Finding housing abroad is often one of the first concrete urgencies of expat life. Many newcomers make the mistake of signing a lease remotely, from their home country, without having visited the neighbourhood or tested the commute. This guide gives you a structured method to get properly housed from day one, then build a stable long-term base, while avoiding the classic traps.

Arrival strategy: the temporary housing rule

Why you should not sign a lease before you leave

The temptation to sort out housing before landing is understandable. But it is often counterproductive. An apartment that looks ideal in photos can turn out to be in a noisy area, poorly served by public transport, or an hour from your workplace. Abroad, you do not yet know the local codes: neighbourhood dynamics, streets to avoid at night, morning markets, or the quality of nearby schools.

The golden rule: arrive in temporary accommodation, take the time to explore, then sign a lease with full knowledge of your options. This approach adds a few weeks to the process, but it prevents a costly mistake that is hard to undo once the contract is signed.

Temporary housing options on arrival

Several options exist depending on your budget and how long you need to explore:

  • Airbnb: ideal for stays of 2 to 6 weeks, total flexibility, allows you to test different neighbourhoods with successive bookings. Weekly rates are often negotiable directly with the host.
  • Short-term furnished rental: in many cities, agencies offer furnished apartments on a monthly basis with a simple contract. Cheaper than Airbnb for a full month, more stable than a hotel.
  • Aparthotel or serviced residence: practical for the first weeks if you arrive with children or need cleaning included.
  • Temporary flat-share: in major expat cities (Bangkok, Lisbon, Dubai), local Facebook groups offer rooms available by the week or month from already-settled expats. An excellent way to plug into the local community.

Allow 2 to 6 weeks of temporary accommodation to find your long-term apartment in most cities. In tight markets like Paris, London or Zurich, budget closer to 6 to 10 weeks.

Property search platforms by region

Property portals vary considerably by country. Using the right platform saves a significant amount of time.

Southern Europe:

  • Idealista: the go-to platform in Spain and Portugal, as well as Italy. English interface available, photo listings, precise filters. Essential for moving to Spain or Portugal.
  • Fotocasa: Spanish competitor to Idealista, useful for cross-checking listings.
  • Imovirtual: complementary Portuguese portal, well-stocked outside Lisbon and Porto.

South-East Asia:

  • DDProperty: Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket). English-language listings, filters by district.
  • PropertyGuru: Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand. Very comprehensive for moving to Thailand.
  • Local Facebook groups (“Expats in Bangkok Rentals”, “Chiang Mai Expats Housing”): often the freshest listings, directly between landlords and tenants.

Middle East:

  • Bayut: the reference portal in Dubai and the UAE. Clear interface, filters by community (Downtown, JBR, Marina, etc.). Essential for moving to Dubai.
  • Property Finder: direct competitor to Bayut in the UAE, often complementary.

Anywhere in the world:

  • Numbeo: not a listings portal, but a cost-of-living comparison tool by city and neighbourhood. Useful for calibrating your rent budget before you arrive.

Renting abroad: what you need to know

Contract lengths and types

Practices vary considerably from country to country. In Spain, the standard residential lease lasts 5 years (2019 law), with annual rent increases indexed to inflation. In Portugal, recent leases are often 1 year renewable. In Thailand, residential leases are generally 6 months to 1 year, rarely longer. In Dubai, the standard lease is 12 months, with one or two post-dated cheques covering the full year, which means you need the funds available at the time of signing.

Always read the lease in detail, even if you are not fluent in the local language. Have it translated if necessary: the cost of a translation (€50-150) is negligible compared to a tenancy dispute.

The security deposit

In most countries, the security deposit represents 1 to 3 months’ rent. In Dubai, it is often set at 5% of the annual rent. In Spain and Portugal, it is legally capped at 1 month for an unfurnished rental and 2 months for a furnished one. In Thailand, it is generally 2 months.

Always insist on a written receipt and a precise description of the property’s condition (check-in report) to avoid any dispute when you leave. Photograph every room in detail before moving in.

Documents required from non-residents

This is often the trickiest part for a newly arrived expat: landlords ask for guarantees that are hard to provide without a local track record. Commonly requested documents include:

  • Valid passport and visa
  • Employment contract or proof of income (last 3 pay slips, or an employer letter for a corporate relocation)
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months
  • Sometimes: a reference letter from a previous landlord

Without a local guarantor or local banking history, some landlords will ask for 2 to 3 months’ security deposit instead of one, or several months’ rent paid upfront. This is standard practice for non-residents: make sure you have this cash available on arrival.

If you have a corporate relocation, a letter from your foreign employer usually suffices. If you are self-employed or retired, translated tax returns or company registration documents can serve as proof of income.

Furnished or unfurnished, and how to choose your neighbourhood

Furnished vs unfurnished

For a first installation abroad, furnished is almost always the better option. The reasons are straightforward: you do not have to buy furniture in a country whose shops and prices you do not yet know, you can leave more easily if your situation changes, and the administrative process is simpler.

Unfurnished only becomes relevant if you are certain you will stay for several years and want to personalise your space, or if you are shipping your belongings from home. For international moves, furniture shipping costs are a factor to include in the calculation.

Where to live: the neighbourhood question

This is often the most structurally important decision. Prioritise these criteria:

  1. Proximity to your workplace or children’s school: daily commute time has a direct impact on quality of life. In congested cities like Bangkok or Dubai, 5 km can mean 45 minutes in rush hour.
  2. Quality of public transport: an apartment close to a metro or BTS (in Bangkok) often costs 15-20% more, but the time saving usually justifies the premium.
  3. Expat-heavy or local environment: certain neighbourhoods concentrate expats, and the shops, restaurants and international schools that come with them. It is reassuring at first, sometimes limiting over time. A balance is usually preferable.
  4. Safety and night-time noise: ask local expat groups rather than relying solely on tourist guides.

Buy or rent on arrival: a fundamental principle

The answer is straightforward: rent first, always. Buying property in a country you are just discovering is a major financial and administrative commitment. You do not yet know the neighbourhoods, the market, the local regulations, or the potential tax traps associated with holding property as a non-resident.

Wait at least 1 to 2 years of effective residence before considering a purchase. By then you will have real knowledge of the local market, established contacts, and a clearer view of your long-term plans.

If you own property in France and are moving abroad, the article property in France and expatriation details your options (sale, rental, remote management). For the hidden costs of expatriation including frequently underestimated housing costs, see the dedicated guide.

Rental scams and how to avoid them

Property fraud disproportionately targets expats, who are perceived as less aware of local norms. Here are the most common schemes:

Scam 1: payment before viewing

A landlord asks for a deposit or security payment to “reserve” the apartment before you have even visited it. The classic pretext: the property is in high demand, there are other applicants, you need to decide now. Never pay any money before you have visited the property in person and signed a contract.

Scam 2: fake listings

Photos of a real apartment (often stolen from Airbnb or other platforms) are posted at a deliberately attractive price. The “landlord” responds quickly, claims to be abroad, and offers to send the keys by post in exchange for a bank transfer. The apartment does not exist or is already occupied.

Warning signs: price well below market rate, landlord unreachable by phone (contact only by email or WhatsApp), insistence on payment by international transfer or Western Union.

Scam 3: the expat premium

Less a scam than a market reality: in some cities, landlords charge foreigners a premium of 20 to 50% above the going rate. The solution: systematically compare with similar listings on local portals, and do not hesitate to negotiate.

Scam 4: the ghost agency

An agency charges you a file fee (€100-500) to connect you with landlords. The result: a list of listings freely available on public portals. Avoid any agency that asks for fees before you have visited anything.

For more on precautions before departure, see the moving abroad checklist and the living abroad guide.

Stage Action Advice
Before departure Book temporary accommodation (Airbnb, short-term furnished rental) for the first 3-6 weeks Do not sign a long-term lease from abroad without having visited in person
Before departure Prepare a complete tenant file (passport, employment contract, bank statements, tax returns) Have 2-3 months' rent available in cash for a higher security deposit
Before departure Identify the property search platforms specific to your destination country Join local expat Facebook groups for off-market listings
On arrival Explore several neighbourhoods on foot, test public transport at rush hour Talk to shopkeepers and local residents: they know the neighbourhoods better than any guide
On arrival Visit at least 5 to 10 apartments before making a decision Check: natural light, night-time noise, plumbing condition, internet connection available
On arrival Complete the check-in report, photograph every room before moving in Insist on a written receipt for the security deposit paid
Long-term installation Have the lease translated if needed, check the termination conditions Keep copies of all documents (lease, check-in report, rent receipts) in cloud storage
Long-term installation Wait 12 to 24 months before considering a property purchase Consult a local notary or lawyer to understand the acquisition rules for non-residents

Frequently asked questions

Can you rent an apartment abroad without a local tax number?

In most countries, it is possible to sign a lease without a local tax number on arrival. A passport and proof of income are generally sufficient for the initial steps. The local tax number (NIE in Spain, NIF in Portugal, TIN in Thailand) will be required to open a bank account, set up direct debits, or file local tax returns. Start the process of obtaining one in your first few weeks.

How much should you budget for temporary housing on arrival?

Allow between €600 and €2,500 for one month of temporary accommodation depending on the destination. In Lisbon or Bangkok, a decent furnished apartment costs €800-1,200/month on Airbnb or short-term rental. In Dubai, budget closer to €1,500-2,500 for a furnished studio or room in a central neighbourhood. Include this budget in the hidden costs of expatriation when doing your financial planning.

Should you use an estate agent or search directly?

Both approaches are valid. A local agency saves time and knows the market, but fees often represent one month’s rent or more. Searching directly via portals (Idealista, Bayut, DDProperty) saves these costs but requires more time and independence. For a first move to an unfamiliar country, an agency can be worth the fee, especially if it comes recommended by the local expat community.

Do foreign landlords trust expat tenants?

Attitudes vary. In highly international cities (Dubai, Barcelona, Lisbon, Bangkok), landlords are used to foreign tenants and have adapted processes. In markets less exposed to expats, you may encounter more caution. A solid tenant file (employment contract, bank statements, employer letter) and the availability of a higher security deposit will generally reassure hesitant landlords.

Housing abroad is a process that requires patience and method, especially in the first few weeks. The temporary housing rule protects you from costly mistakes and gives you the time to make an informed choice. Once settled in an apartment you genuinely know, the rest of the installation follows naturally.

To organise your full relocation, see the moving abroad checklist. For the financial and asset side, read the living abroad guide.

For housing specifics by destination:

The practices and figures quoted in this guide are valid as of Q3 2026. The rental market is evolving rapidly in several expat destinations: check current prices on local portals before finalising your budget.