> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.everstake.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.everstake.com/staking-docs/procotols/ethereum-eth/eigenlayer-eigen.md). # EigenLayer (EIGEN) ### What is EigenLayer? > EigenLayer is a middleware protocol on Ethereum that introduced the concept of restaking, a mechanic enabling the use of staked ETH in multiple networks and protocols simultaneously. When choosing EigenLayer, stakers can validate for many types of AVS (Actively Validated Services – middleware, services, chains, networks, and PoS systems – secured by restakers and run by operators), including consensus protocols, data availability layers, virtual machines, keeper networks, oracle networks, bridges, threshold cryptography schemes, and trusted execution environments. Instead of fragmenting security between modules, EigenLayer aggregates ETH security across all of them. > > This increases the security of the decentralized applications (dApps) that rely on the modules, being capital efficient solution enabling decentralized validation. For modules EigenLayer removes the need to build their own trust networks in order to implement new distributed validation modules. Instead, they can rely on the security and decentralization provided by ETH restakers via EigenLayer. In return, ETH holders pursue additional value through the new fee-generating opportunities from these manifold modules. {% columns %} {% column width="33.33333333333333%" %} Stake Now {% endcolumn %} {% column width="66.66666666666667%" %} Learn about EigenLayer {% endcolumn %} {% endcolumns %} ### How to stake EigenLayer? {% hint style="info" %} Validator Name: Everstake Commission: 10.00% {% endhint %}
EigenLayer Staking Manual * Step 1. Have your staked ETH or LST, or claimed EIGEN, or available for restaking within EigenLayer ERC-20 token * Step 2. Go to [EigenLayer app](https://app.eigenlayer.xyz/restake) and re/stake your assets * Step 2. Choose [Everstake](https://app.eigenlayer.xyz/operator/0xe483c7f156b25da9be6220049e5111bb41c4c535) as your operator * Step 3. Delegate your re/staked tokens
### Where can I stake EigenLayer? You can choose a crypto wallet convenient for you and use the guide at the link or write to Everstake support and get more detailed information | Wallet Type | Wallet Name | | ----------- | --------------------------------------------- | | **Web** | [EigenLayer app](https://app.eigenlayer.xyz/) | ### Staking Details | Term | Description | | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | **Epoch duration** | Ethereum epoch = 32 slots × 12 s = 6.4 minutes (this is the unit of time used by Beacon Chain; EigenLayer’s native validator timings | | **Everstake fee** | EigenLayer’s economics are operator/AVS-driven: Operators configure per-AVS fee splits and may set fees anywhere between 0% and 100% | | **Auto-compounding** | - | | **Fee to activate the wallet** | - | | **First reward info** |

Native restaking (EigenPod / native validators): a native validator must be active on the Beacon Chain to produce consensus rewards; activation depends on the Ethereum validator activation queue (validator activation can take hours → tens of hours depending on queue size). After your validator is active and the EigenPod is correctly configured as the withdrawal address, the validator’s on-chain activity becomes available for EigenLayer restaking accounting. Practical implication: expect a non-instant activation window before EigenLayer-side rewards begin to accumulate for native restakers.

LST restaking (restaking liquid staking tokens such as stETH/rETH/etc.): when you deposit supported LSTs into EigenLayer pools, those deposits immediately begin to be recognized by EigenLayer for restaking purposes and you begin accruing restaking points/rewards according to the AVS/operator’s reward model; the precise first payout (claimable balance) timing depends on the AVS reward cadence and EigenLayer’s reward-root posting / claim windows. In practice LST restakers start accumulating entitlement much sooner than native-validator activation requires.

| | **Min amount to stake / restake** |

Native restaking (EigenPod / native validator): minimum = 32 ETH per validator (standard Ethereum requirement to activate a validator). To native-restake you must point validator withdrawal credentials to an EigenPod (smart contract) so EigenLayer can account for that validator’s stake.

LST restaking (liquid staking tokens): generally no per-user minimum set by EigenLayer itself for supported LST deposits; specific dApp UIs or third-party operator UIs may impose UI/contract limits or caps (and EigenLayer has per-LST caps / global caps policy in some phases), so always verify the LST pool’s caps and per-deposit constraints in the app before depositing.

| | **Unstaking (withdrawals) period** |

There is no strict period for this. After initiating the withdrawal process for stETH and submitting the request through the Withdrawals tab, the completion time usually ranges from 1 to X days, depending on factors such as the withdrawal size and the existing withdrawal queue. Check the Exit queue length on the Rated Explorer for real-time data. Note that there is a withdrawal period after the unstaking period and the funds can go back to your wallet only once it has elapsed. Its duration depends on the number of users exiting the network at the same time as you. To learn the actual numbers, please check the Withdrawal queue length on the Rated Explorer. For a more accurate estimate of the waiting time, enter your withdrawal request amount on the Requests widget.

Alternatively, you have the option to exchange stETH for ETH on supported exchanges immediately.

| | **Stake activation time** | | | **Validator set** | None | | **Slashing** | EigenLayer exposes programmable slashing - each AVS has the ability to define slashing rules and execute slashing against Operators that delegated stake to that AVS. EigenLayer’s design intentionally gives AVS authors flexibility to specify slashing conditions that suit their threat model and service guarantees. Slashing on EigenLayer is therefore not a single mono | | **Rewards on Ethereum** | | | **Reward types** | Rewards distributed by AVSs/operators can be paid in ETH, supported ERC-20 tokens, or AVS-native tokens depending on the AVS economics. | | **Reward Frequency** | EigenLayer separates accrual (AVS/operator accounting) from claimability (when users can claim tokens on-chain). The cadence of rewards distribution is AVS-dependent: operators/AVSs set reward schedules and claim mechanics; EigenLayer implements rewards coordination and a claim activation delay for security. | | **Redistribution** | EigenLayer’s slashing upgrades introduced redistribution as an option: instead of burning slashed funds, AVSs (when configured to allow it) can redistribute slashed assets to other protocol stakeholders, repay victims, fund insurance/lending flows, or otherwise repurpose penalized assets per AVS policy. | ### Why Everstake? * Everstake is the №1 staking infrastructure platform, trusted by over 1.6M users and institutional clients worldwide. Committed to the highest standards of compliance with certifications such as SOC 2 Type II, CCPA/CRPA, ISO 27001, and GDPR, we deliver secure and reliable staking solutions across 130+ supported chains with a reliability rate of 99.98% * Our skilled team manages reliable infrastructure, prioritizing the safety of your funds. Delegating through Everstake offers opportunities to boost your yields while ensuring peace of mind about your token's security. ### Everstake Participation > ### FAQ
What is restaking? Restaking is the main functionality of the EigenLayer protocol. It enables users to reuse their staked ETH or ETH liquid staking tokens as yield-generating assets and to secure dApps and protocols.
What is Everstake’s role in EigenLayer? Everstake is a professional node operator within the EigenLayer ecosystem, historically involved in validating multiple Actively Validated Services (AVSs). In the past, we contributed to the operation of **EigenDA, eoracle, Hyperlane AVS, Predicate, UniFi AVS, Aligned, Silent Shard,** and **Ungate InfiniRoute**. Our participation in these AVSs was guided by comprehensive research and modelling conducted by our R\&D department, which included rigorous evaluation of their technical design, security assumptions, risk profiles, and economic sustainability. This strategic and analytical approach allowed Everstake to become one of the **30 genesis participants** during the **EigenDA testnet launch on Goerli**, and among the **first operators to join both the Holešky testnet and mainnet**. At present, Everstake has **successfully offboarded from all previously active AVSs** and is **onboarding DIN AVS**, focusing on strengthening its operational excellence and expanding its involvement in next-generation decentralized infrastructure within the EigenLayer ecosystem.
What is AVS? Actively Validated Services (AVS) are EigenLayer-powered applications that require extended slashing capabilities in case the operators running software on their behalf misbehave. Those can vary from simplistic dApps to nearly full-scale L1 blockchain protocols. Staked tokens ensure the economic security of each AVS.
What is EIGEN token and what is it for? The EIGEN token represents a new coordination mechanism that accelerates EigenLayer and Ethereum toward a shared mission of maximizing open innovation. It is designed to empower the EigenLayer ecosystem, offering a complementary role to ETH restaking. EIGEN introduces a mechanism to handle "intersubjective" faults, or behaviors that are not identifiable onchain but warrant a penalty. With this mechanism, EIGEN provides a way for the token to be forked without forking the Ethereum mainnet consensus.

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