AmtsDeutschland
0%
Skip to main content
Authorities Most popular Guides
FAQ Contact
Find an official procedure

Administrative procedures at the Agentur für Arbeit

Jobcenter · job placement · employment promotion

15 administrative procedures available

The Agentur für Arbeit (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Federal Employment Agency) is the central authority for job placement and employment promotion in Germany. It administers Arbeitslosengeld I (unemployment benefit I), Kurzarbeitergeld (short-time working allowance), education vouchers (Bildungsgutschein) and other benefits. The Jobcenter (job centre, a joint body) is responsible for Bürgergeld (citizen's benefit).

You can reach the free service hotline on 0800 4 555500 (Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00). Many matters can be handled online via arbeitsagentur.de.

Last updated 27 August 2026
Competent authority Bundesagentur für Arbeit / Jobcenter
Verification Checked by AmtsDeutschland.de
Written and reviewed byAndrés Sánchez Botta
Independent information site: we are not the Agentur für Arbeit, not an authority and not a paid advice service — we do not submit applications on your behalf. All information comes from official sources and is explained here in simple terms; the competent authority always has the final say. All information is provided without guarantee. We are neither lawyers nor tax consultants: we document administrative procedures and check the information against the official source — this is information, not legal or tax advice.
All official procedures

Available services

Choose an official procedure to see the complete guide with requirements, costs and official links.

Unemployment & job placement

Mixed
Register as a jobseeker (arbeitsuchend melden)
Mandatory 3 months before the end of the employment relationship
  • Costs: free of charge
  • Online or in person
  • In case of breach: 1 week suspension period (Sperrzeit)
Complete guide
Mixed
Apply for Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I)
60% of net pay (67% with a child) — from day 1 of unemployment
  • Amount: 60–67% of net salary
  • Processing time approx. 2–4 weeks
  • At least 12 months of contribution period
Complete guide
In person
Grundsicherungsgeld (basic income support benefit, formerly Bürgergeld)
Since 1 July 2026 the new name for Bürgergeld — handled by the Jobcenter
  • Amount: €563/month (single persons)
  • Processing time approx. 2–6 weeks
  • Allowance of €5,000–€20,000 per person depending on age
Complete guide
In person
Apply for a placement voucher (Vermittlungsgutschein)
Use a free private job placement service
  • Costs: free of charge
  • Legal entitlement after 6 weeks of unemployment
  • Placement provider receives up to €2,500 on success
Complete guide

Further training & qualification

In person
Apply for a Bildungsgutschein (education voucher)
Free further training — course fees are covered
  • Cost: course fees fully covered
  • Validity: 3 months from issue
  • Only with AZAV-certified providers
Complete guide
Application
Apply for retraining (Umschulung)
A new profession via the Bildungsgutschein
  • Cost: free of charge (the agency covers the course costs)
  • Advice BEFORE the start is mandatory
  • The provider must be approved
Complete guide
Application
Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB)
Grant during the apprenticeship
  • Cost: free (grant, no repayment)
  • Amount depends on pay and parents' income
  • Usually requires living away from home
  • Apply before starting
Complete guide
In person
Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein (AVGS)
Coaching, interview training or private placement
  • Costs: free of charge
  • MAT (coaching) or MPAV (placement)
  • Legal entitlement to MPAV after 6 weeks
Complete guide
Mixed
Make use of careers advice
Free careers advice for everyone
  • Costs: free of charge
  • For pupils, students, employed people and the unemployed
  • Tel. 0800 4 555500
Complete guide
Employer
Apply for Qualifizierungsgeld (training allowance)
60% of net pay during further training
  • Amount: 60–67% of net pay
  • The employer submits the application
  • Since April 2024
Complete guide

Starting a business

In person
Apply for a start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss)
ALG I + €300/month for self-employment
  • Amount: ALG I + €300/month (6 months)
  • At least 150 days of remaining ALG I entitlement
  • Business plan + Chamber of Commerce (IHK) opinion
Complete guide

Benefits for employers

Employer
Apply for Kurzarbeitergeld (short-time working allowance)
60% of net pay loss (67% with a child)
  • Amount: 60–67% of the net pay difference
  • The employer submits the application
  • 2026: up to 24 months (4th KugBeV), otherwise 12
Complete guide
Mixed
Apply for Insolvenzgeld (insolvency benefit)
Wage replacement for the last 3 months in case of employer insolvency
  • Amount: net pay for the last 3 months
  • Application deadline: 2 months after insolvency
  • Tax-free (subject to the progression clause)
Complete guide
Employer
Apply for Eingliederungszuschuss (integration subsidy)
Wage cost subsidy for employers
  • Amount: up to 50% of pay
  • Employer applies BEFORE hiring
  • Max. 12 months (older workers: up to 36)
Complete guide

Family benefits

Mixed
Apply for Kinderzuschlag (child supplement)
Up to €297 per child per month
  • Amount: up to €297/child/month
  • At least €900 gross (couple) / €600 (single parent)
  • Apply via the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office)
Complete guide

Useful information

Opening hours Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00 (by appointment)
Individual times depending on location
Book an appointment online or by phone
Service hotline 0800 4 555500 (free)
Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00
General information and appointment booking
Online portal arbeitsagentur.de
Register as a jobseeker, applications, eServices
Handle many matters online
Important notes Always bring your identity card
Do not miss appointments (risk of a suspension period)
Register as a jobseeker 3 months beforehand
Frequently asked questions

Questions about the Agentur für Arbeit

What does the Agentur für Arbeit do?

The Agentur für Arbeit is responsible for job placement, Arbeitslosengeld I (unemployment benefit I), careers advice, further-training support (Bildungsgutschein) and other benefits. The Jobcenter (a joint body with the local authority) is responsible for Bürgergeld.

How much is Arbeitslosengeld I?

60% of your last standardised net pay, or 67% with children. The benefit period depends on age and contribution period: from 6 to a maximum of 24 months. Under 50: max. 12 months with 24 months of contribution period.

What is the difference between the Agentur für Arbeit and the Jobcenter?

The Agentur für Arbeit pays Arbeitslosengeld I (an insurance benefit, dependent on your last salary). The Jobcenter pays Bürgergeld (tax-financed basic income support, with a flat standard rate of €563). Bürgergeld only applies once there is no longer any ALG I entitlement.

How can I reach the Agentur für Arbeit?

By phone on 0800 4 555500 (free, Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00), online at arbeitsagentur.de, or in person at your local office (an appointment is recommended).

Can I register as unemployed online?

Registering as a jobseeker: yes, online via arbeitsagentur.de. Registering as unemployed: requires you to report in person on the first day of unemployment. Both are mandatory.

Cannot find the official procedure you are looking for?

Tell us what information you need and we will add it within 48 hours.

Send a request