Apply for a residence entitlement certificate
Service description
You can apply for a residence entitlement certificate (WBS) from your local authority. You can also obtain the necessary forms there. Which authority is responsible for you depends on the regulations of the respective federal state. You can find out which forms and documents are required from the relevant authorities.
The residence entitlement certificate contains information on the authorised persons, compliance with the relevant income limits, the living space and the number of rooms.
The housing entitlement certificate entitles the holder to move into a subsidised flat (social housing). There is no legal entitlement to the placement of a corresponding flat.
The flat you wish to move into must not exceed the maximum flat size specified in the WBS. Only in exceptional cases may the number of rooms or the living space be exceeded. The administration staff will also be happy to provide you with more information on this.
Some social housing is reserved for a specific group of people. These may be, for example, students, senior citizens (minimum age 60), people with disabilities or large households (at least three children). If you belong to a special group of people, this will also be stated on the certificate of eligibility for housing.
The housing entitlement certificate is usually valid for one year, i.e. you can move into social housing within this period. Once the period of validity has expired, you can apply for a new certificate of eligibility. Furthermore, it can only be used once to move into social housing. The certificate of eligibility for social housing must be handed over to the landlord/landlady when the tenancy agreement is concluded.
Who should I contact?
Housing entitlement certificates are issued by the housing subsidy offices of the districts and independent cities.
Prerequisites
- German or EU nationality
- Other nationality with a residence permit that is generally valid for at least one year
- Age of majority (or consent of the legal guardian/legal guardian)
- Households whose qualifying income does not exceed the income limit. Compliance with the income limit depends primarily on the number of people in the household and the income of all household members. The calculation is generally based on the gross annual income of all persons living in the household for the previous calendar year. In addition, there are exemptions and deductions, for example for people with a recognised severe disability/recognised care degree.
- One of the requirements is that you are not only staying in the Federal Republic of Germany temporarily, but that you have or wish to establish your centre of life here. The centre of your life is the place where you settle permanently, voluntarily, alone or with your family.
Which documents are required?
For written applications
- Identity card for German citizens and nationals from the European Community (ID card)
- Passport for foreign citizens with a residence permit valid for at least one year
ELECTRONIC
Electronic authentication (username/password) is also required. In
addition:- Income declaration from each member of the household who has their own income
- Depending on the income earned, appropriate evidence must be provided. This can be, for example
- Pay slips from the previous year
- Pay slips for the last 12 months
- Annual income tax statement for the previous year
- Income tax assessment of the previous year
Depending on your personal situation, further documents may also be required:
For example:
- Disability certificate (e.g. for severely disabled people)
- Certificate of enrolment (e.g. for students)
- BAföGBescheide (for recipients of educational grants)
- Pension certificate (e.g. for pensioners)
- Proof of benefits from the job centre (e.g. for the unemployed)
This list is not exhaustive.
Depending on the case, the administrative staff may require additional documents. If this is the case, you will be contacted immediately.
What fees are incurred?
The amount of the fees depends on the regulations of the respective federal state and the responsible municipality.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
The residence entitlement certificate is only valid in the federal state in which it is issued and is generally valid for one year. It can be used to move into a flat within the period of validity.
Period of validity: 12 months
Legal basis
The housing subsidy laws of the individual federal states apply. If the federal states have not passed their own laws, the federal law applies.
Applications / Forms
Forms available: Yes
Written form required: Yes
Personal appearance required: No
What else should I know?
False information can be prosecuted and penalised as false certification or fraud. A housing authorisation certificate can be revoked if it was issued on the basis of incomplete or incorrect information.
Short text
- Housing authorisation certificate issue
- People receive a residence entitlement certificate if:
- Your household has a low income
- You would like to establish a permanent residence
- You have German or EU citizenship or another nationality with a residence permit. As a rule, this residence permit must be valid for at least one year, exceptions are possible in individual cases.
- You can apply for a housing entitlement certificate from the relevant authority. Which authority is responsible for you depends on the regulations of the respective federal state. You can also obtain the necessary forms there.
- The application can be submitted in writing or electronically.
Author
Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MAGS)
Typing
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