Knowledge · Start-up grant
Viability Certificate: Who Issues It?
The viability certificate (Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung) is the opinion of a qualified body (fachkundige Stelle) on the viability of your start-up and the central requirement for the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss). Here you can read who issues it, what it costs, and how to get it.
Reviewed by Pavel Deuble
Start-up consultant & BAFA-registered business consultant
Free initial consultation
Let's talk about your project.
In 30 minutes we clarify your questions and the right next step.
30 minutes · free · no obligation
On this page
What Is a Viability Certificate?
A viability certificate is the written opinion of a qualified body that your start-up project is economically viable. It is the central requirement for the start-up grant from the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit).
In the law it is called the “opinion of a qualified body” (Stellungnahme einer fachkundigen Stelle). The basis is § 93 para. 2 SGB III: anyone applying for the start-up grant must have the viability of the business start-up confirmed by a qualified body.
Who Issues a Viability Certificate?
Only a qualified body may issue it. These include, among others, chambers of commerce and industry (IHK), chambers of crafts (HWK), tax advisors, auditors, trade associations, as well as start-up centers and qualified business consultants.
As a qualified business consultancy, we are among the qualified bodies and can issue the opinion (additionally BAFA-registered, ID 191790). In funded coaching it is included for you.
What Do I Need the Viability Certificate For?
Above all for the start-up grant from unemployment benefit I (§ 93 SGB III). The Jobcenter, too, generally requires proof of viability for the entry allowance (Einstiegsgeld) from basic income support (§ 16b SGB II).
What Does the Qualified Body Check?
It checks whether your project is realistic and financially viable. The basis is your business plan, the financial plan, your résumé, and proof of your professional and commercial qualifications.
The cleaner the business plan and financial plan, the faster and smoother the opinion will be. Gaps in the financial section are the most common reason for follow-up questions.
What Does a Viability Certificate Cost?
Costs vary by body, often between about €100 and €300. At some IHKs it is cheaper or free of charge. In funded start-up coaching the opinion is part of the service and therefore free of charge for you.
Through coaching with an Activation and Placement Voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, AVGS) or BAFA-funded consulting, the business plan, financial plan, and opinion can be created together and with funding.
How Do I Get the Viability Certificate?
In three steps: create the business plan and financial plan, submit both to a qualified body, and hand in the reviewed opinion together with the application at the Employment Agency.
Important: the certificate must be available before you apply for the start-up grant. Allow enough lead time for preparing the documents.
Related service
Entry allowance: start-up funding from basic income support
If you receive basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld, formerly Bürgergeld), you do not qualify for the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss), but you can qualify for the entry allowance (Einstiegsgeld) under § 16b SGB II. We will check with you which route is open to you.
About the author
Pavel Deuble
Start-up consultant & BAFA-registered business consultant · Owner of Unternehmenswerk
Pavel Deuble is the owner of unternehmenswerk and managing director of UW Unternehmensweg GmbH. He is listed in the BAFA register of consultants (consultant ID 191790); the AVGS programs run through the AZAV-certified UW Unternehmensweg GmbH (provider approval Z-000392-2). Since 2018 more than 750 business plans, 4.88 out of 5 on ProvenExpert from 92 reviews.
Related Topics
More Frequently Asked Questions About the Viability Certificate
Is the viability certificate the same as the expert opinion?
Yes. “Tragfähigkeitsbescheinigung” is the common term for the “opinion of a qualified body” (Stellungnahme einer fachkundigen Stelle) named in the law under § 93 para. 2 SGB III.
How long is the certificate valid?
There is no fixed statutory time limit, but it should be current and match the status of your business plan. In practice, the Employment Agency expects an opinion that was prepared recently.
Can my application be rejected despite the certificate?
The viability certificate is a requirement but not a guarantee. The start-up grant is a discretionary benefit (Ermessensleistung); what also matters is that you meet the other requirements. A convincing certificate, however, significantly increases your chances.
Viability Certificate From a Single Source
We create the business plan, financial plan, and the expert opinion together with you, free of charge for you in funded coaching. Let us clarify your route in the free initial consultation.