Social housing in Germany: how WBS works and what Ukrainians need to know to receive it
Social housing in Germany attracts the attention of many Ukrainian refugees, especially those who plan a long-term stay and want to secure affordable housing. Despite the widespread belief that obtaining a WBS document automatically guarantees an apartment, the reality is much more complicated. A Wohnberechtigungsschein, or WBS, only provides the official right to seek social or subsidized housing. In the future, the applicant has to deal with queues, competition among applicants, and other administrative nuances that determine the possibility of actual settlement.
What is a WBS and what function does it perform
A Wohnberechtigungsschein is an official document that confirms that the household’s income meets the established criteria and gives the right to rent a social apartment. Without this document, the owner or management company cannot conclude a contract for state-funded housing, even if the apartment is vacant. It is important to understand that the WBS is not housing and does not guarantee immediate occupancy; it only opens access to a segment of the social fund.
The procedure for issuing the document is carried out through local administrations, and the name of the relevant body depends on the federal state. Most often it is:
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Wohnungsamt — housing department;
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Sozialamt — social department;
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Stadt, Gemeinde or Kreisverwaltung — city or district administration.
You must submit an application at your actual place of residence, which is important to consider when changing your address.
Procedures for obtaining housing in different states
In Berlin, the document is issued through the district administrations (Bezirksamt), usually through the Wohnungsamt. The official Berlin portal has a service called “Wohnberechtigungsschein beantragen”, where contacts by district are available. The city also publishes the WBS 140/160/180 income tables, which determine the permissible income levels depending on the program.
In Saxony, the WBS is an administrative service available via the local administration portals, where you can apply directly.
In Hamburg, the application is submitted via the Bezirksamt, and online submission is also available via the Hamburg Service, which allows you to upload documents and pay the administrative fee remotely.
In Bavaria, the competent authority may be the Landratsamt or a city administration of the corresponding status. In Munich, the classic WBS does not apply; instead, you must apply through the city’s subsidized housing system SOWON.
In the larger cities of the state, such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Dortmund, applications are submitted through the local Stadt or Gemeinde, most often through the Wohnungsamt. The WBS issued in NRW is valid throughout the state, but not in the other federal states. To obtain a document in Cologne, you need proof of income for the last 12 months and a valid Aufenthaltstitel.
To determine where to apply, you should:
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Open the official website of the city or district.
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Use the search for “Wohnberechtigungsschein” or “WBS”.
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Go to the Service / Bürgerservice / Dienstleistungen section, where the relevant department, address and method of submission (online, by mail or in person) are indicated.
Criteria for obtaining a WBS
The main condition is a household income that does not exceed the established limits. The calculation takes into account all persons who will live in the apartment. Foreigners can apply, but usually require:
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a valid Aufenthaltstitel;
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legal stay in Germany.
In some cases, the authorities also take into account the validity period of the residence permit.
To confirm the right to WBS, the authorities require documents showing income for the last 12 months, as well as information about future changes in income, such as a new job or termination of benefits. Even after receiving the document, this does not guarantee quick occupancy, as social housing is limited in quantity, and the distribution of apartments often takes into account additional criteria: the presence of children, health status, and the vulnerability of the household.
