In Germany, the Gründungszuschuss can bridge your first 15 months, but only if you start from unemployment. Health insurance is the other big decision. Every source below was re-checked on the official page on 4 November 2026. Rules change, so check again before you act.
Free advice#
- Existenzgründungsportal of the federal economics ministry.
Benefits while starting: Gründungszuschuss#
- Under § 93 SGB III you must have at least 150 days of Arbeitslosengeld left when you start, plus a viability statement from a "fachkundige Stelle" such as the IHK, HWK or a bank.
- Under § 94 SGB III you get 6 months of your last Arbeitslosengeld plus €300 a month, then possibly 9 more months at €300.
- The Bundesagentur für Arbeit says there is no legal entitlement, and the grant is not subject to income tax.
Health insurance#
- Full-time self-employed people can stay in statutory insurance (GKV) as voluntary members or switch to private insurance (PKV). If you don't opt out within two weeks of your Krankenkasse's notice, your membership continues as voluntary (BMG).
- Moving to PKV is a one-way door: going back to GKV later is usually not possible, which matters most with age (BMG).
- Sickness pay (Krankengeld) is only included if you file a "Wahlerklärung". It then starts on day 43 of illness (Bundesportal).
Still to research#
Pension (Rentenversicherung) and mortgage income proof.