The tradesmen’s bonus, an initiative by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs to promote trade services, has met with a positive response. As of Wednesday, October 9, more than 92,300 applications have already been received by the Federal Accounting Agency (BHAG). Of these, 78.8 percent of the requests have already been processed. “The craftsman’s bonus is very welcome. I am very happy with this step that we can directly help both local craft businesses and citizens and get jobs. This support creates an important incentive for investments in high-quality craftsmanship,” emphasizes the Minister of Labor and Economy Martin Kocher. About 23 million euros have been paida – out already.
Average payout size and the most popular trade achievements
Applicants can expect fast processing now. The average funding amount is around 800 euros, which corresponds to a funded work of almost 4,000 euros. Invoices are particularly often submitted for carpentry, painting and gas and plumbing work. These craft services often contribute greatly to improving the quality of life and demonstrate the success of the program. “Investments in craft services not only create orders for companies, but at the same time ensure that citizens benefit from financial incentives that improve the quality of life in their own four walls,” said Renate Scheichelbauer-Schuster, chairman of the federal trade and craft department of the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ).
The majority of applications come from Lower Austria (around 25,300), Upper Austria (around 21,600) and Styria (around 13,400). Despite the growing number of applications, processing is running smoothly. Applications related to 2024 can be submitted by February 28, 2025 to avoid a backlog near the end of the year.
About the craftsman’s bonus
With the craftsman benefit, private individuals receive funding for work done in the private residence. The tradesman bonus allows 20 percent of the work costs to be reimbursed up to a funding amount of 2,000 euros this year (2025: 1,500 euros) per person and residential address (main place- stay or high school). Only one application (possibly with multiple invoices) can be submitted per person per calendar year.
Invoices must show the work done separately and must be retained. A total of 300 million euros will be available for the years 2024 and 2025 to strengthen the construction industry and create incentives for the commissioning of craft services. The tradesman bonus can be applied retroactively for all tradesman services from 1 March 2024.
The Federal Accounting Agency (BHAG) is responsible for processing the tradesman’s bonus on behalf of BMAW. To make the application process as simple as possible, all you have to do is provide the following data in the application form on the website www.handwerkerbonus.gv.at: name, address, IBAN, invoice, proof of payment. To identify the applicant, it is possible to register using an Austria ID or upload a valid photo ID.
Support is available for everyone who does not have the necessary technical requirements. The application system allows anyone to apply for anyone else, as long as the necessary documents are available. They can then enter the relevant data on the website and submit the application. Cities, chamber groups and companies have also pledged support.
All information about the funding is available here www.handwerkerbonus.gv.at
