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.
How to stake EigenLayer?
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
Staking Details
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 1.5M 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 85+ 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.
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