Housing entitlement certificate:
check your eligibility in two minutes.
The housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS) decides whether you may apply for subsidised flats in Germany. Here you find out who is eligible, which income limits apply and how to apply – plus a calculator for initial orientation.
- Income limits for each federal state
- Flat-rate deductions and allowances taken into account
- With a WBS, Immomio Now is free
- Household
- 2 persons
- Living space up to
- 65 m²
- Living rooms
- 2
- Valid until
- 09 / 2027
What is a housing entitlement certificate?
The housing entitlement certificate – WBS for short, sometimes also called a “§ 5 certificate” (Paragraf-5-Schein) – is an official certificate confirming that you are allowed to rent a publicly subsidised social housing flat. It confirms that your assessable household income is below the applicable income limit.
The WBS is issued on application by the housing authority of your town or municipality. It is usually valid for one year and also states the flat size and number of people it applies to. Subsidised flats cannot be rented without a WBS.
Is your income below the limit?
The calculator follows the usual calculation logic: the household’s gross annual income, flat-rate deductions according to the rules of your federal state – compared with that state’s income limit for your household size (as of October 2026).
Enter your gross annual income.
The calculator instantly shows you how your assessable income compares with the income limit.
Non-binding guidance. Only the housing authority of your municipality makes a binding decision; federal states and cities have additional allowances, special rules and different limits.
Now apply to the authority – with this information
Take your result with you: federal state, household size and assessable income. You apply for the WBS at the housing authority of your city or municipality, in many places also online.
How to apply for a WBS.
Gather your documents
ID card, proof of income for the last twelve months for all household members and, where applicable, pension notice, proof of parental allowance or maintenance payments.
Apply to the authority
The housing office of your town or municipality is responsible; many municipalities now offer online applications. The fee is set by the municipality. Find the responsible office in the authority finder
Add your WBS to Immomio
Upload the issued certificate to your profile once. Subsidised flats then take it into account automatically – and Immomio Now is free for you.
The points most often overlooked.
Usually one year
If your WBS expires before you have found a flat, apply for a new one. An expired certificate is not accepted when flats are allocated.
The certificate limits the size
The WBS states the permitted number of rooms and square metres for your household size. You cannot apply for larger flats with it.
Usually only valid in your federal state
Income limits and responsibilities are governed by state law. If you move to another federal state, a new application is usually required.
Additional levels possible
Some cities have urgency levels or special certificates, for example in cases of homelessness or for health reasons.
The forecast is what counts
As a rule, your expected income over the next twelve months is assessed. You should state changes such as parental leave or a change of job.
Now permanently free
With a valid WBS, you can use Immomio Now in every search area free of charge. Go to Immomio Now
Frequently asked questions about the housing entitlement certificate.
What is a housing entitlement certificate (WBS)?+
The housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS) is an official certificate confirming that you are allowed to rent a publicly subsidised social housing flat in Germany. It is issued on application by the housing authority of your town or municipality and confirms that your household income is below the applicable income limit.
Who is eligible for a WBS?+
You are eligible if your household’s assessable annual income does not exceed the income limit and your main residence is in Germany. The limits depend on household size and are set by the federal states – so they differ considerably from state to state and sometimes from municipality to municipality.
Which income counts towards the WBS?+
The annual income of all household members counts. Flat-rate deductions are made for taxes paid, health and long-term care insurance and pension insurance – usually ten per cent each. There are also allowances, for example for children or people with severe disabilities.
How do I apply for a housing entitlement certificate?+
You apply to the housing office or housing authority of your town or municipality; many municipalities now also accept online applications. You usually need your ID card, proof of income for the last twelve months and – depending on the municipality – further documents such as a tenancy agreement or a certificate of pregnancy.
How long is a WBS valid?+
A housing entitlement certificate is usually valid for one year. If it expires before you have found a flat, you can apply for a new one.
How much does the housing entitlement certificate cost?+
The fee is set by the municipality; it is usually a low double-digit amount in euros, and some cities issue the WBS free of charge. At Immomio, Immomio Now is free of charge in every search area if you have a valid WBS.
Have a WBS? Then search for free.
Add your housing entitlement certificate once – subsidised flats from all Immomio landlords take it into account automatically.