StarthilfePlus - Supplementary Reintegration Support in the Country of Origin

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 2.0. The SHP-benefits are determined together with the REAG/GARP 2.0 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 (valid from 01/01/2024):

A. Financial support in the target country (2nd start-up aid) in the form of

  • regular SHP support
  • reduced SHP support

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 2.0 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, Sudan, 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.

*The SHP-support is reduced for these target countries as additional reintegration assistance can be applied for through the European reintegration programme JRS (“Joint Reintegration Services”).

Regarding B.) Reintegration assistance in the area of housing

Nationals of the target countries listed below who receive funding through the REAG/GARP 2.0 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 2.0 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:

  • a one-off financial support as well
  • additional reintegration support in kind in the areas of housing and/or medical costs, if necessary.

When returning to the destination countries Albania, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia, the following can also be granted:

  • one-off financial support.

Note for application submitting entities: Details about the SHP-programme can be found in the information sheet on the StarthilfePlus (SHP)-programme 2024, which can be accessed in the login area.