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Applying for support for the unsealing of land

  • Finanzierung und Förderung

Are you planning to unseal areas on your property to make them rain-permeable again? Find out here how you can apply for funding.

  • Basic information

    If rainwater can seep away better, this promotes the renewal of the groundwater and relieves the burden on the sewage system. Against this background, the senatorial authority promotes the unsealing of surfaces as a contribution to the sustainable use of rainwater.

    Funding is available for

    • the unsealing of sealed areas (e.g. built-over or impermeable paved areas) and their conversion into unsealed areas (vegetation areas) or
    • water-permeable paved areas (partial unsealing or pavement modification).

    The unsealed area must not be connected to the sewer system. All rainwater that accumulates on the unsealed surface should seep away on site.
    Funding is available for up to 30% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of 5,000 euros. The funding amount per square meter of unsealed surface is a maximum of 40 euros per m². If unexpected additional costs arise during the construction phase, a subsequent approval can be applied for in writing. However, the maximum funding amount of 5,000 euros may not be exceeded. Personal contributions are not taken into account for the subsidy.

    Requirements

    The prerequisites for funding are that

    • the property is located in Bremen or Bremerhaven,
    • the area to be unsealed is larger than 20 square meters
    • the applicant is the owner of the land and/or building or is otherwise entitled to dispose of it in rem (e.g. hereditary building owner or tenant with the owner's declaration of consent),
    • all of the rainwater that accumulates on the unsealed surface can seep away on site,
    • no soil or groundwater hazards arise as a result of unsealing and
    • the measure is voluntary, i.e. it is not a legal obligation, such as a condition in the building permit,
    • implementation of the measure has not yet begun.
    • The area to be unsealed may not be resealed within 10 years. Otherwise the subsidy must be repaid.

  • Procedure
    • If you are planning to unseal, you can obtain advice beforehand from Bremer Umwelt Beratung.
    • They can also help you with the application process.
    • The overall financing of the measure must be secured at the time of application.
    • The measure may not be started before the grant has been approved.
      • The granting authority will decide on exceptions upon application.
    • Complete the application form.
    • Submit the application together with the required documents by post, email or in person to Bremer Umwelt Beratung.
    • If the unsealing meets the eligibility requirements, you will receive a written notification that the grant has been approved.
    • Once the measure has been completed, you must submit the receipts to the responsible office.
    • The grant will then be paid out.
    • The funding recipients are obliged to provide the information required to monitor the success of the funding measure.

    More information

    • The unsealing of surfaces funding program is handled by Bremer Umwelt Beratung e.V. on behalf of the senatorial authority.
    • Unsealing measures are only subsidized if corresponding funds are available. There is no legal entitlement to funding. If the funding is not used properly, it can be reclaimed, including interest. If unsealed areas are resealed within 10 years, any subsidies paid out can be reclaimed.
    • If the land is completely unsealed, the companies responsible for wastewater disposal in Bremen or Bremerhaven must be informed.

  • Necessary Documents
    • Completed application form
    • Site plan or a sketch with the dimensions of the area to be unsealed
    • Photos of the current state
    • Cost estimate
    • Proof of proper disposal of the removed materials, if applicable
    • Expense receipts

  • Competent Department

  • Forms

  • Fees / Costs

    gebührenfrei

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    There are no deadlines.

    How long does it take to process

    2 weeks as soon as the application documents are complete.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.

The official information in German is complete and correct. 22.05.2026

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