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Are you receiving Bürgergeld (German basic income for jobseekers, SGB II — formerly Hartz IV) and want to become self-employed in Berlin? Einstiegsgeld (Entry Money — federal grant for Bürgergeld recipients who become self-employed, § 16b SGB II) is your central source of funding — in addition to your Bürgergeld, for up to 24 months, and combinable with an investment cost subsidy and the Berlin IBB Coaching BONUS.
1. What is Einstiegsgeld?
Einstiegsgeld (§ 16b SGB II) is funding from the Jobcenter Berlin (German Job Center, Berlin — administers Bürgergeld benefits; 12 district offices in Berlin) for Bürgergeld recipients who want to become self-employed on a full-time basis. Unlike the Gründungszuschuss (Start-up grant for ALG-I recipients), Einstiegsgeld is paid in addition to Bürgergeld.
Important — Einstiegsgeld vs. Gründungszuschuss
| Feature | Einstiegsgeld | Gründungszuschuss |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | § 16b SGB II | § 93 SGB III |
| Target group | Bürgergeld recipients | ALG-I (unemployment insurance) recipients |
| Responsible authority | Jobcenter | Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) |
| Funding period | Up to 24 months | Up to 15 months |
| Special feature | + Investment subsidy possible | Higher monthly amounts |
2. Requirements for Einstiegsgeld in Berlin
- Bürgergeld eligibility: You are currently receiving Bürgergeld (formerly ALG II / Hartz IV)
- Ability to work: You are employable in the sense of SGB II
- Full-time self-employment: At least 15 hours per week
- Viability: Your business idea must be economically viable
- End dependency on benefits: The goal must be to end dependency on social benefits through self-employment
Discretionary benefit — no legal entitlement
Like the Gründungszuschuss, Einstiegsgeld is a discretionary benefit. The responsible Berlin Jobcenter decides at its own discretion. A convincing business plan and professional preparation are decisive.
3. How much and how long?
The amount of Einstiegsgeld is based on your Bürgergeld Regelbedarf (Statutory minimum subsistence rate, ~€563/month in 2026). Typical grants are 50-75% of the Regelbedarf.
Example calculation Berlin
Assumption: Regelbedarf €563 (single person, 2026)
Einstiegsgeld (50%): ~€280/month
Funding period: up to 24 months
Possible total amount: ~€6,700
Plus investment subsidy: up to €5,000
Maximum possible: ~€11,700
Important: Unlike the Gründungszuschuss, you continue to receive Bürgergeld during the start-up phase — Einstiegsgeld is paid on top.
4. Berlin's 12 district Jobcenters
Berlin is divided into 12 Bezirke (districts), each with its own Jobcenter. The Jobcenter of your district of residence is responsible:
| Jobcenter | Bezirk (District) |
|---|---|
| Jobcenter Berlin Mitte | Mitte |
| Jobcenter Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg | Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg |
| Jobcenter Berlin Pankow | Pankow |
| Jobcenter Berlin Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf | Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf |
| Jobcenter Berlin Spandau | Spandau |
| Jobcenter Berlin Steglitz-Zehlendorf | Steglitz-Zehlendorf |
| Jobcenter Berlin Tempelhof-Schöneberg | Tempelhof-Schöneberg |
| Jobcenter Berlin Neukölln | Neukölln |
| Jobcenter Berlin Treptow-Köpenick | Treptow-Köpenick |
| Jobcenter Berlin Marzahn-Hellersdorf | Marzahn-Hellersdorf |
| Jobcenter Berlin Lichtenberg | Lichtenberg |
| Jobcenter Berlin Reinickendorf | Reinickendorf |
General contact
Phone: 030 9012-0 (Senatsverwaltung für Arbeit — Berlin Senate Department for Labour hotline)
Online: jobcenter.berlin.de
All Berlin Jobcenters can also be reached via the portal of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency).
5. Additional funding: Investitionskostenzuschuss § 16c SGB II
In addition to monthly Einstiegsgeld, you can apply for an Investitionskostenzuschuss (Investment cost subsidy — additional grant for equipment, § 16c SGB II, up to €5,000) — for purchases you need for your self-employment.
- Up to €5,000 as a grant (not a loan)
- For tangible items such as computers, tools, machinery, initial equipment
- Application possible in parallel with Einstiegsgeld
- Proof of necessity required
Our tip
Apply for Einstiegsgeld and the Investitionskostenzuschuss together. In the business plan, we list your capital requirements — that is the basis for the investment subsidy.
6. IBB Coaching BONUS — Berlin funding for start-up consulting
Berlin founders additionally benefit from the IBB Coaching BONUS of the Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB — Berlin's regional development bank). It funds external consulting services and can be combined with Einstiegsgeld.
IBB Coaching BONUS
Funding: Up to €3,000 for external consulting services
Who: Berlin founders and young companies
Combination: Combinable with AVGS, Einstiegsgeld and BAFA funding
Application: Through the IBB (Investitionsbank Berlin)
7. Step by step to your application
Step 1: Apply for AVGS
Week 1-3First apply for an AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein — Activation and Placement Voucher, fully funds certified start-up coaching) at the Berlin Jobcenter — 100% free of charge. The coaching is the ideal preparation.
Step 2: Complete coaching
Week 3-10In AVGS coaching, we work together on your business model, financial plan and business plan — tailored to the Berlin market.
Step 3: Obtain expert opinion (fachkundige Stellungnahme)
Week 10-11IHK Berlin (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), HWK Berlin (Chamber of Crafts) or a BAFA-listed advisor confirms the viability of your project.
Step 4: Apply for Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy
Week 11-12Submit complete documents to the responsible Berlin district Jobcenter.
Step 5: Start your business
After approvalOnce approved: register your trade (Gewerbeanmeldung) and get going. Einstiegsgeld begins with the founding date.
8. How we support you
Business Start EU (BAFA No. 205985) supports Bürgergeld recipients in Berlin on their path into self-employment — from the first idea to a successful start in Germany's start-up capital.
Our approach for Berlin Bürgergeld recipients
- Free initial consultation: We clarify your situation and the funding options available in Berlin
- AVGS support: We help with the AVGS application at the Berlin Jobcenter
- Coaching: Professional guidance through our coaches
- Business plan: Market-ready plan for the Berlin Jobcenter and the expert body
- Application support: Optimal application for Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy + IBB Coaching BONUS
The optimal Berlin combination
AVGS coaching (free) → Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy → IBB Coaching BONUS → BAFA post-founding consulting (50% funded)
This way you maximise your funding and start out in the Berlin founder scene with professional support.