What is a housing entitlement certificate?
Social housing is subsidized with public money. To make sure it goes to households with lower incomes, landlords are only allowed to rent it to housing seekers who first give them a housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein) (§ 27 Abs. 1 WoFG). The certificate also states how large the apartment is allowed to be for your household, based on the number of rooms or living space (§ 27 Abs. 4 WoFG).
Why there is no nationwide uniform procedure: Since 2006, the federal states have been responsible for housing support. The federal Housing Support Act (Wohnraumförderungsgesetz, WoFG) only still applies in states without their own law (Art. 125a GG). Hamburg has its own law (HmbWoFG), Berlin applies the federal law and raises the limits by ordinance. According to the Federal Ministry of Housing, the states set the income limits. The responsible office, forms, fees and validity therefore differ from place to place.
Who gets a WBS?
Under federal law, it is granted to housing seekers who
- are staying in Germany not just temporarily and are able to live here for a longer period (§ 27 Abs. 2 WoFG), and
- whose combined income of all people in the household stays below the income limit (§ 27 Abs. 3 WoFG).
Right of residence: According to the Federal Ministry of Housing, a residence permit usually must be valid for at least one year; in some states, people with permission to stay (Aufenthaltsgestattung) or a temporary suspension of deportation (Duldung) also get a WBS. Hamburg requires a permit that is issued for at least twelve months and still valid for at least six months when applying. Berlin requires a residence permit that is valid for at least one year.
Basic income support (formerly Bürgergeld): Under federal law, it counts toward the WBS income limit only to the extent it exceeds the housing costs that the Jobcenter took into account (§ 21 Abs. 2 WoFG). Child benefit (Kindergeld) does not count as income in Hamburg or Berlin.
How high are the income limits?
The federal base amounts (§ 9 Abs. 2 WoFG), each per year:
| Household | Income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 12,000 € |
| 2 people | 18,000 € |
| each additional person | plus 4,100 € |
| additionally per child | plus 500 € |
This does not mean your gross salary. Work-related expenses are deducted from the annual income, and then up to 10 % each for taxes, health insurance and pension insurance, together at most 30 %. In addition, there are allowances, for example 4,500 € for a severely disabled person with a degree of disability of 100, or of at least 80 combined with a need for home care, 4,000 € for young married couples in the first five years after the wedding if both are under 40, and 600 € per child under 12 for single parents who are working or in training (§ 24 WoFG). The calculation is based on the income expected in the twelve months after the application.
How does the application process work? – Step by step
- Find the responsible office. This is usually the Housing Office (Wohnungsamt) of your city or district; sometimes the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt) or another authority is responsible.
- Fill out the application. This includes an income declaration (Einkommenserklärung) for every person in the household with their own income.
- Attach proof documents. Typical documents are ID cards or passports for everyone in the household, if needed the residence permit, proof of income, complete benefit notices, and depending on the case, marriage or birth certificates, proof of pregnancy, or a severe disability pass (Schwerbehindertenausweis).
- Submit it. Online, by mail, or in person, depending on the city.
- Search for an apartment. With the certificate, you apply for social housing yourself, for example through the city's landlord lists, online, or in the newspaper.
How do I get the WBS in Hamburg?
Legal basis: the Hamburg Housing Support Act (Hamburgisches Wohnraumförderungsgesetz, HmbWoFG). The base limits are the same as the federal ones, but 1,000 € is added per child (§ 8 Abs. 2 HmbWoFG). Depending on the apartment, the income may be higher:
| Funding path (Förderweg) | Surcharge on the base limit | 1 person | 2 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st funding path (classic social housing) | plus 60 % | 19,200 € | 28,800 € |
| 2nd funding path | plus 100 % | 24,000 € | 36,000 € |
| 3rd funding path (since 2024) | plus 140 % | 28,800 € | 43,200 € |
Here too, this refers to income after deductions. The same surcharge on the base limit applies for larger households.
Where and how: Responsible is the housing department of the district office (Bezirksamt) in the district where you are registered. Anyone not yet living in Hamburg can apply at any of the seven district offices. The application is submitted online via the Hamburg service portal; the fee can currently only be paid there via PayPal, otherwise the application is sent by mail or email. On paper, you can submit it with copies of the documents to the district office.
Documents according to the City of Hamburg: a copy of your ID card or passport, a current registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung), the completed and signed income declaration (Einkommenserklärung), and proof of income for the last twelve months.
Fee and validity: The fee ranges between 10.25 € and 20.50 €; according to the Hamburg-Mitte district office, anyone receiving basic income support (Grundsicherung) or unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) pays half. The certificate is usually valid for two years. Due to a high number of applications, processing currently takes several weeks.
Urgency certificate (Dringlichkeitsschein): Anyone in a particularly difficult housing situation through no fault of their own, for example threatened by homelessness, can apply for an urgency certificate (Dringlichkeitsschein). This usually requires that you have had your main residence registered in Hamburg for more than three years and stay within the limit of the 1st funding path. You apply for the urgency certificate directly at the district office, not online. For homeless people and people in public accommodation, there is the urgency confirmation (Dringlichkeitsbestätigung) through the Office for Housing Emergencies (Fachstelle für Wohnungsnotfälle); no income limit applies for this.
How do I get a WBS in Berlin?
Legal basis: In Berlin, the federal Housing Promotion Act (Wohnraumförderungsgesetz) applies. A state regulation raises the limits (version dated January 7, 2025). This results in the tiers shown on the certificate:
| Tier | Income up to | 1 person | 2 persons | per additional person | per child additionally |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBS 100 | Federal limit | 12,000 € | 18,000 € | 4,100 € | 500 € |
| WBS 140 | 40% above | 16,800 € | 25,200 € | 5,740 € | 700 € |
| WBS 160 | 60% above | 19,200 € | 28,800 € | 6,560 € | 800 € |
| WBS 180 | 80% above | 21,600 € | 32,400 € | 7,380 € | 900 € |
| WBS 220 | 120% above | 26,400 € | 39,600 € | 9,020 € | 1,100 € |
According to the Berlin tenant guide (Berliner Mietratgeber), you need a WBS 100 or WBS 140 for almost all social housing units; the higher tiers apply to certain newly subsidized apartments.
Where and how: The district housing office (Wohnungsamt) where you live is responsible; if you don't live in Berlin, you can choose a housing office. You submit the application online through the Service-Portal Berlin or send the signed form to the citizens' office or housing office of your district. This requires an income declaration for each person, for employees a certificate of income from the employer, copies of ID for all persons, and depending on the case, further documents.
Fee and validity: In Berlin, the WBS is free of charge, is usually valid for one year, and is valid throughout Berlin.
WBS with special housing need: Anyone who has been registered in Berlin for at least one year can have a special housing need recognized, for example in the case of an apartment too small for children, a degree of disability of 50 or more combined with an unsuitable apartment, after an involuntary loss of housing, or if the Jobcenter or social welfare office has asked you to move to an appropriate apartment.
What applies with basic income support (Grundsicherung)?
Even with basic income support (Grundsicherung), you can get a WBS if you meet the other requirements. The Jobcenter only covers the rent as far as it is reasonable (§ 22 para. 1 SGB II). Before signing a new rental contract, you should therefore obtain the confirmation (Zusicherung) of the Jobcenter for the new apartment (§ 22 para. 4 SGB II).
Frequently asked questions
What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein?
A Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is a certificate from the city or county confirming that your household's income is below a certain limit. Only with this certificate are landlords allowed to rent you a publicly subsidized apartment, meaning social housing (Sozialwohnung).
Who gets a Wohnberechtigungsschein?
Anyone who stays in Germany not just temporarily and whose whole household income stays below the state's income limit. Anyone without a German or EU passport usually needs a residence permit valid for at least one year. Basic income support (Grundsicherung) only counts as income if it exceeds the housing costs.
Where do I apply for a Wohnberechtigungsschein?
At the city or county where you live, usually at the housing office (Wohnungsamt); sometimes the social welfare office or another authority is responsible. In Hamburg, it is the housing department of the district office (Bezirksamt); in Berlin, it is the housing office or citizens' office (Bürgeramt) of the district. In both cities, you can also apply online.
How high is the income limit for the WBS?
Each state sets this itself. The federal base values are 12,000 € per year for one person and 18,000 € for two persons, plus 4,100 € for each additional person and 500 € per child. This refers to income after deductions. Hamburg and Berlin allow higher incomes, depending on the type of apartment.
How long is a Wohnberechtigungsschein valid?
Under federal law, one year. Berlin usually issues it for one year, Hamburg usually for two years. After that, you apply for a new certificate.
Do I automatically get an apartment with the WBS?
No. With the WBS, you are allowed to apply for social housing (Sozialwohnung), but it does not give you a right to an apartment. You search for the apartment yourself, for example through the city's landlord lists, online, or in the newspaper.
Does a WBS from another federal state apply?
There is no general rule for this. Hamburg recognizes certificates from other states if there is no indication that Hamburg's income limits have been exceeded. If in doubt, ask the housing office of the city you want to move to.
Further help with housing
HalloAmt goes through the WBS application for Hamburg and Berlin with you in your language and creates the finished PDF: Fill in the WBS application for Hamburg with HalloAmt → · Fill in the WBS application for Berlin with HalloAmt →. If your income is not enough for the rent, housing benefit (Wohngeld) can be a help; how this works is explained in the guide Applying for housing benefit. After moving in, you register your new residence within two weeks, see Registering your residence.
This page offers general, carefully researched information (as of 12.10.2026) and does not replace legal advice. Income limits, fees, and procedures differ in every state and often in every city and may change; the responsible authority decides in individual cases. For binding information, contact the housing office of your city, a tenant advisory service, or a lawyer. We cannot guarantee completeness and accuracy.
Sources
- § 27 WoFG – Housing Entitlement Certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- § 9 WoFG – Income Limits (accessed 12.10.2026)
- § 20 WoFG – Total Income (accessed 12.10.2026)
- § 21 WoFG – Annual Income (accessed 12.10.2026)
- § 24 WoFG – Tax-Free Allowances and Deductions (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Art. 125a GG – Continued Validity of Federal Law (accessed 12.10.2026)
- BMWSB – Frequently Asked Questions on Social Housing Construction (accessed 12.10.2026)
- BMWSB – Searching for Housing in Germany (June 2022, PDF) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- § 8 HmbWoFG – Income Limits (Hamburg) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- § 26 HmbWoFG – Replacement of Federal Law (Hamburg) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Hamburg – Ordinance on Income Limits (First Funding Pathway) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Hamburg, Authority for Urban Development and Housing – Social Housing (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Hamburg – Applying for a Housing Entitlement Certificate (Service Page) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Hamburg, District Office Hamburg-Mitte – Housing Entitlement Certificate (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Hamburg – Technical Directive on Housing Promotion and Housing Allocation Commitments (PDF) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Hamburg – Technical Directive on the Provision of Housing for Priority Housing Seekers (PDF) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Berlin – Applying for a Housing Entitlement Certificate (WBS) (Service Portal) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Berlin – Berlin Tenancy Guide: Housing Entitlement Certificate (accessed 12.10.2026)
- Berlin – Housing Promotion Act Ordinance (Wohnraumförderungsgesetz-Verordnung) (Income Limits, Version of 07.01.2025) (accessed 12.10.2026)
- § 22 SGB II – Needs for Accommodation and Heating (accessed 12.10.2026)