A Certificate of eligibility for housing - short WBS or also B license - is a type of permit that allows you to rent a state-subsidized apartment (social housing). These apartments are usually much cheaper than normal rental apartments because the state supports the landlords - for example with renovation costs.
Important: A WBS is No guaranteethat you actually get a council apartment. It is only the prerequisite for you to be allowed to rent one at all. You are not allowed to rent such apartments without a WBS.
Who can get a WBS?
You can apply for a WBS if you little income have. This is the case, for example, if you earn little or receive money from the Job center or Social welfare office get.
The exact Income limit varies from state to state. In many regions you are allowed as an individual no more than approx. 12,000 € per year at your disposal. However, you may also be allowed to earn a little more and still be entitled. Just ask the Housing office your city or municipality - or google "Housing office + your place of residence".
You also need a Residence permitwhich valid for at least one year is - regardless of whether you are working, studying or have another residence permit.
What documents do I need for the application?
You will normally need these documents (as a copy):
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Your Passport or identity card and your Residence permit
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If you are married: Marriage certificate
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If you have children: Birth certificates
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Proof of income: Payroll accounting or Notifications from the job center/social welfare office
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Registration certificate (Proof of your address)
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Account statements
Depending on the federal state, other documents may be required. It is best to look at the Application form of your housing office - it will tell you exactly what you need to submit.
TipEven if you don't have all the documents - submit the application anyway. If something is missing, you will receive a list of the missing documents from the office. You can then submit everything later.
Which apartments can I rent with a WBS?
With a WBS you can only social housing apartments that are subsidized by the state. Advertisements often state "only with WBS" or "only for WBS beneficiaries".
There are also rules for Apartment size:
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As an individual: maximum 50 m²
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For each additional person: + 15 m²
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Per person is usually one room allowed (plus kitchen & bathroom)
Example: Do you have three children? Then you can look for a 5-room apartment look around.
There are special exceptions, e.g. for Disabilities or health restrictions - more living space is also possible.
Good to know: Sometimes also several people, each with their own WBS rent a larger apartment together - e.g. a 4-room apartment for four people. However, they usually have to belong to the family.
How do I submit the application?
You submit the application to the Housing office of your city or municipality - in writing, online or in person. You can find the office by clicking "Housing office + your location" google.
This is how it works:
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Application form online or directly at the office.
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Fill in the form.
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Together with the Copies of your documents per By post, e-mail or in person to the office.
If you go directly to the office, you can also have your documents checked there - then you will find out straight away whether anything is still missing.
Processing normally takes 2 to 6 weeks.
In many federal states, the application free of chargein others it costs between 5 and 40 Euro - even if your application is rejected.
How long is the WBS valid for?
The residence entitlement certificate is valid one year. After that you must reapplyif you are still looking for social housing.
The WBS applies only in the federal statein which you applied for it. If you move to another federal state, you must apply for a new WBS.
