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Research Allowance under FZulG

The research allowance is Germany's most underestimated funding instrument: the government reimburses 25% of eligible R&D expenses – up to 35% for SMEs under certain conditions – up to €1 million per year and company. The allowance is paid out even if your company makes a loss. Many businesses leave this money on the table because the application seems complex. We handle it for you.

Free funding check
Project team discussing a research project at a laptop

Who benefits from the research allowance

  • Companies of any size and legal form with their own development projects
  • SMEs without funding experience – the allowance is a legal entitlement, not a competition
  • Businesses with software, product, or process development
  • Companies with R&D contracts or university cooperations

Key figures of the research allowance

  • 25% of the assessment basis – up to 35% for SMEs under certain conditions
  • Maximum €1 million allowance per company and year
  • Eligible: R&D personnel costs and 25% of the remuneration for contract research
  • Also retroactive for projects started after December 31, 2019
  • Paid out even in case of loss – independent of tax liability
  • Requirement: R&D certificate from the certification office (BSFZ)

Our service in detail

  • Assessment of which of your projects meet the R&D criteria
  • Application for the R&D certificate at the BSFZ including project documentation
  • Filing the allowance claim with the tax office and handling queries
  • Combination check with ZIM and other R&D programs (avoiding double funding)

Frequently asked questions about this service

Note: All figures on funding rates, caps, and terms are non-binding reference values. Only the current funding guidelines, grant notifications, and ancillary provisions of the funding bodies are authoritative.

Does this service fit your project?

In the free funding check we review which programs are available for you – non-binding and honest.

Free funding check

All services at a glance

From the free funding check to the proof of use – our services interlock.