How to get Germany's WBS certificate for affordable housing

"Only with WBS!" Anyone who has been looking through apartment listings in a German city will have come across this phrase, which can be a devastating revelation if you don't have the certificate yourself.

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS), or housing eligibility certificate, is a document that gives people on a low income access to subsidised or social housing (Sozialwohnungen) rental options. This type of low-cost housing can only be rented to people with the certificate, but because demand outstrips supply, it can still be tough to find one.

It's particularly valuable if you're looking to find an affordable spot to rent in an area where demand is high and availability is scant.

Apparently, more than 33 percent of households in Germany are eligible for support with their rent, so it's always worth checking!

What are the different types of WBS certificates?

WBS A, B, 100, 140 – it's confusing. Let's take a look:

A is for people who have a particularly low income. The authorities will find them a flat.

B is for those whose income is below the threshold, but not as low as A. They need to find their own housing to rent.

Some of the ads will specify whether the accommodation is for WBS A or B – A can rent both, but B can only rent WBS B flats.

Some states also use numbers, so you may see WBS 100, 140, 160, 180, and beyond.

The last two digits indicate to what extent the income threshold can be exceeded. So, with a WBS 140, for example, your income is 40 percent above the standard maximum limit for WBS.

Therefore a WBS with a lower number has 'more value' than one with higher numbers and offers more advantages. The exact differences vary slightly from state to state.

Who is eligible to apply?

Adults on a low income. The total household income has to be below a certain threshold – the exact amount varies from state to state.

Applicants also need to be residents in Germany. The minimum requirement is that they have a temporary residence permit of at least one year. Some municipalities may require applicants to have been living there for two years.

Some states may also grant a WBS to those with permission to remain as part of the asylum process and also to those whose deportation has been temporarily suspended (Duldung). The suspension usually has to be valid for at least a year to apply for a WBS.

If you urgently need somewhere to live; for example if you're homeless, pregnant or ill, then you can apply for an urgent WBS – with Dringlichkeitsstufe. This gives you priority over others.

What is the maximum you can earn and still be eligible?

The maximum amount you can earn is set by each state, depending on your income and the size of your household, so it does vary a little. You can use this calculator (in German) to get a rough idea of how much you can earn based on your circumstances and where you live.

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Let's take a look at an example: in Berlin, a single-person household can earn up to €16,800 net annually on a standard WBS. A two-person household can bring in a maximum of €25,200 in the capital. This amount increases by €5,740 for each additional adult in the household and by €700 for an additional child.

Some states also allow you to exceed this income threshold by up to 85 percent or more, so it's always worth checking.

You can also deduct certain disability and child benefits, lowering your income and potentially making you eligible.

Are assets taken into account?

Yes. You can still apply for a WBS if you as an individual have assets up to €60,000, with a maximum of up to €30,000 for every further person in the household.

What documents do you need?

You'll need; the application form, proof of your earnings from the last twelve months, a report on your income filled out and signed by your employer, a copy of your registration document from the registry office, a copy of your residency permit, and a copy of the ID of everyone mentioned in the application. The exact documents needed may vary between states.

You'll need to fill out the income declaration form for all the adults in your household who will then need to sign it.

If relevant to your circumstances, you may also need to show proof of civil partnership, a marriage certificate, copies of children's birth certificates, proof of severe disability, proof of child maintenance, or proof of enrolment at university if you're studying.

Where do you apply?

You usually have to go to your local housing office (Wohnungsamt) to apply, but in some states, the social benefits office (Sozialamt) may be responsible.

You can find out which one you need to go to by typing in Wohnberechtingungschein and the place you live into a search engine.

How long does the certificate last for?

Typically one year from the date it was issued. After that, you'll need to reapply. It's also only valid in the state where it was issued, so if you move, you'll have to reapply.

How much does it cost?

In some states, it's free to apply, while in others, you'll be charged a processing fee of between €5 and €40.

Once you have it, can you apply for any affordable flat you see?

No, when you're house-hunting, you'll want to look out for the ads that explicitly state that you need a WBS to rent them - and specifically those that match the specific WBS type that you have. 

You can of course apply for apartments that are not marked for WBS, but these come with no additional benefit to you as they are not subsidised and anyone can apply.

WBS flats are advertised like any other on estate agent websites, on classified platforms and in newspapers. 

This website (in German) also lists links to available WBS apartments for all of Germany's states.

The certificate is generally not valid for shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaften / WGs), though.

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You'll also need to pay attention to the size of the flat when you're looking. The general rule is one room per person.

The size of the flat has to be appropriate to the number of people who are going to be living there. So, a single person might be able to rent a flat up to 50 square metres while a two-person household could rent a two-room flat that's up to 65 square metres. There's usually up to five square metres of wiggle room, too.

What happens once you've found a flat?

Once you've come to an agreement with the landlord, you'll have to file an application for approval to the housing authority.

The Wohnungsamt will review this and grant approval providing all the requirements are met.