Costs & models · · 6 min read · By Alexander
Digitalbonus: how to check German state digitalisation grants
A German Digitalbonus may subsidise software, processes and IT security, but every federal state sets its own rules. A website redesign alone is usually not enough: the relevant scheme, business location, digital process and application timing determine eligibility.
What is a Digitalbonus?
Digitalbonus is not one nationwide German programme. Several states use the name for their own schemes, while others offer programmes such as BIG-Digital in Brandenburg or ERDF digitalisation grants in Saxony. The eligible location is normally the business establishment where the investment will be used.
Schemes usually support a defined business investment rather than anything involving the internet. Typical areas include digital workflows, software, data processing, cloud systems, connected operations and IT security. Company size, sector, minimum investment and eligible cost categories vary by state.
Start with three questions before requesting web design: which programme covers the establishment, which process will improve, and what formal confirmation is required before placing an order?
Which state digitalisation grants are currently available?
The examples below show how widely the rules differ. They are not a complete funding assessment; the current directive and the funding body's individual decision remain decisive.
Bavaria's standard Digitalbonus covers up to 50% and a maximum grant of €7,500, while Digitalbonus Plus can reach €30,000 for particularly innovative measures. The Bavarian ministry states that the scheme runs until 31 December 2027. Thuringia lists up to 50%, a maximum grant of €15,000 and at least €5,000 of eligible expenditure. Sources: Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Thüringer Aufbaubank, accessed 14 November 2026.
Brandenburg's BIG-Digital can support consulting up to €50,000, implementation up to €250,000 and training up to €50,000, each at a maximum rate of 50%. Since 17 July 2026, Saxony has stopped new applications in most regions; applications remain open only in Leipzig city, Leipzig district and Nordsachsen. Depending on project and company size, rates range up to 35–60%. Sources: ILB Brandenburg and Sächsische Aufbaubank, accessed 14 November 2026.
| Scheme | Rate | Grant / eligible expenditure | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digitalbonus Bavaria Standard | up to 50% | grant up to €7,500 | apply before starting; scheme to 31 Dec 2027 |
| Digitalbonus Thuringia | up to 50% | grant up to €15,000; eligible volume from €5,000 | apply before binding order or contract |
| BIG-Digital Brandenburg | up to 50% | implementation grant up to €250,000 | standalone website creation is expressly excluded |
| Saxony ERDF digitalisation grant | up to 35–60% | direct eligible expenditure capped at €10,000, €60,000 or €100,000 by project type | since 17 Jul 2026, new applications only in Leipzig city and Leipzig/Nordsachsen districts |
Can a website qualify for Digitalbonus funding?
A standard company website with services and a contact form does not automatically qualify. Some schemes expressly exclude standalone website creation or routine updates. Brandenburg excludes website creation and the mere replacement or update of existing website and online shop solutions. Source: ILB Brandenburg BIG-Digital information, accessed 14 November 2026.
A stronger case may exist when the site is only the visible layer of a new process: a customer portal connected to order handling, booking with automated workflows, an online shop linked to inventory, or secure digital data exchange. The specific state rules must still permit those costs.
Separate basic website expenditure from the innovative element. Design, standard copy, domains, hosting and routine maintenance are often normal operating costs. Custom software, interfaces, process consulting and security measures may be assessed differently.
How do I find the right programme for my business?
Search by the federal state of the business establishment, not the owner's home or the agency's office. Use the federal funding database and then the official state development bank or ministry. Read the directive, guidance, FAQ and current application notice.
Describe the project as a process improvement. 'Enquiries will be qualified automatically and transferred to order processing' is more useful than 'we need a modern website'. Document the current situation, target, users, data flow, systems and measurable business benefit.
Clarify the following points before commissioning. If the wording remains unclear, ask the funding body for a written, non-binding assessment and retain it with the project records.
- Is the establishment in the eligible region?
- Are the company size, sector and legal form accepted?
- Are websites, online shops, standard software or recurring fees excluded?
- What minimum investment and funding rate apply?
- Are eligible costs calculated net of VAT?
- Which quotations and project concepts are required?
- What counts as an early and therefore harmful project start?
When may the digitalisation project start?
The safest sequence is check, apply and only then commission. Bavaria requires the electronic application before the measure starts. Thuringia prohibits binding orders and supply, service or purchase contracts before application. Saxony also requires the application before project start. Sources: official funding bodies, accessed 14 November 2026.
An initial discussion or non-binding quotation is usually different from an order. Signed agreements, binding purchases, deposits, approved kick-offs or delivered work may be harmful. The relevant scheme must confirm whether reservations or letters of intent are safe.
Create a funding gate: confirm eligibility, split costs, file the documents, wait for the required decision and only then release the order. A grant is not secure financing until approved, so the project should remain affordable if the application is rejected.
- Check the live programme
- Prepare concept and cost items
- Obtain non-binding quotations
- Submit the complete application
- Wait for approval or authorised early start
- Only then sign and launch
How should a small company plan website costs and funding?
For a small company site, the application effort may exceed the possible benefit, especially where the minimum investment is €5,000 net or more. A lean solution can be more sensible than inflating a project. Our managed website plans start at €79 gross per month; Business is €149 and Premium €299 gross per month. These are our prices, not confirmed eligible expenditure.
For a genuine transformation project, the proposal should distinguish the base website from process-enabling items. Our shop add-on costs €249 gross once, booking €149 gross once, SEO from €69 gross per month and ads management from €149 gross per month. Only the directive and funding body can decide whether any item qualifies.
Apply because the investment is necessary and clearly defined, not merely because it sounds digital. A transparent website subscription is often more predictable for a normal site; a regional funding check becomes more worthwhile for interfaces, custom process software and security projects.
Frequently asked questions about Digitalbonus
Does every German state offer a Digitalbonus?
No. Programme names, budgets and application windows differ. Check the state where the funded business establishment is located.
Can a new website receive funding?
A standalone standard site is often insufficient. A new digital process involving software, interfaces, a portal, booking or inventory integration may have better prospects if the directive permits it.
How large is the grant?
It depends on the state. Examples range from €7,500 under Bavaria's standard scheme to €15,000 in Thuringia and higher limits under Brandenburg's BIG-Digital.
May I hire the web agency before applying?
Often not. A binding contract, order or early project start can invalidate the application.
Is funding guaranteed after submission?
No. Approval, available budget, eligibility and complete evidence remain decisive.