Finding housing is often the first concrete urgency of moving to France. Between the rental file to put together, the lack of a personal guarantor in France, and the benefits available, here's how to tackle this step without wasting time.
The different types of housing
Three main options are available depending on your situation:
| Housing type | Advantages | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rental (studio, flat) | Full independence, choice of neighbourhood | Rental file to build, security deposit (1 month's rent) |
| Shared flat (colocation) | Lower cost, faster social integration | Single vs. individual lease to check, compatible living arrangement |
| Staff housing (depending on employer) | Immediate solution on arrival, often close to your workplace | Availability varies by institution, usually temporary |
Ask your future employer directly: some hospitals and clinics keep a pool of temporary housing reserved for newly hired staff — particularly useful while you look for a longer-term solution.
Building a solid rental file
A standard rental file includes: proof of identity, proof of current address, proof of employment status (work contract or job offer letter), and proof of income (usually your last 3 payslips, or failing that, your contract stating your salary).
One important thing to know: French law strictly limits what a landlord is allowed to ask for. A criminal record extract, a bank statement, a carte Vitale, or an ID photo cannot legally be required to build a rental file. If a landlord asks for these, you're entitled to refuse. The official DossierFacile tool, free of charge, lets you build and certify your file online according to the rules in force.
Getting a guarantee without a personal guarantor: Visale
Many landlords ask for a personal guarantor living in France — a hard requirement to meet when arriving from abroad. The Visale scheme, run by Action Logement, offers a free rent guarantee that replaces a personal guarantor.
Eligibility depends on your age and employment situation: if you're under 30, eligibility is broad. If you're 30 or over, you need to meet one of these conditions: having been in your position for less than 6 months (fixed-term contract, temp work, subsidised contract, or the trial period of a permanent contract — a confirmed permanent contract doesn't qualify), earning a net salary of €1,710/month or less, or being in an internal transfer for less than 6 months. The lease must run for at least 1 month. As an EU citizen, no residence permit is required to apply — a simple ID document is enough.
Housing benefits (APL)
As a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you're eligible for housing benefit (Aide Personnalisée au Logement, APL) under the same conditions as a French resident: no residence permit required, no waiting period tied to your nationality. EU freedom of movement applies fully here. The amount depends on your income, your rent, and your household composition — the official simulator on the CAF website gives you a personalised estimate even before you move in.
Planning your search before you even arrive
Searching for housing from abroad is possible, but it takes particular organisation: favour virtual viewings or ask someone you trust to visit in person if you can't travel, prepare your digital rental file (via DossierFacile) before you've even found a listing, and check Visale processing times — the certificate can take several days to issue, so factor that into your timeline if your move is imminent.
If your future employer offers temporary housing or a network of local contacts, don't hesitate to use it as a transitional solution while you find a long-term place under good conditions, rather than rushing into the first offer you see out of time pressure.
Costs to plan for when moving in
Beyond the monthly rent, budget for move-in costs: the security deposit (equivalent to 1 month's rent excluding charges for an unfurnished let, up to 2 months for a furnished one), the first month's rent, and possibly agency fees if you go through a letting agency — these are capped by law according to the geographic zone and the service provided (viewing, lease drafting, inventory of fixtures).
Home insurance is mandatory from the moment you sign the lease, whatever your tenant status. Budget several tens of euros a month depending on the surface area and the policy chosen — a certificate of insurance is generally required by the landlord before handing over the keys.
Also plan for utility connection fees (electricity, gas where applicable) if you're moving into a place that's new to you: some providers charge a set-up fee.
Preparing your move and not sure where to start with housing? Suxens helps you structure every step — join the waitlist →