For most people moving to a new country, the hardest part of renting is not affordability — it is the question “who is your local guarantor?” As a newcomer you almost never have an answer, and that single gap stalls more first rentals abroad than price ever does. The good news: you have real options.
Why landlords ask for a guarantor
A guarantor is someone who promises to pay your rent if you cannot. Landlords ask for one because you are new to the country with no local credit history, and the guarantor is their insurance. It is rarely personal — it is risk management. Which means anything that convincingly reduces their risk can replace a guarantor.
What landlords accept instead
- Several months’ rent in advance. Offering three to six months upfront is the most common substitute and often settles the matter.
- A larger deposit. Where local law allows, an extra month of deposit can reassure a cautious landlord.
- Proof of strong, stable income — ideally three times the rent — backed by several months of bank statements.
- A professional tenant dossier with references from previous landlords and employers.
- A guarantor service that co-signs on your behalf.
How a guarantor service works
A guarantor service is a company that formally acts as your guarantor. It vouches for you to the landlord — so the landlord gets the security they want — while you pay a fee for the cover. This is standard practice in markets like Japan and France, and it is increasingly available across Europe. It turns “no local guarantor” from a dealbreaker into a solved problem.
💡 Movely can act as your guarantor so a missing local co-signer never costs you the apartment. You get the flat; the landlord gets the security.
Country notes
Spain — many landlords ask for an avalista or several months upfront. France — a guarantor (or a garant service) is almost universal; services are well established. Germany — landlords lean on the Schufa and income proof rather than a personal guarantor, but a guarantee can still help. Japan — a guarantor company is effectively mandatory. UK — a UK-based guarantor or several months’ rent in advance is typical.
Put it together
Decide which substitute fits your situation, prepare the paperwork before you view, and tell the landlord upfront how you will cover the guarantor question. Addressing it proactively — rather than being caught out at the viewing — is what gets you the keys.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really rent abroad without a local guarantor?
Yes. Landlords want security, not a guarantor specifically. Advance rent, a larger deposit, strong income proof, or a guarantor service that co-signs can all take the place of a local guarantor.
What is a guarantor service?
A company that formally acts as your guarantor, vouching for you to the landlord for a fee. It gives the landlord the security they require when you have no local co-signer.
How many months’ rent in advance do landlords accept instead of a guarantor?
Three to six months is common and often settles the matter, though it ties up a lot of cash. A guarantor service avoids locking away that money.
No local guarantor? Movely can act as your guarantor so it never costs you the apartment.
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