Residence entitlement certificate (WBS)

Cheaper living thanks to WBS

In order to be able to rent a subsidized and therefore cheaper apartment, a Housing Entitlement Certificate (WBS) is required.

In order to be granted a housing entitlement certificate, the income of all persons in the household is required, among other things.

Many people don't even know that they are also entitled: Whether you are a young family, single parent, student or pensioner, it can be well worth checking your own entitlement.

The Wohnberechtigungsschein, abbreviated to WBS, is an official certificate in Germany that a tenant can use to prove that they are entitled to move into an apartment subsidized by public funds. The certificate of eligibility for housing is issued on application

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An entitlement to a residence entitlement certificate only exists if the subsidized apartment to be occupied is registered as the main residence and there is no other residence as a secondary residence.

Students and trainees are eligible to apply at the place of study if they have their usual place of residence there and intend to keep it for a longer period of time. Proof of this is provided in the form of a valid study certificate or training contract. Shared flats do not receive a residence entitlement certificate.

You will receive a WBS, for example, if your net household income does not exceed the following limits (as of June 2025):

  • 1-person household: up to 1,680.00 euros
  • 2-person household: up to 2,520.00 euros
  • 3-person household: up to 3,103.33 euros
  • 4-person household: up to 3,686.66 euros
  • 5-person household: up to 4,269.99 euros

Many working people, single parents, students, trainees or pensioners meet this requirement.

Another example: A young married couple, both 30 years old, have 1 small child. Together they can earn up to 55,000 euros gross per year. Of this, 1,000 euros per employee is deducted as a lump sum for income-related expenses, 30% of the remainder for taxes, health insurance and pension insurance, and 5,000 euros for a young married couple. This leaves 32,100 euros (2,675 euros per month) of adjusted income, which is below the limit for this family. They therefore receive a housing entitlement certificate for a 3-room apartment or 75 square meters.

Are you eligible for WBS? Check it here.