WBS: Affordable Flats in Germany

You can apply for a WBS if you don't have enough money to rent a flat. Eligibility depends on how low your income is or if you receive social benefits (from the Jobcenter or other authorities). How much you are allowed to earn while still being eligible for a WBS depends on your federal state. The second important criteria is your residence permit: it needs to be valid for at least one year in Germany. The same apply if you have a student or work visa. 

Usually you need to hand in copies of the following documents:

• passport (or ID-Card) and residence permit
• marriage certificate (if you are married)
• birth certificates of all children (if you have children)
• pay sheet (if you are employed, as proof of monthly income)
• registration certificate
• bank statements

Depending on your federal state, you might have to hand in different documents. The WBS application form which you will receive from your Housing Office ("Wohnungsamt") will have a list of all required documents you need to attach. Most local administrations have websites from which you can download the WBS form. 

You have to apply in written form to the Housing Office  ("Wohnungsamt") of your municipality. This office is usually located in the Citizens' Office ("Bürgeramt"). Most local authorities have a website from which you can download the form. You can also pick it up directly at the Housing Office. Small cities or villages generally don't have Housing Offices. In most cases, the Citizens' Administration Office will be in charge of processing WBS applications. 

Depending on your local office, you can send your WBS application per post, by e-mail or hand it in personally. If you have time, it might not be a bad idea to show up in person. That way, you can show your documents directly the official in charge and ask them to check if anything is missing. This might help to save a lot of time. It usually takes two to six weeks until a WBS is issued.