Housing

Housing entitlement certificate (WBS)

A housing entitlement certificate lets households below certain income limits rent subsidised social housing; it is issued by the city's housing office.

Last updated: 5 October 2026 · Draft – not yet editorially reviewed.

A Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is the certificate you need to move into a subsidized social apartment. The rules differ by city and federal state, especially for income limits, validity, and fees. 1 2 3 4 5

Who needs this

In Berlin, you need a WBS to move into a subsidized social apartment. 1
In Hamburg, the WBS certifies that you are entitled to rent a social apartment. 2
In Köln, a WBS lets you rent a publicly funded apartment; it is valid for 12 months and applies only in the federal state where it was issued. A WBS from Köln is valid in all of Nordrhein-Westfalen. 3
In München, you must apply for registration if you need a subsidized apartment. The city checks your income, household size, and urgency. 4
In Stuttgart, you need a WBS to move into a subsidized apartment. It is valid for one year from the date of issue. 5

Step by step

Check whether you meet the basic requirements for your city, especially income limits, age, and residence or residence status. 1 2 3 4 5
Prepare the required application and supporting documents. Some cities offer an online service, while others also accept paper forms or in-person procedures. 1 2 4 5
Submit the application to the responsible office. In Hamburg, you can use the online service with a simple service account; if you need a Dringlichkeitsschein, the online service cannot be used. 2
The office checks your documents and may ask for more information. 2 4
If approved, you receive the WBS. In Stuttgart, you must hand it to the landlord or landlady when moving in. 5

Documents

Application form and income declaration are required in Berlin, Hamburg, Köln and Stuttgart. 1 2 3 5
Proof of income is required in all listed cities, but the exact form differs: Berlin asks for an income declaration and employer income certificate; Hamburg asks for income declarations and current income proofs for the last 12 months; Köln asks for income proofs for the last 12 months; Stuttgart asks for annual household income documents. 1 2 3 5
Identity documents are required, and in Berlin and Stuttgart residence documents are needed for non-EU nationals. 1 5
Depending on your situation, you may also need marriage documents, children’s birth certificates, pregnancy proof, disability documents, or tenancy-related documents. 1 2 3 4 5

Cost and time

Berlin: no fee. 1
Hamburg: fees apply; the amount depends on the case and is between 10.25 and 20.50 euros. 2
Köln: the WBS costs 7.50 euros for an A-Schein or 20 euros for a B-Schein. 3
München: application processing takes around 8 months; if a flat is successfully allocated, the confirmation costs 25 euros. 4

Deadlines

Köln: the WBS is valid for twelve months. 3
München: the registration can last up to three years depending on income. 4
Stuttgart: after the one-year validity period ends, you must apply again with current documents. 5

City by city

Berlin: Applicants must generally be at least 18, have a lawful stay of at least one year if they are non-EU nationals, and have been in Berlin for at least 11 months. Berlin also allows a separate check for special housing need. 1
Hamburg: Applicants must be at least 18, have a secured residence status, and the fixed-term residence permit must have been issued for at least 12 months and still be valid for at least 6 months at application. 2
Köln: The WBS is tied to the federal state and income limits may change based on personal situation; in some cases special supporting documents are needed for non-EU nationals. 3
München: The city uses a points-based urgency review, and applications can be made online on SOWON or by paper form. 4
Stuttgart: The responsible municipality depends on where you live or want to live; non-EU nationals need a residence permit valid for at least one year. 5