Soft Landing Programme

Funding for International Settlement

On the 1st of December 2022, the Cologne Soft Landing Programme was launched. The programme is a funding instrument designed by KölnBusiness to support the international settlement of startups and companies.

The funding programme aims to promote the establishment of international startups and companies in Cologne through:

• process-accompanying support for startups and companies expanding to Cologne,
• creation of an settlement incentive to increase the competitiveness of the location, and
• increased visibility of Cologne as an attractive international business location.

The programme accepts applications from international startups and companies. Funding is available for startup costs (incl. notary fees and consulting costs by service providers), commercial rent, material costs and staffing costs.

A maximum of 3,000 euros may be granted per startup or company.

The selection criteria are:

• international startup or company
• proof of an innovative and scalable business model
• establishment in Cologne a maximum of eight weeks ago or within the next 6 months
• establishment of a corporation (GmbH, AG or UG)

For more 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 1 December 2024.