The federal programme „StarthilfePlus“ (SHP) supports returnees with reintegration in selected target countries.
Depending on the destination country, voluntary returnees can apply for additional reintegration assistance through the StarthilfePlus programme if they leave with funding via REAG/GARP. The SHP-benefits are determined together with the REAG/GARP benefits by the BAMF. Returnees to destination countries where reintegration assistance is available through other programmes can only receive reduced SHP-support. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements the SHP-programme and is the responsible contact point for returnees in the destination country.
Types of SHP-benefits:
A. Financial support in the target country (2nd start-up aid) in the form of
B. Reintegration support in the area of housing C. Reintegration support for people with long-term toleration
Regarding A.) Financial support in the target country (2nd start-up aid)
Nationals supported by the REAG/GARP programme can receive additional financial support:
Regular SHP-support:
Benin, Burkina Faso, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Russian Federation, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo
Reduced SHP-support*:
Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Cameroon, Kenya, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey and Vietnam.
*SHP support is reduced for these target countries, as additional reintegration assistance can be requested for these target countries via the EURP ("EU Reintegration Program").
Regarding B.) Reintegration assistance in the area of housing
Nationals of the target countries listed below who receive funding through the REAG/GARP programme can receive additional support in the area of housing: Azerbaijan, Iran, Lebanon.
Regarding C.) Reintegration assistance for persons with long-term toleration
Nationals of the target countries listed below who receive funding through the REAG/GARP programme can receive additional assistance if they have long-term toleration. Long-term toleration must be proven to have existed in Germany for at least two years.
When returning to the target countries Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro, the following can also be granted:
When returning to the destination countries Albania, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia, the following can also be granted:
Note for application submitting entities: Details about the SHP-programme and details of available support services can be found in the information sheet on the StarthilfePlus (SHP)-programme 2025, which can be accessed in the login area.