Voluntary Return (Travel Allowance)

The program supports private individuals in Schleswig-Holstein who are willing or obliged to leave the country in organizing a humane and self-determined return. The goal is to strengthen voluntary departure as the preferred form of ending residence by providing one-time grants for travel costs, meals, and medical care, as well as for obtaining necessary substitute travel documents. Additionally, bridging benefits may be granted to financially ease the transition between arrival and reintegration. Applicants must fall under the jurisdiction of a Schleswig-Holstein foreign nationals authority and receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG), Social Code Book II/ XII (SGB II/SGB XII), or hold a humanitarian residence permit. Double billing of eligible expenses is excluded.

Expenses for public or private transportation, meals, medical care, substitute travel documents, and start-up assistance of up to €300 are eligible for funding. Individual travelers receive up to €500 in grants, with up to €150 for each additional family member, capped at a maximum of €1,500 per family. Applications can be submitted continuously until March 31, 2030, to the responsible State Office for Immigration and Refugees. Required documents include the travel assistance application form, cost estimates or quotations, and proof of departure (e.g., border crossing certificate or entry in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals). Approval is granted based on available budgetary funds at the authority’s discretionary judgment.