Soft Landing Programme

Funding Provisions 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 is intended to promote the settlement of international startups and companies in the area of Cologne by:

• simplified processes and support for the startups and companies that are to be settled,
• creation of an incentive to settle in order 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. Commercial rental costs, consultation fees, material costs and staffing costs can be funded. A maximum of 3,000 euros is awarded to each successful startup or company. 

The selection criteria are:

• proof of an innovative and scalable business model,
• international startup or company,
• founded in Cologne a maximum of three months ago or within the next six months,
• established as a corporation in Germany (GmbH, AG or UG).

Apply now

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

The application deadline is the 31st of December 2023, the implementation of the approved projects should take place by the 28th of February 2024. 

For more information, please refer to the funding programme. 

We are seeking to further develop the funding provision.