Is KOMPASS still available in 2026?

The official programme profile lists an implementation period running through 29 February 2028. Check the official KOMPASS page for the most current status and documents.

How much funding does KOMPASS provide?

KOMPASS offers a grant of up to €4,500 for an eligible training measure. The programme can reimburse up to 90% of eligible costs, so you typically cover at least 10% yourself.

What training is eligible under KOMPASS?

Measures must last at least 20 hours, align with your needs (e.g., business, digital, methodological, or job-specific skills), and be completed within 6 months after the voucher is issued.

Can I book a course before I receive the qualification voucher?

Avoid making any binding booking or signing a training contract before the voucher is issued. Your KOMPASS focal point will confirm the correct order of steps to protect eligibility

KOMPASS Funding in Germany (2026): Training for Solo Self-Employed

Updated on February 01, 2026 4 minutes read

KOMPASS is an ESF Plus programme from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). It supports full-time solo self-employed people in Germany with funding for tailored training that strengthens skills and business resilience.

In 2026, KOMPASS remains relevant because it is part of the current ESF Plus funding period. The official programme profile lists an implementation period running from 15 October 2022 to 29 February 2028, so it is still active for eligible applicants.

What KOMPASS is designed to do

KOMPASS helps solo self-employed professionals develop a more crisis-proof and sustainable business model. It does this by co-funding continuing education and training measures that match your needs, your market, and your day-to-day work.

The idea is simple: focus on practical qualifications that improve how you deliver services, run projects, and stay competitive. For many solo self-employed people, this means improving digital methods, strengthening business skills, or updating technical expertise.

Who can apply in Germany

KOMPASS is aimed at full-time solo self-employed individuals who live and work in Germany. You must also have been active in the market for at least two years and employ no more than one full-time equivalent (FTE) employee.

To keep your application smooth, align your documents to these common requirements:

Residence in Germany and professional activity in Germany
Full-time self-employment (primary occupation)
At least 2 years of market activity
Maximum 1 full-time equivalent (FTE) employee
No KOMPASS qualification voucher in the last 12 months
De-minimis state aid limits apply (your focal point will confirm your case)

How much funding is available

KOMPASS provides a grant of up to €4,500 for an eligible qualification. Funding is possible Once within 12 months, regardless of which focal point you use.

The programme can cover up to 90% of eligible costs, which means you contribute at least 10%. VAT is not reimbursed, and reimbursement is generally based on eligible net costs, so plan your budget with that in mind.

What training measures can be funded

KOMPASS supports training measures that last at least 20 hours and must be completed within six months after the qualification voucher is issued. The measure should fit your individual development needs and strengthen your professional practice.

Examples of supported areas include:

Business management skills
Digital skills and methodological knowledge
Job-specific technical expertise

Your KOMPASS focal point helps you identify a suitable measure and provider, and confirms What counts as an eligible qualification under the programme rules?

How the KOMPASS process works

KOMPASS is structured and guided. You work with a KOMPASS focal point (Anlaufstelle) and Follow a sequence that protects your eligibility and your reimbursement timeline.

A typical process looks like this:

Register in the funding portal (your focal point will guide you through the correct steps).
Choose a KOMPASS focal point and send your initial interest digitally.
Complete the mandatory consultation (online, by phone, or in person).
Receive the qualification voucher (Qualifizierungsscheck) from the focal point.
Complete the training within six months of voucher issuance.
Submit your reimbursement application to the granting authority (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Knappschaft-Bahn-See, DRV KBS).

Important timing note: the reimbursement application is generally expected within seven months after the voucher is issued. Your focal point will help you prepare and submit everything correctly.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many issues are preventable if you know the rules that trigger ineligibility or delays. These are the most common problems solo self-employed applicants run into.

Booking or signing a training contract before receiving the voucher
Choosing a measure under 20 hours, or missing the six-month completion window
Waiting too long to submit the reimbursement application and documents
Underestimating cash flow needs (you typically prefinance the training before reimbursement)

Planning a digital upskilling path with Code Labs Academy

If your goal is structured, hands-on digital upskilling, explore our Web Development Bootcamp in Germany. It can be a practical option for solo self-employed professionals who want to update core skills.

If you are exploring KOMPASS and want help mapping your learning goals to a realistic training plan, you can also contact Code Labs Academy. We can help you prepare the details you will need to discuss with your KOMPASS focal point.

Official information and next steps

Because requirements can change and eligibility depends on your individual situation, start with the official programme information and your nearest KOMPASS focal point for confirmation.