State aid scheme Active
GRW investment grant (regional structural policy)
Cash investment grants for setting up or expanding operations in structurally weak assisted areas (much of eastern Germany and designated regions). Rates depend on company size and location; ~€1.3bn available in 2026.
✓ 3 Jul 2026
Key parameters
| Grant | Cash grant on eligible investment (buildings, equipment) |
|---|---|
| Rate | ~10–40% by company size (higher for SMEs in top assisted areas) |
| Annual volume | ~€1.3bn (Bund + Länder, 2026) |
| Coverage | Designated assisted areas (Fördergebiete) only |
Eligibility
- HQ
- Any headquarters country
- Local presence
- Local tax presence required (branch is sufficient) A branch office (Zweigniederlassung/permanent establishment) of your existing company is enough — you do not need to form a new legal entity such as a GmbH or BV.
- R&D substance
- Not required
- Company size
- No size restriction
- Models
- All
- Sectors
- All
- Goals
- Additional design site in Europe; Manufacturing / fab site
The site must be located in a designated assisted area, create/secure jobs, and meet a minimum investment. Aid intensity is capped by the EU Regional Aid Map. Administered by the Länder.
Mechanism & application
Discretionary (call-based) — Competitive, call-based — requires approval; success not guaranteed.
Apply to the competent Land economic-development bank before starting the investment.
Timeline: 2–4 months (varies by Land)
Legal basis & sources
- Legal basis
- GRW Coordination Framework (§§ Art. 91a GG); EU Regional Aid Guidelines
- Verification
- BMWE / foerderdatenbank.de (GRW ~€1.3bn 2026; restructured Dec 2025)
from 1 Jan 1969 until no expiry review 1 Jan 2027
Changelog
-
30 Dec 2025
GRW restructured to strengthen growth/employment incentives and simplify the programme.
Source: BMWE