Residence entitlement certificates
A housing entitlement certificate (WBS) is required to move into social housing. Foreign apartment seekers can apply for a WBS in any of the 7 Hamburg district offices or present an existing WBS. The prerequisite for the issue of a...
A housing entitlement certificate (WBS) is required to move into social housing. Foreign apartment seekers can apply for a WBS in any of the 7 Hamburg district offices or present an existing WBS. The prerequisite for the issue of a residence entitlement certificate is compliance with certain income limits. The calculation is always individual. Personal appearance is usually necessary, but someone can also be authorized.
The residence entitlement certificates are only valid in the Hamburg city area.
If an emergency certificate is issued, accommodation can also be arranged.
Important notes
Prerequisites
- Compliance with certain income limits. The calculation is always individual.
- Appearance in person is usually necessary, but someone can also be authorized.
- Additional emergency certificate: registered with sole or main residence in Hamburg for at least three years
Documents required
- Completed application and a declaration of income for each person with their own income,
- Personal documents of all persons belonging to the household
- possibly marriage certificate
- Current proof of income for the last 12 months
- Depending on the individual case, additional documents may be required (e.g. medical certificates, pregnancy certificate / rental agreement, etc.).
Additional evidence will be requested if required; please include your telephone number on the application.
Please note
Procedure & Fees
Processing time
The applicant will receive the certificate of entitlement to accommodation as soon as possible if all the documents are complete and the fee is paid directly.
Fees
Depending on the individual case, 9-20 EUR.
Downloads & Links
Forms and downloads
- Application for a residence entitlement certificate (not an emergency certificate) -barrier-free, PDF, 143 KB, 2 pp.
- Declaration of income (for certificate of residence entitlement), PDF, 761 KB, 2 pages - barrier-free
- Leaflet: Apartment hunters - barrier-free, PDF, 142 KB, 3 pages
Links on the Internet
Find out your responsible facility
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Last updated: 03.10.2022