive entrance money as a supplement to unemployment benefit II. Whether and how much entrance money you will receive is determined by your personal contact person at the employment agency.

The employment agency supports training and further development measures in relation to setting up a business. However the receipt of such support is at the discretion of the respective local agency. Please contact your personal contact person directly.

Release note

The German original version of this text was drafted in close cooperation with the relevant departments. The Wirtschaftsministerium released it on 23.09.2019. Only the German text is legally binding. The Federal State does not assume any liability for the translated texts.

In cases of doubt or if you have any questions or problems, please contact the relevant authorities directly.