AVGS Voucher in Germany: How Expats & Immigrants Can Get Free Career & Business Coaching
The AVGS voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein) is a German government voucher that fully covers professional coaching services. It is particularly valuable for expats and immigrants seeking to become self-employed, enter the German job market, or change careers. Find out exactly what it is, who qualifies, and how you can use it to fund professional coaching without paying out of pocket.
Introduction
Like many expats, I had never heard of the AVGS voucher. It took me five years in Germany to realize that professional coaching—whether for job searching or starting a business—could be fully funded.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve never heard of it either. And I get it—navigating work and life in Germany as an expat or immigrant is overwhelming enough. The last thing you’re researching is government-funded coaching programs.
But here’s what you need to know:
The AVGS voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein) is not a cash grant. It’s a way to finance professional coaching without paying out of pocket.
Let’s say you’re thinking about:
Becoming self-employed in Germany and applying for the Start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss).
Finding a job in Germany but don’t know how to tailor your CV or prepare for German-style interviews.
Changing careers and need guidance on requalification or job market integration.
You have two options:
Pay for coaching services yourself (totally a worthwhile investment!).
Use the AVGS voucher to have the government finance your coaching services.
This voucher can remove a significant financial barrier, making professional coaching accessible to you for free.
In this article I will cover the following:
What is the AVGS voucher?
Who can get an AVGS voucher?
What coaching does AVGS cover?
Why is AVGS especially important for expats and immigrants in Germany?
What Exactly Is the AVGS Voucher?
The AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein) is a voucher issued by the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter in Germany. It fully finances professional coaching to improve your chances of finding employment or support your move into self-employment.
Key facts:
It’s not cash—you don’t receive money directly.
Fully covers professional coaching (you pay nothing).
Helps you integrate professionally into the German job market or start a business.
Think of AVGS as the government's way of investing in your professional success.
Who Can Get an AVGS Voucher?
Many expats mistakenly assume the AVGS voucher is only available to long-term unemployed German citizens or people who speak fluent German. That’s simply not true.
As an expat or immigrant, you could be eligible if:
You’re unemployed and receiving ALG I (unemployment benefits).
You're unemployed and receiving Bürgergeld (ALG II).
You're currently employed but at risk of unemployment (e.g., contract ending soon).
You're planning to become self-employed and need business coaching.
You're struggling to find a job despite being highly skilled and qualified.
Expats & Immigrants—Addressing Your Specific Concerns:
Language: You do NOT need perfect German skills to use an AVGS voucher—many qualified coaches provide services in English.
Visa Status: Your eligibility might depend on your residence permit—discuss this directly with your caseworker.
Uncertainty: If you're worried about your eligibility, talk directly with your caseworker. It’s common for expats to underestimate their eligibility and miss out.
When I first started my self-employment journey, I received an AVGS voucher myself. Today, I help expats and immigrants successfully secure the voucher, enabling them to fund their professional business coaching without financial stress.
What Coaching Does the AVGS Voucher Cover?
1. Job Search & Career Coaching
German CV & cover letter preparation.
Job market strategies & German-style interview practice.
Professional guidance tailored to employment opportunities in Germany.
2. Business Coaching (Gründungscoaching)
Developing your business concept and idea.
Writing a compelling business plan (essential for the Gründungszuschuss).
Navigating Germany’s complex tax and legal requirements for freelancers and small businesses.
3. Career Change & Skills Development
Guidance on career transition or requalification.
Identifying training programs to enhance employability.
➡️Key point: AVGS finances the coaching you need—it does not provide direct financial aid.
Why is AVGS Especially Important for Expats & Immigrants in Germany?
Answer to this question is clear: Germany’s professional standards are unique. Many skilled professionals, despite strong credentials, struggle to find jobs or confidently launch their businesses because:
German employers expect applications to match specific local standards.
Self-employment regulations can feel intimidating.
Coaching is highly effective, but private coaching fees can be prohibitive.
The AVGS voucher removes the financial barrier, allowing you to access expert coaching tailored to the German job market or business environment.
If I had known earlier about AVGS, I’d have saved myself significant stress and expense. Many of my clients have leveraged AVGS-funded coaching to jump-start their careers or launch successful businesses in Germany.
How to Apply for an AVGS Voucher?
In my next blog, I’ll detail the application steps, but here’s a quick preview:
Speak to your caseworker at the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter.
Clearly explain your reason for needing coaching.
Request the AVGS voucher.
Choose a coaching provider that accepts AVGS.
Start your fully funded coaching program.
Final Thoughts: AVGS Is a Funding Method, Not the Goal Itself
Remember, the AVGS voucher isn’t your end goal—it’s the means to finance valuable coaching that boosts your career or business prospects in Germany.
If you plan to apply for the Gründungszuschuss, AVGS-funded business coaching can help you build a strong application.
If you’re struggling to find work, AVGS-funded career coaching could dramatically improve your chances.
If you think you might qualify or want to check your eligibility quickly, fill out this short eligibility check. I'll review your answers personally and get in touch to discuss your next steps.
➡️ You can also send me a message directly if you have specific questions or need personalized guidance. Or directly book a consultation here 👉 My Calendar
