Order and deadlines beat everything else here: registering late costs benefit weeks, and a Sperrzeit after a termination agreement eats up to a quarter of your entitlement.
Two Deadlines You Must Not Miss
Job-seeking registration: 3 months before the contract ends (or 3 days after learning of dismissal). Unemployment registration: in person on day one. Late = benefit ban (Sperrzeit).
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Agentur für Arbeit (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
Public bodyUnemployment benefit I, start-up grants and job placement all run through the Agentur für Arbeit where you live. Find your branch under «Dienststelle vor Ort».
› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
Dismissal on Friday — registered as job-seeking the same evening via the portal with eID, screenshot archived. The three days count weekends included.
👩🏼💼
Lea recommends:
For the in-person appointment bring passport, dismissal letter and work contract. An incomplete set means coming twice — and the first visit date starts the clock.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I register from abroad or before moving cities? ▾
Job-seeking yes, online from anywhere. Unemployed — in person or with eID at the agency of your residence; if you move, report the new address immediately.
Missed the 3-day job-seeking deadline — all lost? ▾
Not all: the payment depends on the unemployed registration on your first jobless day. But the late early notice can cost a week of suspension — go online today, the form takes minutes.
Why is a termination agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag) dangerous? ▾
The agency treats a mutual termination as self-inflicted → up to 12 weeks of benefit ban. Get advice before signing (lawyer, union) — thousands of euros are at stake.
I am not a citizen — am I even entitled? ▾
Yes: ALG I is an insurance benefit paid from your contributions; citizenship is irrelevant. You need a permit with work rights. For permit renewals, ALG I does not count as harmful welfare.