Difference between revisions of "Germany/Housing/WBS"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:WBS for Cheap Social Apartments}}
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:WBS for Cheap Social Housing / Apartments}}
A '''WBS''' (short for ''Wohnberechtigungsschein'') is a certificate that gives you access to social housing in German. You can get it if you have a low income. Some apartments are reserved only for people with a WBS.
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A '''WBS''' (short for ''Wohnberechtigungsschein'') is a certificate that gives you access to social housing in Germany. You can get it if you have a low income. Some apartments are reserved only for people with a WBS.
  
== Who can get a WBS? ==
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{{FAQ|
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{{FAQ/Item|q= Who can get a WBS? |a=
 
You must have
 
You must have
 
* a legal residence permit for Germany for at least 1 year
 
* a legal residence permit for Germany for at least 1 year
 
* or EU citizenship
 
* or EU citizenship
  
Also your income must not be too high. Check [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wohnberechtigungsschein#Berechtigte_Personen this table ar Wikipedia] for details.
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Also your income must not be too high. Check [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wohnberechtigungsschein#Berechtigte_Personen this table at Wikipedia] for details.
  
 
Examples from [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wohnberechtigungsschein#Berechtigte_Personen the table]:
 
Examples from [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wohnberechtigungsschein#Berechtigte_Personen the table]:
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* A family with 1 child in Stuttgart must not earn more than 25.200€ + 700€ = 25.900€ per year.
 
* A family with 1 child in Stuttgart must not earn more than 25.200€ + 700€ = 25.900€ per year.
  
== Where can is a WBS valid? ==
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}}{{FAQ/Item|q= Where is a WBS valid? |a=
  
 
A WBS is only valid in the state (''Bundesland'') it was issued. So a WBS from Berlin cannot be used in Potsdam, only in Berlin.
 
A WBS is only valid in the state (''Bundesland'') it was issued. So a WBS from Berlin cannot be used in Potsdam, only in Berlin.
  
== How long is a WBS valid? ==
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}}{{FAQ/Item|q= How long is a WBS valid? |a=
  
A WBS is valid for one year. You usually only need it for moving it. If your income increases later, this should not be a problem.
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A WBS is '''valid for one year'''. You usually only need it for moving in. If your income increases later, this should not be a problem.
  
== Where can I get a WBS? ==
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}}{{FAQ/Item|q= Where can I get a WBS? |a=
 
You can get a WBS at your ''Wohnungsamt'' (housing department) of your city. For instance, if you live in Berlin, google [https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&q=Wohnungsamt%20WBS%20Berlin&ie=utf-8 Wohnungsamt WBS Berlin]
 
You can get a WBS at your ''Wohnungsamt'' (housing department) of your city. For instance, if you live in Berlin, google [https://www.google.de/search?hl=de&q=Wohnungsamt%20WBS%20Berlin&ie=utf-8 Wohnungsamt WBS Berlin]
  
 
* Print and fill out the necessary forms. [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fservice.berlin.de%2Fdienstleistung%2F120671%2F Here's a translated version of the Berlin info page].
 
* Print and fill out the necessary forms. [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fservice.berlin.de%2Fdienstleistung%2F120671%2F Here's a translated version of the Berlin info page].
  
* Send the application by mail to your Wohnungsamt.  
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* Send the application by mail to your Wohnungsamt.
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}}
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}}
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== More guides ==
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* [https://germanyso.com/en/how-to-berlin/settle-down/english-guide-to-wohnungsberechtigungschein-wbs-for-flat/ Get access to cheap rents in Berlin as a foreigner using a WBS document] by ''germanyso.com''
  
== More guides ==
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[[Category:Housing]]
* [https://berlincheap.com/cheap-flat-wbs/ Get a cheap flat with a WBS] by ''BerlinCheap.com'' – detailed guide on how to obtain a WBS
 

Latest revision as of 16:02, 12 August 2024

A WBS (short for Wohnberechtigungsschein) is a certificate that gives you access to social housing in Germany. You can get it if you have a low income. Some apartments are reserved only for people with a WBS.

Questions & Answers[edit]

Who can get a WBS? [edit]

You must have

  • a legal residence permit for Germany for at least 1 year
  • or EU citizenship

Also your income must not be too high. Check this table at Wikipedia for details.

Examples from the table:

  • A single person in Berlin must not earn more than 16.800€ per year.
  • A family with 1 child in Stuttgart must not earn more than 25.200€ + 700€ = 25.900€ per year.

Where is a WBS valid? [edit]

A WBS is only valid in the state (Bundesland) it was issued. So a WBS from Berlin cannot be used in Potsdam, only in Berlin.

How long is a WBS valid? [edit]

A WBS is valid for one year. You usually only need it for moving in. If your income increases later, this should not be a problem.

Where can I get a WBS? [edit]

You can get a WBS at your Wohnungsamt (housing department) of your city. For instance, if you live in Berlin, google Wohnungsamt WBS Berlin

  • Send the application by mail to your Wohnungsamt.

More guides[edit]