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Electricity & gas · Germany
Checked 2026-09-30

🏠 Grants for a heat pump or insulation in Germany: where do I apply?

The short answer

Most countries support home renovation with grants, tax credits or cheap loans. The schemes change often, so always check the official portal before you order work.

📜 The rules in Germany

Grants for heat pumps and insulation

The federal programme for efficient buildings (BEG) is split: KfW pays grants for a new renewable heating system such as a heat pump (programme 458), BAFA funds single measures on the building envelope, system technology and heating optimisation.

  • KfW 458: apply in the 'Meine KfW' portal before work starts; you need a supply contract with a condition that it only applies if the grant is approved. The building must be at least 5 years old. (kfw.de)
  • KfW states (checked 30 Sep 2026) a grant of 30% up to 80% of eligible costs, with eligible costs up to €28,000 for a single-family house. From 1 Feb 2027 this cap falls by €750 every six months. (kfw.de)
  • BAFA single measures (BEG EM) apply to existing buildings whose building application is at least five years old; heating optimisation only in buildings with at most five homes. (bafa.de)
KfWGrant for a new heating system (programme 458); apply online in 'Meine KfW'.🔗 kfw.de
Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA)Grants for single measures: insulation and windows, system technology, heating optimisation (BEG EM).🔗 bafa.de
Official source: kfw.de · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Find the national schemeThe official schemes in Germany and who runs them are listed below.
  2. Check the conditions before you orderMany grants must be requested before the work starts, and often need a certified installer or an energy audit.
  3. Get quotesAsk for several quotes that state the equipment and the performance the scheme requires.
  4. Apply on the official portalUse only the official website below. Keep invoices and certificates for the payout or a check.

📇 Who to contact

KfWGrant for a new heating system (programme 458); apply online in 'Meine KfW'.🔗 www.kfw.de/inlandsfoerderung/Privatpersonen/Bestehende-Immobilie/F%C3%B6rderprodukte/Heizungsf%C3%B6rderung-f%C3%BCr-Privatpersonen-Wohngeb%C3%A4ude-(458)
Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle (BAFA)Grants for single measures: insulation and windows, system technology, heating optimisation (BEG EM).🔗 www.bafa.de/DE/Energie/Effiziente_Gebaeude/Sanierung_Wohngebaeude/sanierung_wohngebaeude_node.html
Energieberatung der VerbraucherzentraleFree advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 verbraucherzentrale-energieberatung.de

❓ Questions

Can I still apply after the work is done?

Often not. Many schemes require the application before the work starts. Check the official portal.

Is there extra help on a low income?

Some schemes pay more to low-income households. The portal below explains who qualifies.

Someone offers to handle the grant for me. Is that safe?

Be careful with door-to-door or phone offers. Check the company and apply through the official portal.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🌡️District heating, oil and LPG→☀️Solar panels→🤝Help with energy costs→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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