If you’re an expat trying to rent an apartment in Paris, you’ve probably encountered the dreaded guarantor requirement. Almost every landlord in France asks for a garant, someone who legally commits to paying your rent if you can’t. For locals with family nearby, it’s straightforward. For internationals? It’s one of the biggest hurdles in the Paris rental market.
The good news: you have more options than you might think. From free government programs to paid services that specialize in helping foreigners, this guide covers every realistic way to secure a guarantor and get your application to the top of the pile.
What is a guarantor and why do landlords require one?
A guarantor (garant in French) is a person or organization that legally agrees to cover your rent and charges if you fail to pay. Think of it as a financial safety net for the landlord. The guarantor signs a formal commitment document (acte de cautionnement) that becomes part of your lease.
French landlords are particularly cautious because tenant protection laws in France are strong. Once someone moves in, evicting them for non-payment is a long, expensive process. During the winter months (November through March), landlords legally cannot evict tenants at all. This “winter truce” (trêve hivernale) means landlords want maximum reassurance before handing over the keys.
Simple vs. joint and several guarantee
French law distinguishes between two types of guarantees:
- Simple guarantee (caution simple): The landlord must first pursue the tenant through legal channels before contacting the guarantor. This process takes time and involves court procedures.
- Joint and several guarantee (caution solidaire): The landlord can contact the guarantor directly as soon as the tenant misses a payment, without going to court first.
Nearly all landlords in Paris require a joint and several guarantee because it offers faster recourse. When you sign as a guarantor or use a guarantor service, assume this is what you’re committing to.
The 3x rent rule
Landlords typically expect tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent. For a €1,500/month apartment, that means showing €4,500 in monthly income. If your income falls short, or if your employment situation seems unstable (freelance, new job, foreign contract), a guarantor becomes essential.
Even tenants with solid income often need a guarantor in Paris simply because competition is fierce and landlords can afford to be selective.
Why expats face extra challenges
International tenants hit several walls that French applicants don’t:
- No local guarantor: Your parents or friends likely don’t live in France. While foreign guarantors are technically accepted, most landlords and agencies strongly prefer someone based in France with French tax returns.
- Foreign income isn’t always understood: A U.S. salary or UK contract looks unfamiliar to French landlords. They may not know how to verify it or may simply choose a local applicant instead.
- No French credit history: France doesn’t have a credit score system like the U.S., but landlords do look for a rental track record and French tax returns (avis d’imposition). New arrivals have neither.
- Documents in foreign languages: Employment contracts, bank statements, and tax documents in English or other languages create friction. Some landlords won’t even review them.
This is precisely why guarantor services have become so popular among expats. They bridge the trust gap between foreign tenants and skeptical landlords.
Option 1: Visale (free, government-backed)
Visale is a free guarantee program run by Action Logement, a French organization funded by employers. It acts as your guarantor at no cost, covering unpaid rent for up to 36 months. For eligible tenants, it’s the best deal available.
Who qualifies for Visale?
- Anyone under 30 regardless of employment status (student, employed, unemployed, freelance)
- Private sector employees over 30 who are within 6 months of starting a new job, on a fixed-term contract, or in a trial period
- Employees relocating for work who moved to a new city within the past 6 months
- Non-EU citizens with a valid long-stay visa (VLS-TS) or residence permit
- EU citizens with valid ID
Rent limits
Visale covers rent up to €1,500/month in the Paris region (Île-de-France) and €1,300/month elsewhere in France. If your target apartment exceeds these limits, Visale won’t work.
How to apply
- Create an account at visale.fr
- Complete the eligibility questionnaire
- Upload required documents (ID, visa/residence permit, proof of income or student status)
- Receive your Visale certificate within 2 to 15 days
- Present the certificate to landlords during your apartment search
You can apply for Visale before finding an apartment and even before arriving in France if you already have your visa. The certificate is valid for 3 to 6 months depending on your situation.
Advantages and limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Completely free | Rent cap of €1,500 in Paris |
| Government-backed (reassures landlords) | Age and employment restrictions |
| 100% online process | Website only available in French |
| Can apply before arriving in France | Some landlords still prefer other options |
One note of caution: while Visale is well-established, not all landlords and agencies know about it or accept it readily. Larger agencies and professional landlords typically do; individual owners sometimes need convincing.
Option 2: Private guarantor services
If you don’t qualify for Visale or your target rent exceeds its limits, private guarantor services are the next best option. These companies evaluate your financial situation and, if approved, act as your guarantor in exchange for an annual fee.
For expats, these services are often the most reliable path to securing an apartment. They’re designed to work with foreign income, international documents, and the specific challenges foreigners face.
Garantme
Garantme is the most established name in this space and widely recognized by French landlords and agencies.
- Cost: 4.5% of annual rent (including charges)
- Maximum rent covered: Up to €8,000/month
- Processing time: Certificate issued within 24 hours
- Foreign income: Accepted (they evaluate savings, investments, and international salaries)
- Languages: English and French support available
Garantme has partnerships with many rental agencies, which can help your application stand out. You only pay once your lease is signed, so getting the certificate is free and risk-free.
Smartgarant
Smartgarant positions itself as a more affordable alternative with flexible payment options.
- Cost: Around 3% of annual rent (paid upfront) or 3.5% with monthly payments
- Processing time: Eligibility confirmed in minutes, full approval within hours
- Foreign income: Accepted for many profiles, though some expats report stricter evaluation
- Languages: Bilingual support (French and English)
Cautioneo
Cautioneo has gained popularity among expats for its flexibility with non-traditional income sources.
- Cost: 3.5% of annual rent + €1/month (students and civil servants: 2.9% + €12/year)
- Maximum rent covered: Up to €4,000/month
- Processing time: Initial simulation in minutes, full approval in about 48 hours
- Foreign income: Particularly accommodating of U.S. and international income, including investment income
Cost comparison
For a €1,800/month apartment (charges included), here’s what each service would cost annually:
| Service | Annual cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Visale | Free | Under 30 or new employees (rent ≤€1,500) |
| Garantme | ~€970 | Higher rents, agency partnerships |
| Smartgarant | ~€650 | Budget-conscious, traditional employment |
| Cautioneo | ~€770 | Non-traditional income, U.S. expats |
In our experience helping clients find apartments in Paris, private guarantor services have become almost essential for expats. Landlords recognize these names and trust the coverage they provide. — Flatigo team
Option 3: A personal guarantor (family or friend)
The traditional route is finding someone willing to act as your guarantor personally. This person signs a legal document committing to cover your rent if you default.
Requirements for a personal guarantor
To be accepted by landlords, your guarantor typically needs:
- Stable income (ideally 3-4 times the rent amount)
- Permanent employment contract (CDI), civil servant status, or 2+ years of self-employment
- French tax residency (strongly preferred)
Documents your guarantor must provide
- Valid ID (passport or French ID card)
- Last 3 payslips
- Employment contract
- Most recent tax return (avis d’imposition)
- Proof of address (utility bill or property tax notice less than 3 months old)
All documents must be in French. If your guarantor lives abroad and has documents in English or another language, some landlords may accept them, but many won’t. Having documents professionally translated can help, though it adds time and cost.
Can a foreign guarantor work?
Technically yes. Practically, it’s difficult. French landlords prefer guarantors they can easily pursue through French courts if needed. A guarantor in the U.S. or UK represents uncertainty and potential legal complications they’d rather avoid.
If your only option is a foreign guarantor, be prepared for many rejections. Combining this with a strong personal dossier and excellent references may help, but a professional guarantor service is usually more effective.
Related: How to avoid rental scams in Paris
Option 4: Your employer
If you’re relocating for work, your employer may be willing to act as your guarantor or help you secure housing through a corporate program.
How employer guarantees work
Some companies, particularly large multinationals and organizations that regularly hire international employees, have established processes for this:
- Direct guarantee: The company signs as your guarantor, backing your lease with corporate finances.
- Corporate housing: The company leases the apartment in its name and sublets to you.
- Relocation packages: The company pays for professional relocation services that include housing assistance.
How to negotiate
This benefit isn’t always advertised, but it’s worth asking during salary negotiations or when discussing your relocation package. Frame it as a practical need that will help you settle quickly and focus on work.
Points to raise:
- Paris’s competitive rental market makes finding housing difficult without local guarantors
- A corporate guarantee significantly speeds up the housing search
- This support is common practice among companies hiring internationally
Large companies, tech firms, and international organizations are most likely to offer this. Smaller businesses may be less familiar with the process but could still be open to it.
Option 5: Bank guarantee
If you have substantial savings but no other guarantor option, some French banks offer a caution bancaire (bank guarantee). The bank acts as your guarantor in exchange for you depositing a significant sum into a blocked account.
How it works
- You deposit 1 to 2 years of rent into a special account
- This money remains frozen for the duration of your lease
- The bank issues a guarantee certificate for your landlord
- When your lease ends, you get the deposit back (minus any fees)
Advantages and drawbacks
| Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| No income requirements | Requires €20,000-40,000+ in liquid assets |
| No guarantor needed | Money is frozen and inaccessible |
| Highly reassuring to landlords | Banks charge setup and management fees |
| Works for any rent level | Not all banks offer this service |
This option makes sense for retirees, high-net-worth individuals, or entrepreneurs with assets but irregular income. For most expats, the capital requirements make it impractical compared to paid guarantor services.
If you’re considering this route, contact French banks directly to ask about their caution bancaire offerings. Be prepared for a lengthy setup process that could take several weeks.
Option 6: Prepaying rent
Some landlords will accept several months of rent paid upfront in lieu of a guarantor. This isn’t technically a guarantee, but it serves the same purpose: reducing the landlord’s risk.
How much upfront?
Expect requests for 6 to 12 months of rent paid in advance. For a €1,800/month apartment, that means €10,800 to €21,600 upfront on top of the security deposit.
Legal considerations
French law limits security deposits to one month of rent for unfurnished apartments and two months for furnished ones. However, there’s no legal prohibition on a tenant voluntarily offering to prepay rent. Some landlords appreciate this flexibility; others still prefer a formal guarantor.
This approach works best when:
- You have significant cash reserves
- The landlord is flexible and willing to negotiate
- You’re dealing directly with an individual owner rather than an agency
Be cautious about prepaying rent to anyone you haven’t thoroughly vetted. Rental scams in Paris sometimes involve fake landlords collecting advance payments.
Related: Moving to Paris from the US: the ultimate guide for American expats
Which option is right for you?
Your best choice depends on your age, employment status, budget, and target rent. Here’s a quick guide:
| Your situation | Best options |
|---|---|
| Student under 30 | Visale (free), then Garantme or Smartgarant if rent exceeds €1,500 |
| Young professional under 30 | Visale first, private service as backup |
| Professional over 30, new job | Visale (if within 6 months of start), employer guarantee, Garantme |
| Remote worker / freelancer | Cautioneo or Garantme (both accept non-traditional income) |
| Retiree with savings | Bank guarantee or prepaid rent |
| Corporate relocation | Employer guarantee or corporate housing |
Tips for strengthening your application
A guarantor is essential, but it’s not the only factor landlords consider. To maximize your chances:
- Prepare a complete dossier: Missing documents give landlords an easy reason to reject you. Have everything ready before you start visiting apartments.
- Get your guarantor certificate in advance: Whether Visale or a private service, have your eligibility confirmed before apartment hunting. You need to move fast when you find something.
- Write a cover letter: A brief, professional letter introducing yourself and explaining your situation helps humanize your application.
- Be responsive: In Paris, apartments get snapped up within days. Answer calls, reply to emails quickly, and be ready to visit on short notice. For a week-by-week breakdown, see our guide on how long it takes to find an apartment.
- Consider working with professionals: Relocation services like Flatigo know which landlords are open to international tenants and can present your application effectively.
Final thoughts
Finding a guarantor as an expat in Paris is challenging but far from impossible. Free options like Visale make it accessible for many, while private services like Garantme, Smartgarant, and Cautioneo fill the gap for those who don’t qualify or need higher rent coverage.
The key is to get your guarantee sorted before you start apartment hunting. Walking into viewings with a certificate already in hand puts you on equal footing with local applicants and shows landlords you’re serious and prepared.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the Paris rental process, Flatigo helps international clients navigate every step, from building a competitive dossier to finding apartments and negotiating with landlords. We know what French landlords are looking for and how to present your application in the best light.
