The real estate market in the Paris region (Île-de-France) is demanding: rents are high and solid guarantees are required. To find the right home for you, the key lies in planning ahead and exploring all available leads.
LIVING AT THE CITÉ INTERNATIONALE
A true "global campus" located in the 14th arrondissement, the Cité internationale welcomes 12,000 residents every year within a 34-hectare eco-friendly park. It offers 7,200 housing units (rooms, studios, apartments) along with numerous services: libraries, sports, culture, and restaurants.
Who can apply ?
• Researchers : Holders of a PhD with a research project or postdoctoral position.
How to apply?
Applications must be submitted exclusively online. Please have a copy of your ID and a photo ready before you begin.
👉 Submit my application online
👉 View detailed terms and conditions
Have a question about your housing at the Cité?
Contact the admissions office
FINDING SHORT-TERM HOUSING
🏠 Short-term Housing – Students
For a short stay in Paris, several structures (youth hostels, student residences, international centers, budget hotels, etc.) offer accommodation options adapted to students.
Check out our selection of establishments to find short-term housing.
🏠 Short-term Housing – Researchers
Researchers on short-term mobility also have various housing options in Paris (international residences, hostels, hotels, etc.).
This guide provides a selection of useful addresses to help you prepare your stay with ease.
FINDING A LONG-TERM HOUSING
To ensure a smooth move to France, it is essential to prepare your application file carefully and understand each step of the rental process. This guide will help you maximize your chances of finding a home, securing it, and avoiding common mistakes.
Before you start
- Set a budget: Your rent and utilities should ideally not exceed one-third of your income. If needed, arrange for a guarantor or apply for the Visale guarantee.
Budget Benchmarks (Average Rents):
• Room in a shared flat (colocation): €500 – €750
• Studio apartment: €600 – €950
• 1-bedroom apartment (T2): €950 – €1,300
Estimates provided for information purposes only.
- Choose your area: Take into account commute times, proximity to public transport, local shops, and the overall living environment.
Build a solid rental application
Essential documents: ID, student/employment certificate, proof of income, tax notice (if any), rent receipts or housing certificate, French bank details (RIB) + home insurance, etc.
💡 Tip: Create a single PDF or use DossierFacile to build your application.
Secure a guarantor
Visale (free state guarantee) if eligible.
Check your eligibility here.
Otherwise: personal guarantor or paid private guarantor.
💡 Tip : Also plan for the security deposit + the first month's rent (and potential agency fees).
Organize and attend viewings
💡 Key questions: amount of utilities, heating system, internet/fiber, neighbors, renovations.
Check the apartment’s condition (windows, water, humidity, etc.).
Take photos and note meter readings.
Submit your application
Send a complete application immediately after the visit.
Stay available and follow up within 24–48h.
Read and sign the lease
Carefully check the terms (duration, lease type, diagnostics).
Verify rent, security deposit, rent cap if applicable.
Preparing for your move-in
Home insurance is mandatory to receive the keys.
Open utility accounts (electricity, gas, water) + internet.
Detailed move-in inspection with photos.
After moving in
Pay rent monthly (bank transfer).
Declare your change of address (ANTS, taxes, social security, bank, etc.).
Add your name to the mailbox and notify La Poste.
Other useful information
Before finding housing:
• Garantie Visale (sert de garant) : cliquez ici pour vérifier votre éligibilité
After signing the lease:
• CAF (Housing Benefit): quick online application (not retroactive) – visit the CAF website
Depending on your situation:
• Mobili-Jeune : For apprentices/interns under 30 Action Logement website
• Mobili-Pass : For professional mobility (relocation costs) Action Logement website
• FSL : In case of financial difficultiesService-Public website
• Local Aid : City or regional grants, energy vouchers (chèques énergie), etc. Service-Public website
