VISALE makes it much easier for students to rent in France. This free service acts as your guarantor, so you don’t have to worry about paying a large security deposit.
Do I need a guarantor to rent accommodation in France?
In France, you usually need a guarantor to rent a place. This can be tough for international students who are new to France and don’t know many people.
A guarantor is someone who promises to pay your rent if you can’t. This could be a family member, friend, or an organization, but landlords often prefer someone who lives in France and has a steady income.
What is VISALE?
VISALE is a free service from the French government that helps people find housing.
It acts as a guarantee for your rent and utility bills if you can’t pay. So, if you ever have trouble paying your rent, VISALE will cover it, which reassures both you and your landlord.
Who is eligible for VISALE?
To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria:
- Age: You must be under 31 years old.
- Student status: You need to be enrolled in a recognized higher education institution in France.
- Residency: The accommodation you intend to rent must be your primary residence located in mainland France.
- Rental type: You can use VISALE for different types of housing, like private rentals (furnished or unfurnished) or even a single room in someone’s home.
- Rent limits: VISALE covers up to €1,500 per month in Paris and up to €1,300 per month in other parts of France.
How to apply for VISALE?
You can apply for VISALE easily online. Here’s how to get started:
- Create an account: Visit the official VISALE website and set up your personal account. You’ll just need to share some basic details about yourself.
- Complete the application form: Fill in the form with information about your studies, your income (if you have any), and the place you want to rent. You might need to include a draft rental agreement, even if you haven’t signed anything yet.
- Upload your documents: Provide copies of your passport ID page, student visa, and certificate of enrollment from your French institution.
- Submit and wait for approval: After you finish the form and upload your documents, send in your application. If you’re approved, you’ll get a “visa” certificate by email. This shows you qualify for the VISALE guarantee.
- Share with your landlord and sign your contract: Show your VISALE certificate to your landlord. This lets them know your rent is covered if there are any payment issues. Your landlord will then go to the VISALE website to finish the process and get a rental deposit certificate. After that, you can sign your lease.
Please note that you don’t need to know your address in France to apply. You can start the application process as soon as your receive your student visa.
Find accommodation in France with Go! Go! France
You can book student housing in France entirely online through our trusted partners, Uniplaces and HousingAnywhere. We make the process easy, even if you do not speak French yet, by connecting you with verified providers and offering full support along the way.
Good news: you do not need a guarantor when booking through Go! Go! France. Our partners make the process simple, so there is no need for income proof, complicated paperwork, guarantors, or in-person viewings. After booking, you will receive a visa-compatible accommodation certificate from our partners. This document confirms your housing in France and can be used for your visa application.
Find and book accommodation in France: Uniplaces & HousingAnywhere
