WBS in Germany: how to get a certificate for subsidised housing

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Part of the housing in German cities is built with public money, and in return the rent is capped. These flats may only be let to people who hold a WBS. The certificate gives you the right to apply for such flats. It does not give you a flat, and in big cities the queue is long.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Check the income limit

   The federal guide value is an income of about 12,000 euros a year for a single person, with higher limits for each further person in the household. Many states and cities set their own, higher limits, so ask your housing office for the local figures. Allowances are deducted from gross income before it is compared.

   Done

2. Check your residence status

   You need a residence permit that is valid for at least another year. Permits for study and for work count.

   Done

3. Get the form

   The application form is on the website of your town under Wohnberechtigungsschein, or at the housing office.

   Done

4. Collect the documents

   Passport or identity card with residence permit, registration certificate, proof of income for everyone in the household (payslips, or the notice from the Jobcentre), bank statements, and marriage and birth certificates where they apply.

   Done

5. Hand it in

   Send or bring the application to the Wohnungsamt. The fee is between nothing and about 40 euros, depending on the state.

   Done

6. Mind the size

   The WBS states how large a flat you may rent. The usual rule is up to 45 square metres for one person and 15 more for each further person, or one room per person.

   Done

7. Search with the WBS

   Look for adverts marked nur mit WBS on the rental websites and at the municipal housing companies. Attach a copy of the WBS to each application.

   Done

Good to know

The WBS is valid for one year. Apply again in good time if you have not found a flat.

A WBS is usually valid only in the state that issued it.

People in urgent need, for example with a notice to quit or in a shelter, can ask for a WBS with priority (Dringlichkeit). Ask the housing office what counts in your town.

A WBS lowers the rent you are offered. Wohngeld helps to pay a rent you already have: housing benefit in Germany (Wohngeld): who gets it and how to apply. The search itself: how to find a flat in Germany: documents and scams.

In short: Income under the local limit, permit valid a year, form from the Wohnungsamt, documents, small fee, size limit, search for flats marked nur mit WBS, renew after a year.