What is a WBS?
The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is an official certificate confirming that your household income is within certain limits. Only WBS holders may rent subsidised social housing (Sozialwohnungen), where the rent is lower than on the open market. In Berlin, many flats of the state-owned housing companies also require a WBS.
Who can apply
- adults who stay in Berlin not just temporarily — at least 11 months — and run their own household;
- German and EU citizens, and citizens of other countries with a residence permit valid for at least one year;
- people from Ukraine with a residence permit under §24 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) can apply too — the housing office checks how long the permit is valid;
- the household income must not exceed the limit (see below).
Income limits in Berlin
The number on the WBS shows by how much your income may exceed the federal base limit: WBS 100 means within the base limit, WBS 140 up to 40% above it. Almost all social housing requires a WBS 100 or WBS 140. Some newer subsidised flats are also open with a WBS 160, 180 or 220 — that is, with incomes up to 60%, 80% or 120% above the base limit.
Limits for the WBS 140 in Berlin (annual adjusted household income, as of 2026):
- 1 person: €16,800
- 2 persons: €25,200
- each additional person: +€5,740
- plus for each child: +€700
This is not your gross salary. Work-related expenses are deducted (at least the lump sum), plus up to 10% each for income tax, health insurance and pension contributions — at most 30% in total. Further allowances apply, for example for severe disabilities or young married couples. Child benefit (Kindergeld) does not count as income. You can check your entitlement with the online WBS calculator of the Berlin Senate.
The lower the number on your WBS, the more flats are open to you: with a WBS 140 you can also rent flats marked WBS 160, 180 or 220, but not the other way round.
How many rooms you are entitled to
As a rule, one room per person: a married couple with three children may rent a flat with up to five rooms. A single person may also rent a 1.5- or 2-room flat of up to 50 m². In special cases, for example because of a disability, extra space can be recognised.
How to apply
- Fill in the application (form BauWohn 502), the income declaration (BauWohn 504) and the income certificate (BauWohn 504a). The forms are available on berlin.de and at the Bürgeramt.
- Attach a copy of your ID, proof of income for everyone in the household and, depending on your situation, your residence permit, marriage or birth certificates, a severe disability card or a student enrolment certificate.
- Submit everything online or to the Bürgeramt or housing office (Wohnungsamt) of the district where you are registered. If you are only moving to Berlin, you can send the application to any Berlin housing office.
- The WBS is free of charge, usually valid for one year and applies to all of Berlin.
WBS with special housing need
Some social flats are reserved for households with a special housing need (besonderer Wohnbedarf) — for example families with children in overcrowded housing, people with severe disabilities whose flat is unsuitable, people living in shelters, or people whom the Jobcenter or social welfare office has asked to move into a more affordable flat. As a rule, you must have been registered in Berlin with your main residence for at least one year.
Searching with a WBS
- Listings state whether a WBS is required and which one, for example “WBS 140 erforderlich”.
- Check the websites of the state-owned housing companies and the portal inberlinwohnen.de regularly; see also how to find a flat in Berlin.
- On Flat-Radar you can state in your housing request that you have a WBS, so landlords with WBS flats can find you.
- Renew your WBS in good time: apply for a new one a few weeks before it expires.