So having a WBS means access to many cheap flats, some of them are even in the fancy, central districts. And applying for a WBS is free of charge.
Bear in mind though that a WBS is limited to flats with one room per person. So a single person will only get a WBS for 1-room-flats, a couple will get one for 2-room-flats. It is said though that several people sometimes can put together their WBS and for instance get a 4-room-flat if they are 4 people.
In this article, I will cover if you are entitled to a WBS and how to apply for it. I will to explain as best as I can, but you will probably need Google Translate or even a German speaker when filling out the forms or asking questions to the authorities. If you are stuck, you can call the city service hotline under 030115 and ask for an English-speaking operator (see the last point of the article).
As another starting point, also check the WBS portal of berlin.de.
1. Check if you can get a WBS
You can get a WBS if you
- have German citizenship, or
- have an EU citizenship, or
- have a legal residence permit in Germany for at least 1 year. (For instance student or work visa for minimum such a period.)
The second criteria is your income. For a single person, it must be less than 16.800 EUR gross per year. For married people and families, different calculations apply here, check this table on Wikipedia.
But don’t take the numbers as set-in-stone: a lot of other calculations apply that can “decrease” the evaluated income for you. So try anyway, check maybe also this online calculator where you can test for various configurations. Again, Google Translate might help here.
2. Fill out the forms
Get the necessary forms on Berlin’s WBS portal. There are lot but don’t worry, you will only need some of them.
Forms you will need in any case:
- Antrag auf einen Wohnberechtigungsschein (application for a WBS) – the main form
- Einkommenserklärung (declaration of income) – state here your income. Add some proof, for instance a copy of your last tax bill, your scholarship etc.
Whether you need the other forms depends on your situation:
- Partnerschaftserklärung (declaration of (family) relationships) – needed if you want a WBS not only for you for a 1-room-apartment, but for you and your partner (and maybe kids) to get a bigger flat
- Einkommensbescheinigung (declaration of income) – in case you have a regular job here in Germany, this must be filled out by your employer.
Add more papers about your status if you have them, for instance:
- copy of your ID / passport
- certificate of study
If you are unsure whether you have all the needed papers, don’t worry. Still apply, and if something is missing they will send you a letter and tell you what they need additionally.
3. Find your Wohnungsamt
You have to apply in written form at the Wohnungsamt (housing authority) of your district. Usually, you can leave the application at the Bürgeramt (citizen center).
- If you are already registered in Berlin (have an Anmeldung here), then it’s the one of your district.
- otherwise, pick any district. It is said that Pankow and Friedrichshain/Kreuzberg are rather slow. So better pick one of the outer districts.
If you know your district, find the addresses of relevant offices at the end of the portal site (scroll down). You can send the application there by mail. But if you have some time, I’d prefer to go there in person with all your papers and try to ask an employee to look over them to already check if something is missing. This way, you can win some time instead of waiting for their letter.
Ant then it’s time to wait! It is said that granting a WBS takes 2 to 6 weeks.
Stuck? Call 115 for help
The city of Berlin offers a service hotline for administrational questions. Call +49 30 115 and ask for an English-speaking operator. Or ask in the comments, I will try to help – but bear in mind that I’m not an expert. 🙂
