Table of contents
Are you receiving Bürgergeld (German basic welfare benefit since 2023, formerly ALG II) and want to start your own business in Rostock? Einstiegsgeld (German start-up allowance for Bürgergeld recipients, up to 24 months) under § 16b SGB II is your central funding source — paid on top of your Bürgergeld, for up to 24 months, and combinable with an investment cost subsidy. The Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock offers this benefit as one of its own services and lists it on the city's official service portal.
1. What is Einstiegsgeld?
Einstiegsgeld (§ 16b SGB II) is a Jobcenter (German welfare/job placement office) subsidy for Bürgergeld recipients who want to become self-employed on a full-time basis. Unlike the Gründungszuschuss (which is for ALG-I recipients), Einstiegsgeld is paid on top of your Bürgergeld.
Important — Einstiegsgeld vs. Gründungszuschuss
| Feature | Einstiegsgeld | Gründungszuschuss |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | § 16b SGB II | § 93 SGB III |
| Target group | Bürgergeld recipients | ALG-I recipients |
| Responsible in Rostock | Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock | Agentur für Arbeit Rostock (German Federal Employment Agency) |
| Funding duration | Up to 24 months | Up to 15 months |
| Notable feature | + investment subsidy possible | Higher monthly amounts |
2. Requirements for Einstiegsgeld in Rostock
- Bürgergeld status: You currently receive Bürgergeld (formerly ALG II / Hartz IV)
- Capacity to work: You are deemed fit for work under SGB II
- Full-time self-employment: At least 15 hours per week
- Viability: Your venture must be economically viable
- Ending dependency on benefits: The goal must be to overcome your need for welfare support through self-employment
Discretionary benefit — no legal entitlement
Einstiegsgeld is a discretionary benefit. The Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock decides on a case-by-case basis. A convincing business plan and professional preparation are critical — the City of Rostock officially lists Einstiegsgeld as one of its own municipal services.
3. How much and for how long?
The amount of Einstiegsgeld is based on your Bürgergeld standard rate. Typically you can expect 50–75 % of the standard rate as a subsidy.
Example calculation for Rostock
Assumption: Standard rate EUR 563 (single person, 2026)
Einstiegsgeld (50 %): ~EUR 280/month
Funding duration: up to 24 months
Possible total amount: ~EUR 6,700
Plus investment subsidy: up to EUR 5,000
Maximum possible: ~EUR 11,700
Important: Unlike the Gründungszuschuss, you continue to receive your Bürgergeld during the start-up phase — the Einstiegsgeld is paid on top.
4. The Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock and how it works in practice
For Bürgergeld recipients living in the city of Rostock, only the Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock is responsible — the municipal Jobcenter of the Hanseatic and University City of Rostock. Do not confuse it with the "Jobcenter Landkreis Rostock" (based in Güstrow), which handles addresses in the surrounding district.
| Contact point | Address & contact | Area of responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock | Erich-Schlesinger-Str. 35, 18059 Rostock Tel. 0381 / 4611-0 |
Einstiegsgeld, AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein — German Activation and Mediation Voucher) for Bürgergeld recipients, § 16c investment subsidy |
| Agentur für Arbeit Rostock | Kopernikusstraße 1a, 18057 Rostock Tel. 0800 4 5555 00 (free) |
Gründungszuschuss, AVGS for ALG-I recipients |
| IHK zu Rostock (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) | Ernst-Barlach-Str. 1-3, 18055 Rostock Fachkundige Stelle (qualified expert body): Martina Pfordte, Tel. 0381 338-650 |
Expert opinion (fachkundige Stellungnahme) for Gründungszuschuss and Einstiegsgeld |
Other locations of the Hanse-Jobcenter
Besides the main office (Erich-Schlesinger-Str. 35), the Hanse-Jobcenter has additional locations:
Friedrich-Engels-Platz 6–8 (18055) · Schweriner Str. 50/51 (18069) · Kopernikusstraße 1a (18057, shared with the Agentur für Arbeit)
5. Additional funding: Investitionskostenzuschuss § 16c SGB II
On top of the monthly Einstiegsgeld, you can apply for an Investitionskostenzuschuss (investment cost subsidy under § 16c SGB II) — for things you need to acquire for your self-employment.
- Up to EUR 5,000 as a grant (not a loan)
- For physical items such as computers, tools, machinery, initial equipment
- Application can run in parallel with the Einstiegsgeld application
- Proof of necessity required
Our tip for Rostock founders
Apply for Einstiegsgeld and the investment cost subsidy together at the Hanse-Jobcenter. In the business plan we list your capital requirement — that is the foundation for the investment subsidy. It is also worth looking at the Mikrodarlehen MV (microloan up to EUR 25,000 via the GSA Schwerin) for larger investments.
6. Step by step to your application
Step 1: Apply for an AVGS
Weeks 1–3First, apply for an AVGS for founder coaching at the Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock — 100 % free of charge. The coaching is the ideal preparation for your Einstiegsgeld application.
Step 2: Complete the coaching
Weeks 3–10In the AVGS coaching we develop your business model, financial plan and business plan together — online, flexible, with no need to travel to a Rostock office.
Step 3: Obtain the expert opinion (fachkundige Stellungnahme)
Weeks 10–11The IHK zu Rostock (contact: Martina Pfordte, Tel. 0381 338-650) or the HWK Ostmecklenburg-Vorpommern (Chamber of Skilled Crafts) confirms the viability of your venture.
Step 4: Apply for Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy
Weeks 11–12Submit your complete file to the Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock (Erich-Schlesinger-Str. 35) — before you register your business.
Step 5: Launch your business
After approvalOnce approved: register your business (Gewerbe) and get started. The Einstiegsgeld starts running from the moment of incorporation.
7. Common pitfalls in Rostock
- Applying too late: The application must be filed before you register your business
- Wrong Jobcenter: The city of Rostock → Hanse-Jobcenter; the district of Rostock → Jobcenter Landkreis Rostock (Güstrow). Mix-ups cost time.
- Weak business plan: Without a convincing viability case, no approval
- Missing expert opinion: The Jobcenter requires an external confirmation (IHK, HWK or BAFA-listed consultant — BAFA: Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control)
- Unrealistic outlook: If the Jobcenter doubts that you can actually overcome your need for welfare support
8. How we support you
Business Start EU (BAFA no. 205985) supports Bürgergeld recipients in Rostock on the path to self-employment — from the first idea to a successful launch. We don't have a physical office in Rostock, but we work with you fully online: video consultations, business plan drafting, application preparation.
Our approach for Bürgergeld recipients in Rostock
- Free intro call: We clarify your situation and the funding options available to you
- AVGS support: We help with the AVGS application at the Hanse-Jobcenter Rostock
- Coaching: Professional online support from our BAFA-listed coaches
- Business plan: Bank-ready plan for the Jobcenter and the qualified expert body
- Application support: Optimal application for Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy
The optimal combination for Rostock
AVGS coaching (free) → Einstiegsgeld + investment subsidy § 16c → BAFA post-launch consultancy (50 % funded)
This maximises your funding and gives you professional support from day one — whether you're in the maritime economy, healthcare or any other growth sector in Rostock.