The "Wohnberechtigungsschein" (WBS) is the certificate you require to rent a state-subsidised flat. These flats are cheaper than the local average. The state provides support for the landlords of these flats (for instance when renovations are due) so that the rents remain affordable. It is worth mentioning that obtaining WBS is no guarantee you will find social housing. WBS only allows you to rent a state-subsidised flat if you manage to find one. People without WBS are not allowed to rent social housing.
Here you can learn whether you are eligible for WBS and find out which documents you need for your application.
You can apply for WBS if you have limited funds at your disposal for your livelihood, e.g. due to your limited income or because you receive benefits from the Social Welfare Office or Jobcentre. The level of income which can make you eligible for WBS varies from state to state. In principle, as an individual entitled to WBS, you may not have more than €12,000 at your disposal per year. In some federal states, however, you may earn more and still have the right to WBS. Make sure you inquire at your local Housing Office ("Wohnungsamt") about the income limits in your federal state. You can find the Housing Office responsible for you by googling the word "Wohnungsamt" and the name of your district.
The second essential prerequisite for obtaining WBS is a residence permit, which is valid for at least one year- and it also applies to those with student and work visas. In principle, you cannot benefit from WBS if you have a "Duldung" or your asylum procedure is ongoing.
In principle, you have to hand in a copy of the following documents:
- Passport (or ID card) and residence permit
- Marriage certificate if you are married
- Birth certificate if you have children
- Salary statements which prove how much you earn per month or a certificate from the Jobcentre or the Social Welfare Office
- Confirmation of Registration ("polizeiliche Anmeldung")
- Bank statements
The required documents may vary in each state. Therefore, it is best to refer to the application form provided by the Housing Office responsible for you. There you can find a full list of necessary documents you need to submit. You can find the Housing Office responsible by googling the word "Wohnungsamt" and the name of your district.
Please note: If you are uncertain about the required documents, do not worry! You can still submit the application. If anything is missing, the Housing Office will send you a letter with a list of documents you have missed.
WBS enables you to rent a state-subsidised flat. These flats are only available for people who have obtained WBS. You can spot WBS flats on rental websites by looking for phrases like "nur mit WBS" or "nur für Personen mit einem WBS".
"WBS flats" may not exceed a specific size. For a single individual, the flat may not be larger than 45 square meters. For each additional person, 15 more square meters are permitted. Generally speaking, the number of rooms in the flat must equal the number of people who live there. So if your family consists of 5 people, you are allowed to rent a 5-room WBS flat. Kitchen and bath are each usually counted as a room. The kitchen, however, may not be a separated room if you are a single person who is eligible for a one-room WBS flat (i.e. a studio).
Please note: Sometimes, it is possible for several (unrelated) people who hold WBS to move in together as flatmates. For instance, four people who have WBS can rent a four-room WBS flat together. In principle, however, your "flatmates" in a WBS flat must be your family members.
You should apply in writing to your local Housing Office ("Wohnungsamt"). If you live in a small town or village, the Housing Office is often the same place where you have done your registration ("polizeiliche Anmeldung"). You need to fill out an application form, which is usually available for download on the website of the Housing Office. Submit the filled application form along with the required documents to the Housing Office per mail, e-mail or in person. If you choose to go to the office in person, you can ask the staff to briefly look at your documents and let you know if anything is missing. If all goes well, you will receive your WBS after two to six weeks.
In many states, you can apply for WBS free of charge. In some federal states, however, the processing can cost €5 to €40. Please note: If that is the case, you have to pay the fees even if your application is rejected later.
A WBS document is valid for a year. At the end of the year, you can apply again. Keep in mind that the WBS document you have obtained is only valid in the federal state it is issued. If you are planning to move to another state, make sure you contact the Housing Office („Wohnungsamt“) responsible for you.
If you have problems applying for WBS or would like some advice ahead, you can contact a counselling centre. You can find a counselling centre nearby on bamf.de or jugendmigrationsdienst.de.
Even if you are not eligible for WBS, you can apply for housing benefits ("Wohngeld") at the responsible Housing Benefit Office ("Wohngeldamt"). Housing benefits are provided for people who do not earn much. Keep in mind that those who receive benefits from the Jobcentre or Social Welfare Office are not eligible for housing benefits. On wohngeld.org, you will find the housing benefits application form appropriate for your state. You can locate the responsible Housing Benefit Office by googling the word "Wohngeldamt" and the name of your district.
Schufa
While renting an apartment, your landlord will most probably ask for a Schufa statement. If you ask Banks for a loan, they will make a Schufa inquiry before they decide your request. Even if you buy a cell phone or lease a car, your contract usually includes a Schufa-related clause.
All this has to do with a company called "Schufa Holding AG". Schufa Holding AG is a credit investigation company which collects information from consumers and companies involved in the lending process. Schufa Holding will review your past payment history, and forecasts your payment behaviour in the future in the form of figures ("Schufa score"). This process is called credit rating.
Schufa Holding AG demands money for the credit report. However, according to German law, you are entitled to receive a free Schufa report once a year. Doing so will help you check what information is stored, where it came from, and to whom it was forwarded. We have created an animation video to show you how to get a free Schufa in a few steps.
Important: Some loan sharks may offer you money without a Schufa inquiry in newspaper ads or on the Internet. Do not fall for it! A majority of these offers are fraudulent.
Registering your address in Germany
If you arrive in Germany and want to stay longer than 3 months, you must officially register with the authorities. A registration certificate (“Meldebescheinigung”) is crucial, for instance, when you want to request a new ID or passport, apply for or extend a residence permit, open a bank account or rent a flat. A registration certificate may also be required when applying for benefits such as child benefits or when registering for marriage. Employers, schools or public authorities also often ask for a registration certificate.
Here, you can find all the information and helpful links you require concerning the registration certificate (“Meldebescheinigung”) and how to register your address.
Important: Registering your address has nothing to do with the registration you are required to do as an asylum seeker or registration at the Immigration Office– refugees are required to do both registrations. Find out more about the registration process for refugees in the chapter “Registration as an asylum seeker”.
Address registration is stipulated in the Federal Registration Act (BMG).
Searching for a Flat
Housing expenses have been rising sharply in Germany in recent years, and living space is becoming increasingly scarce, particularly in larger cities. The situation is better in smaller cities or rural areas, but finding an affordable flat may be a challenge even outside the large cities. The tips and information which follows will facilitate your flat-hunting, and considering them can lead to a better result.
Housing Benefits
Housing benefit is a social benefit for people on low incomes. It’s a subsidy intended to help the recipients pay rent. Here, we explain housing benefits, who is entitled to them, how much you receive, and how to apply for them.
Types of housing
In Germany, there are different types of housing that are adapted to different living situations. Here is an overview of some types of housing that may be relevant for you, depending on your individual needs.
Here, you can calculate the amount of housing benefits you are entitled to receive.
MBE offers counselling to immigrants and refugees over the age of 27 on various topics and in many languages.