What a guarantor is
A guarantor (garant) is someone who promises to cover your rent if you don't. French landlords almost always ask for one, and they typically want a guarantor based in France with French income. For an international student arriving without local family, that's a wall — and it's the single most common reason students struggle to sign a lease.
Visale: the free state guarantee
Visale is a free, state-backed rent guarantee that can stand in as your guarantor. Instead of a person, the scheme itself guarantees your rent to the landlord. It's designed precisely for younger tenants and students, and it costs nothing to use.
The flow is simple: you request a Visale certificate (visa) before signing, then show it to landlords as proof you're covered. Many students up to the eligible age qualify.
If Visale isn't accepted
Some landlords still prefer a personal or paid guarantor. Your options:
- Paid guarantor services — private companies act as your guarantor for a fee, useful when a landlord won't take Visale.
- Student residences — CROUS and private student residences often have lighter or no guarantor requirements.
- A personal guarantor abroad — occasionally accepted, but many landlords decline non-French guarantors.
The rental file (dossier)
Whatever guarantee you use, landlords expect a tidy dossier. Typically:
- ID / passport and (non-EU) residence document.
- Proof of student status (enrolment certificate).
- Your guarantee proof (Visale certificate or guarantor documents).
- A French RIB, since rent is usually paid from a French account.
When to sort this
Arrange your guarantee before signing a lease, and ideally have your French bank account ready first, since landlords often want a French account for rent. Housing runs partly in parallel with your other admin, but the guarantee is the piece that unblocks actually getting a place.
Not sure what order to do these in?
Answer three quick questions and get your steps in the right order — with your titre de séjour deadline and a guide for each one.
Build your roadmap →Frequently asked questions
What is a garant?
Someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can't. French landlords usually require one, and often want them based in France — a problem for international students.
Can I use Visale?
Yes. Visale is a free, state-backed rent guarantee that acts as your guarantor. Many students qualify; you request a certificate before signing a lease.
What if my landlord won't take Visale?
Use a paid guarantor service, or look at student residences, which often have lighter guarantor requirements.
Bank account or guarantor first?
Have a French bank account ready and arrange the guarantee before signing. Sorting Visale early removes the most common barrier to getting a place.