RelocateCompassThe Complete Guide to Renting an Apartment Abroad as an Expat
Country-by-country apartment hunting — where to search, what landlords require, typical deposits and lease terms, red flags, and how to negotiate.
Finding your first apartment in a new country is one of the most stressful parts of relocation. Landlords want local references, banks want local addresses, and everything needs to happen at once. This guide walks you through the entire process, country by country, so you can secure housing with confidence.
Before you arrive: online apartment hunting
Start your search 4–8 weeks before your arrival date, using country-specific portals:
- Spain: Idealista.com, Fotocasa.es
- Portugal: Idealista.pt, Imovirtual.com
- Germany: ImmobilienScout24.de, WG-Gesucht.de
- UAE: Bayut.com, PropertyFinder.ae
- Thailand: DDproperty.com
- Malaysia: PropertyGuru.com.my
For short-term stays during your search, use Airbnb or a furnished apartment for the first 2–4 weeks.
What landlords typically require
- ✅ Passport/ID
- ✅ Proof of income or bank statements (3–6 months)
- ✅ Employment contract or visa documentation
- ✅ Reference letter from a previous landlord
- ✅ Security deposit (usually 1–3 months’ rent)
Common rental terms by country
| Country | Deposit | Typical lease | Notice period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 1–2 months | 1 year (min) | 30 days |
| Portugal | 2 months | 1 year | 30–60 days |
| Germany | Up to 3 months | 1 year | 3 months |
| UAE | 1–2 months | 1 year | 90 days |
| Thailand | 2 months | 1 year or monthly | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 2 months | 1 year | 30 days |
Red flags to watch out for
- ❌ Landlord asks for payment before viewing
- ❌ Price significantly below market rate
- ❌ No formal contract offered
- ❌ Requests payment in cash only
- ❌ Refuses to show ID or legal ownership documents
Negotiating your lease
In most countries, rent is negotiable — especially for longer leases or off-season moves. Offering 6 months upfront in cash often gets you a 5–10% discount. Use our Cost of Living Calculator to research typical rent prices in your target city before negotiating.
Your pre-move checklist
- ✅ Research average rents in your target neighbourhood
- ✅ Book a furnished short-term rental for the first month
- ✅ Prepare income documents in advance (translated if needed)
- ✅ Never pay a deposit before signing a formal contract
- ✅ Photograph the apartment before moving in
Renting abroad takes preparation but is completely manageable. Research your market, arrive with proper documentation, and never skip a formal written contract.