Housing Benefit for Foreign Residents in Düsseldorf
Foreign nationals can also apply for Wohngeld in Germany — provided they have a secure residence status and actually live in Düsseldorf. The rules differ depending on nationality and residence title.
Principle: Wohngeld is not social assistance but a social benefit in its own right. Receiving Wohngeld generally has no negative impact on residence status or later naturalisation proceedings.
EU Citizens and EEA Nationals
Citizens of the European Union as well as from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are generally entitled to Wohngeld if they live and work in Düsseldorf or otherwise have a right of free movement.
- Employees and self-employed persons: EU citizens with employment in Germany are entitled to Wohngeld
- Jobseekers: EU citizens actively seeking work with a prospect of success can generally apply for Wohngeld — however, there are restrictions within the first three months of residence
- Family members: Spouses and children of an EU worker are also entitled to Wohngeld
- Non-employed EU citizens: Need a right of free movement, e.g. through sufficient own means of subsistence and health insurance
Non-EU Citizens (Third-Country Nationals)
For citizens from countries outside the EU, the residence title is decisive:
Residence Titles with Wohngeld Entitlement:
- Settlement permit (unlimited residence title) — full entitlement to Wohngeld
- EU long-term residence permit — full entitlement to Wohngeld
- Residence permit for employment (e.g. §§ 18a, 18b, 19c AufenthG) — entitlement to Wohngeld if employment is actually exercised
- Residence permit for family reasons (§§ 27-36 AufenthG) — entitlement to Wohngeld
- Residence permit for humanitarian reasons (§§ 22-26 AufenthG) — entitlement to Wohngeld
- EU Blue Card — entitlement to Wohngeld
Residence Titles with Restrictions:
- Residence permit pending (asylum seekers): During the ongoing asylum procedure, there is generally no entitlement to Wohngeld. Accommodation and support are provided under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
- Temporary suspension of deportation (Duldung): Persons with Duldung are generally not entitled to Wohngeld. After 18 months of Duldung, an entitlement may arise under certain circumstances (particularly with an employment-related Duldung).
Important: Receipt of Bürgergeld or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act excludes Wohngeld entitlement — regardless of residence status.
Special Notes for Refugees from Ukraine
Refugees from Ukraine who have been granted a residence permit under § 24 AufenthG (temporary protection) and take up employment can apply for Wohngeld under the general conditions. However, anyone receiving Bürgergeld under SGB II is excluded from Wohngeld.
What Documents Are Required?
In addition to the general Wohngeld documents, foreign residents should have the following documents ready:
- Valid residence title (residence permit, settlement permit, EU Blue Card, etc.)
- Passport or substitute document
- Registration certificate (proof of residence in Düsseldorf)
- For EU citizens: proof of employment or other right of free movement
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