Finding a Rental Home in Europe: What Expats Need to Know Before They Apply

Finding a Rental Home in Europe: What Expats Need to Know Before They Apply

Finding a place to rent in Europe isn’t just about having the budget. Many landlords require proof of income, residency documents, or even a local guarantor before accepting a tenant. For expats, the process can feel confusing — but with the right preparation, it becomes much easier.

This guide explains exactly which documents you need, what the rental process looks like, and how you can improve your chances of getting approved fast.

1. Essential Documents You’ll Need

Most European landlords will ask for some or all of the following:

✓ Proof of Income

  • Last 3 months of payslips
  • Employment contract
  • Job offer letter if you are newly relocating

(Tip: Most landlords expect your income to be 2.5–3× the monthly rent.)

✓ Proof of Identity

  • Passport
  • National ID

✓ Residency Proof

  • Visa or residence permit
  • Local registration (e.g., Anmeldung in Germany, Anmeldung bei der Gemeinde in Austria)

✓ Bank Statements

Some landlords request 3–6 months of statements to check financial stability.

✓ Guarantor (If Needed)

If you don’t meet income or residency requirements, you may be asked for:

  • A local guarantor
  • Employer guarantee
  • Extra deposit (depending on local law)

2. What to Expect in the Rental Process

Competitive Housing Market

Major cities like Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen have high demand. Viewing appointments can include multiple applicants — sometimes 20–50 in a single slot.

Security Deposit

Landlords typically ask for:

  • 1–3 months’ rent as a deposit
  • Agency fee, depending on the country

Background Verification

This may include:

  • Employment check
  • Credit report (e.g., SCHUFA in Germany)
  • Previous landlord references

Viewing & Application

You may need:

  • To attend in person or request a virtual tour
  • To send a short introduction message with your documents

3. How Expats Can Increase Their Chances of Approval

✔ Prepare a Complete Document Folder

Create a digital folder containing:

  • ID
  • Proof of income
  • Bank statements
  • Visa/residence documents
  • Short introduction profile

Submitting everything at once shows reliability.

✔ Get Confirmation From Your Employer

If your contract is not signed yet, request a letter confirming your job offer and salary.

✔ Show Additional Financial Proof

A blocked account, savings, or bank statements can make your application stronger.

✔ Write a Brief Tenant Introduction

Share:

  • Who you are
  • Your job
  • Your reason for relocating
  • Your lifestyle (non-smoker, quiet, clean, etc.)

✔ Watch Out for Scams

Never send money before:

  • Seeing the apartment in person
    OR
  • Confirming the landlord/agency is legitimate

Renting in Europe can be challenging for expats, but being prepared makes a huge difference. With the right documents and a clear understanding of the process, you can secure a home faster and avoid unnecessary stress.

If you need help with visas, job documents, relocation, or preparing your rental profile, Move2Europe is here to support your journey.