What is a WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein), and how do I get one?

What it is: The housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS) is required to live in social housing whose rent is subsidised by the state (ads that say «WBS erforderlich»). In Berlin there are different types of WBS depending on income.

Requirements: You must be over 18 and your household income must be below certain limits. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, your residence permit must be valid for at least one more year. You can also apply if you do not live in Berlin yet. You can first check whether you are eligible with the WBS check tool on the Service-Portal Berlin.

Number of rooms: As a rule, one room per person. In situations such as pregnancy, disability or very cramped living with children, a special housing need (besonderer Wohnbedarf) may be recognised; for this you usually need to have been registered in Berlin for at least a year.

Applying: You apply online or in writing to your district's housing office (Wohnungsamt). You need proof of income for everyone in the household, plus ID and residence documents. A WBS is usually valid for 1 year.

Finding a WBS flat: On «inberlinwohnen.de», which lists the flats of Berlin's public housing companies in one place, you can filter for flats that require a WBS. Demand is very high, so check regularly and apply quickly.