Social Housing in Germany: WBS, Requirements and How to Apply

Social housing in Germany consists of apartments with capped rents that can be rented only if you are eligible. In most cases, eligibility is confirmed by a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) — a certificate issued by the local housing office. The rules and income limits vary by federal state and city, so it is important to check the requirements where you live before applying.

What Is a WBS?

A Wohnberechtigungsschein, or WBS, confirms that a household may apply for a subsidised apartment. Such an apartment is usually cheaper than comparable housing on the open market, but a WBS does not in itself guarantee that you will be offered an apartment straight away: in large cities, demand often exceeds the available supply.

You need a WBS when a listing says that an apartment is available only with this document, for example as a Sozialwohnung or geförderte Wohnung. Some regions offer different types of WBS: a standard one, one with a higher income limit, or one noting an urgent housing need. The names and conditions depend on the federal state and municipality.

Who Can Apply for Social Housing?

A WBS is generally intended for people and families with a limited income. Applicants may include:

• people in work with a low income;
• unemployed people and recipients of social benefits;
• pensioners, people with disabilities, and single parents;
• students or young professionals, if their status and income meet local rules;
• families that need a larger apartment because of the size of their household.

The main criterion is the income of the entire household, not just that of one applicant. This may include wages, some benefits, self-employment income, and other receipts. There are deductions and exemptions, however, so the actual threshold does not always equal a simple total of annual gross income.

Income Limits and Regional Differences

There is no single WBS income limit for all of Germany. Housing law sets the basic rules, but federal states and cities establish their own thresholds, coefficients, and apartment categories. This means figures from older articles quickly become outdated.

To check the current rules, use your city or state website and look for Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS, Sozialwohnung, or geförderter Wohnraum. In Berlin, the application and current requirements are usually published through the city services portal and the district Wohnungsamt. In other states, applications may be handled by the Bürgeramt, Wohnungsamt, Sozialamt, or a separate online portal.

Residence Requirements in Germany

For a WBS, you generally need to show that you are legally resident in Germany and that your stay is not short-term. For citizens of non-EU countries, this relates to residence documents, such as an Aufenthaltserlaubnis or another Aufenthaltstitel. The requirements concerning a document’s validity period vary between authorities, so check the information sheet from your Wohnungsamt before applying.

If you are studying, working on a visa, applying for a residence permit, or have recently arrived in Germany, do not rely solely on the general wording. In unclear cases, it is helpful to contact the authority in advance and ask whether your type of Aufenthaltstitel will be accepted for a WBS.

What Kind of Apartment Can You Rent with a WBS?

A WBS specifies which apartment is considered suitable for your household. It usually takes account of:

• the number of people who will live in the apartment;
• the permitted size or number of rooms;
• the type of WBS and any additional endorsements;
• the city or federal state in which the document is valid.

For one person, the guideline is often a small apartment, with additional floor space or a room added for each further family member. Exact standards are not universal, however: they can differ from city to city, and a landlord may require a particular type of WBS in a listing.

What Documents Are Usually Required?

The local authority provides the exact list of documents, but a WBS application most often requires:

• a completed WBS application form;
• a passport or identity document;
• proof of address registration, if you already have it;
• an Aufenthaltstitel for citizens of non-EU countries;
• proof of income for the specified period: payslips, tax documents, benefit notices, pension certificates, or scholarship certificates;
• documents showing the composition of the family: a marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, proof of guardianship, or proof of living together;
• where necessary, documents concerning a disability, pregnancy, an urgent housing situation, or other special circumstances.

If some documents are in Russian or another language, the authority may request a translation. It is also best to check translation requirements in advance.

How to Apply

1. Find the responsible authority where you live or intend to live. This is usually the Wohnungsamt or the housing department of the district administration.
2. Download the current application form or complete the online form, if available.
3. Collect proof of income and status for every household member.
4. Check whether you need to book an appointment or can send the documents by post or online.
5. Submit the application and keep proof of submission.
6. Once you receive the WBS, use it when responding to listings for a Sozialwohnung.

A WBS is usually valid for a limited period. If you cannot find an apartment, you will need to extend the document or apply again under your city’s rules.

Common Mistakes

• relying on income limits from another federal state;
• applying without income documentation for every family member;
• treating a WBS as a guarantee of getting an apartment;
• responding to apartments that require a different type of WBS;
• not checking the requirements for an Aufenthaltstitel and length of residence;
• forgetting that, after a change in income or household composition, the authority may request new information.

In Brief

A WBS is a useful tool for finding more affordable rental housing in Germany, but it operates under local rules. Before applying, check the current income limits, permitted apartment size, document requirements, and certificate validity period on your Wohnungsamt’s website or city portal.