Cologne · Wohngeld
Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Cologne
Wohngeld is a rent subsidy for lower-income households in Cologne, paid by the local Wohngeldstelle. More people qualify than expect to since the 2023 reform — it's worth checking even on a modest salary.
Free to apply; decisions take ~4–8 weeks. Paid monthly, usually granted for 12 months at a time.
What you need to bring
- Passport or IDRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: Issued by your home country. Renew at your country's embassy or consulate in Germany — appointments can take weeks, so check the expiry early.
- Rental contractRequired
How to get it: Signed with your landlord when renting. Keep both the contract and the handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll).
- Proof of income (all household members)Required
How to get it: Usually recent payslips, your employment contract, or a tax assessment. Self-employed: a profit statement (BWA) or your Steuerbescheid.
- MeldebescheinigungRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: You receive it at your Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt. Lost it? Request a new copy at the Bürgeramt (small fee, often bookable online).
- Bank statements / rent payment proofIf applicable
How to get it: Download as PDF from your online banking. Offices usually want the last 3 months.
- Wohngeld application form of your cityRequired
Can you do it online?
Wohngeld is handled by your city/state — we open your state portal where we have it, otherwise search '<your city> Wohngeld online'.
Good to know
- Eligibility depends on household size, rent and income — use an online Wohngeldrechner to check before applying.
- It's handled per city/state; search '<your city> Wohngeld Antrag' for the right form or portal.
- You can't get Wohngeld at the same time as Bürgergeld or BAföG — those have their own housing components.
- Have your rental contract, income proof for everyone in the household, and your registration certificate ready.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for Wohngeld in Cologne?
You'll need 5 key documents: Passport or ID, Rental contract, Proof of income (all household members), Meldebescheinigung, Wohngeld application form of your city. Cologne (Köln) appointments can be slow — check several Bürgerämter across the city for the first free slot.
Can I do Wohngeld online in Cologne?
Wohngeld is handled by your city/state — we open your state portal where we have it, otherwise search '<your city> Wohngeld online'.
Which office handles Wohngeld in Cologne?
Apply for housing benefit (Wohngeld) in Cologne is handled at the local level in North Rhine-Westphalia. The exact office and any forms are linked from the official source on this page, and the Amtly app opens the right Cologne / North Rhine-Westphalia portal for you.
Checklist last verified 2026-06-11. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.