Renting a property in France as a foreigner can be a smooth process if you are well-prepared. One of the biggest hurdles for expats is providing the necessary documentation that French landlords require. Understanding the paperwork involved will not only save you time but also increase your chances of securing the rental property you desire. Discover the essential documents that you need as a foreigner to rent in France.
Table of contents
Proof of identity
For all rental applications, you must provide proof of identity. This is typically done by submitting a copy of your passport or national ID card. Make sure your identification documents are up-to-date.
Visa or residence permit
If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to show a valid visa or residence permit. This assures landlords that you are legally allowed to stay in France for the rental period. Without this, many landlords may be hesitant to rent to foreigners who lack the proper documentation.
Proof of income and financial means
French landlords prioritise tenants who can demonstrate their ability to pay the rent. This is particularly important because of the strict tenant protection laws in France, which make it very difficult for landlords to evict tenants, even if they fail to pay rent. Landlords need assurance that you have the means to cover rent, as they can’t easily terminate a rental agreement once it is in place. Therefore, you’ll need to provide proof of income, typically three months’ worth of payslips if you are employed.
If you are self-employed, it’s essential to provide documentation that clearly shows your financial stability. This could include tax returns, profit and loss statements, or business registration documents.
Acceptable forms of proof of income include:
- Recent bank statements showing consistent income
- Invoices or contracts from clients that demonstrate ongoing work
- Tax filing from either your home country or France
These documents reassure landlords that you can meet your financial obligations, reducing their risk under French tenancy laws.
> You might be interested in this article: Renting in France: What you need to know
Bank statements
Landlords often ask for three to six months of bank statements to ensure financial stability. If you’ve recently moved to France and don’t have a French bank account yet, providing statements from your home country will generally suffice. However, opening a French bank account can strengthen your application.
We know administrative tasks that come with moving overseas can be overwhelming. That where our Expat Care Package comes in. We can help you with your French bank account application. Find out more here.
Proof of employment or business registration
If you are employed in France, you will need to provide a copy of your employment contract. If you are a self-employed expat, you should provide your business registration documents, such as your SIRET number, which is a unique business identification number in France. This demonstrate that you have legal income in the country.
Tax returns
For self-employed expats or business owners, tax returns from the past year are usually required to verify your income. Providing French tax documents, if applicable, or tax returns from your home country can help establish your financial credibility.
> You might be interested in this article: Guide to renting a flat in Paris
French guarantor or rental insurance
One of the more challenging aspect of renting in France is the guarantor requirement. Many landlords ask for a French guarantor, which is a person residing in France who agrees to cover the rent if you are unable to pay. This can be difficult for foreigner who don’t have close contact in the country.
If you don’t have a guarantor, there are alternatives:
- Rental guarantee insurance (visale): This government-backed scheme acts as a guarantor for tenants who qualify
- Private rental insurance: Some companies offer insurance that can act in place of a guarantor for foreign renters.
Proof of previous rental history (optional)
Although not always required, providing references from previous landlords or proof of timely rent payments can strengthen your rental application. This is particularly useful if you have previously rented in France or in another country and can demonstrate reliability.
Struggling to find a long-term rental in France?
Finding a long-term rental in France can be difficult for foreigner. French landlords often have strict requirements, making the search for a suitable property even more challenging. Due to tenant protection laws in France, landlords face significant restrictions when it comes to evicting tenants, which means they are extra cautious in selecting renters. They want assurance that you can meet your financial obligations consistently.
At Ibanista, we understand these challenges and are here to help. Our expert team finds the best long-term rentals for you and negotiates directly with landlords, handling all the administrative tasks. We bridge the language barriers and navigate the complexities of the rental process on your behalf, ensuring you secure your new home in France without the usual stress.
Let us make your transition to living in France as smooth as possible.
Final notes
Renting a property in France as an expat can be easier if you have prepared the right documentation. This will significantly boost your chances of securing the rental property you want. If you’re missing any key documents, such as a French guarantor, looking into rental insurance solutions can help bridge the gap. Being well-organised with your paperwork will make the French rental process much smoother, giving you peace of mind as you settle into your new home.
>> Book your FREE long-term rental consultation call with one of our expert.
