Soft Landing Programme

Funding Grant for Business Expansion to Cologne

The Cologne Soft Landing Programme is a funding instrument designed by KölnBusiness to support the expansion of international startups and companies to Cologne.

The programme accepts applications from international startups and companies intending to set up business in Cologne within the next 6 months. 

A maximum of 3,000 euros may be granted per startup or company to support the establishment process in Cologne. The grant may be spent on initial startup costs such as:

  • company registration (including administrative fees, notary fees or consultation fees)
  • commercial rent
  • material costs
  • staffing costs

 

The selection criteria are:

  • international startup or company
  • innovative and scalable business
  • incorporation in Cologne within the next 6 months 
  • establishment of a corporation (GmbH, AG or UG)

For detailed information, please see the funding programme.

After submitting the application via the online form, the criteria will be checked and the applicants will receive feedback from KölnBusiness.

 

Apply online

 

The closing date for applications is 1st December 2025.

Download

  • EN_2025_Soft_Landing_Programme.pdf PDF | 258 KB
  • De minimis declaration PDF | 678 KB
  • General ancillary provisions for grants for project funding PDF | 39 KB
  • Form_Proof_of_use.pdf PDF | 47 KB