Moving to Paris for a Corporate Assignment: Housing Guide for Employees

Your company has offered you a position in Paris. The assignment is confirmed, your start date is approaching, and now you need to figure out where you are actually going to live.

For many international employees, finding an apartment is one of the most stressful parts of relocating to Paris, especially if you are moving with your family.

The Paris rental market moves quickly and is highly competitive. The paperwork may also be very different from what you are used to, and your employer may be involved in the housing process in ways that are not immediately clear.

Should the lease be in your name or your company’s? Should you choose furnished or unfurnished? How much should you budget? And is it possible to secure an apartment before you even arrive in France?

Here is what employees moving to Paris for a corporate assignment should know.

First, Clarify Your Corporate Housing Budget and Relocation Benefits

Before starting your apartment search, clarify exactly what is included in your relocation package.

Corporate assignments can look very different from one company to another.

Your employer may:

• pay the rent for you;
• provide you with a monthly housing allowance;
• provide temporary accommodation when you arrive;
• work with a relocation company or real estate agency;
• pay agency fees or the security deposit;
• cover utilities, internet, or home insurance;
• require the lease to be signed in the company’s name.

Do not assume that your “housing budget” simply means the maximum monthly rent.

Ask HR or your mobility team what is included in the allowance and whether building charges, parking, utilities, agency fees, insurance, and any taxes or occupancy-related costs are included or need to be paid separately.

It is much easier to search for the right apartment when you know your real budget from the beginning.

Should the Lease Be in Your Name or Your Employer’s?

This is one of the first questions to clarify.

There are generally two common arrangements.

The Lease Is in the Employee’s Name

The employee signs the lease personally and becomes the legal tenant.

The employer may still provide a housing allowance or reimburse part or all of the rent, but the rental agreement remains between the employee and the landlord.

If the apartment is being rented specifically as accommodation linked to a temporary professional assignment or as a secondary residence, a Code Civil lease may be used. 

The lease is often agreed for one year and automatically renewable, with a one-month notice period for the tenant. However, depending on the length of the assignment and the landlord’s agreement, the lease term may sometimes be negotiated to match the employee’s stay — for example, six or nine months.

The Company Signs the Lease

In some corporate assignments, the employer signs the rental agreement directly, while the employee is named as the authorized occupant.

In the Paris rental market, this is often referred to as a corporate lease or company lease, known in French as a “bail société.”

This type of lease generally falls under the Code Civil framework, rather than the standard rules that apply to a principal-residence lease. It can therefore offer greater flexibility regarding the lease duration and other contractual terms, allowing the agreement to be adapted more easily to the company’s needs.

For employees, this arrangement can also simplify the application process. The landlord evaluates the company as the tenant, which can strengthen the rental application. In many cases, the company also handles a large part of the administrative and legal process.

However, the process may take slightly longer, as the company’s HR, legal, or mobility department will usually need to review and approve the lease before it is signed.

What About the Bail Mobilité?

For shorter corporate assignments, another option may be the bail mobilité.

This is a furnished rental contract lasting between one and ten months and available to certain tenants in temporary situations, including people on professional assignments or undergoing professional mobility.

One of its main advantages is that no security deposit can be required.

However, not every tenant or apartment will qualify, and a bail mobilité cannot simply be renewed indefinitely. In practice, the choice of apartments offered under a bail mobilité can also be more limited than for other lease structures.

For longer assignments, a Code Civil lease will usually be more suitable and offer greater flexibility.

Furnished or Unfurnished: Which Is Better for a Corporate Assignment?

For most international employees arriving in Paris for a fixed-term assignment, a furnished apartment is usually the easiest option.

You can move in immediately without having to buy furniture, kitchen equipment, beds, lighting, or appliances.

When your assignment ends, moving out is also much simpler, as you do not need to sell, store, or move your furniture.

However, an unfurnished apartment may make more sense if you are moving to Paris for the long term, bringing your own furniture, or relocating permanently with your family.

Keep in mind that “unfurnished” in France can mean very unfurnished. Depending on the apartment, you may need to arrange furniture, lighting, appliances, kitchen fittings, shelving, beds, window coverings, and other basic equipment yourself.

Can You Rent an Apartment Before Arriving in Paris?

Yes.

Many employees on international assignments secure their apartment before arriving in France, especially when the company has already confirmed the assignment and start date.

Corporate profiles can be particularly reassuring to landlords when:

• the assignment is clearly defined;
• the duration of the stay is usually fixed;
• the employee is often backed by a well-established company.

In some cases, the employer may also provide a housing allowance, pay the rent directly, or offer a company guarantee.

Today, much of the rental process can be handled remotely. A relocation consultant or real estate agent can visit the property on your behalf and show it to you by video. Rental applications and supporting documents can be submitted online, and leases can usually be signed electronically before arrival.

This means that an employee can often secure an apartment in Paris before even landing in France.

Corporate Assignment: Which Documents Do You Need to Rent an Apartment in Paris?

The documents required will depend mainly on who signs the lease: the employee or the company.

Case 1: The Employee Signs the Lease

For an international assignment, your application should explain the assignment clearly. A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, assignment dates, and housing arrangements can be particularly useful.

Depending on your situation, your file may include:

• passport or identity document;
• visa, if needed;
• employment contract;
• employer certificate;
• recent payslips;
• tax documents;
• proof of your current address;
• recent rent receipts or proof of rent payments;
• assignment or mobility letter;
• details of your company housing allowance;
• guarantor documents, if required by the landlord.

Case 2: The Company Signs the Lease

If your employer signs the lease directly, the application is structured differently.

In this case, the landlord or agency will usually focus more on the company itself and on the person authorized to sign the lease on its behalf.

The file may include:

• company registration documents;
• company identification details;
• proof of the company’s financial standing;
• identification of the employee who will occupy the apartment;
• details of the employee’s assignment;
• identification of the person who will sign the lease on behalf of the company;
• a power of attorney or authorization letter confirming that this person is authorized to sign the lease.

The exact documents required will depend on the lease structure, the landlord, and the tenant’s individual situation. Depending on the arrangement, the company may also be asked to provide additional guarantees to reassure the landlord, such as a bank guarantee.

Do You Need a French Guarantor When Relocating to Paris for Work?

Not necessarily.

If you are relocating to Paris for a corporate assignment, especially with a well-known international company or organization, the landlord may already feel reassured by your professional situation.

For example, a guarantor may not always be required if your company signs the lease directly, provides a company guarantee, or gives you a housing allowance that fully covers the rent and confirms these arrangements in writing.

It is therefore useful to ask your employer or relocation team in advance whether they can provide a company guarantee, sign the lease directly, or help arrange another form of guarantee.

How Much Should You Budget for Rent in Paris on a Corporate Assignment?

Paris rents vary considerably depending on the neighborhood, apartment size, condition, furniture, floor, elevator, outdoor space, and overall quality of the property.

Corporate apartments are also often located in some of the most sought-after areas of Paris, which can push rents higher.

Based on the types of furnished apartments commonly sought by our international and corporate clients, you might expect budgets in the following ranges:

By “central or premium areas,” we mean neighborhoods such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the 7th arrondissement, the Marais, the 8th arrondissement, or the most sought-after parts of the 16th.

Less central areas can include parts of the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th arrondissements, where you can often find more space for the same budget.

These are only indicative ranges. A renovated apartment with air conditioning, a terrace, Eiffel Tower views, parking, or a particularly prestigious address can rent for considerably more.

Remember that the advertised rent is not always the only cost to consider. Depending on the property and lease, you may also need to budget for utilities, internet, agency fees, and other occupancy costs.

Are Corporate Rentals Subject to Rent Control in Paris?

It depends on the lease structure. When the apartment is genuinely rented under a Code Civil lease — for example, as company accommodation or a secondary residence rather than the tenant’s principal residence — Paris rent-control rules generally do not apply in the same way as they do to principal-residence leases.

The rent is therefore generally negotiated freely between the parties, subject to the applicable contractual and legal framework.

However, the lease must genuinely qualify for the Code Civil framework. The applicable rules depend on how the property is occupied and on who signs the lease.

Do You Have to Pay Housing tax (Taxe d’Habitation) During a Corporate Assignment?

Possibly.

Since 2023, taxe d’habitation has been abolished for principal residences in France, but it still applies to furnished properties used as secondary residences.

This is important for employees on corporate assignments because a Code Civil lease, company lease, or logement de fonction may sometimes be treated as accommodation other than the employee’s principal residence, depending on the actual situation.

If the apartment is considered your principal residence in France, you should generally not pay taxe d’habitation.

If, however, the apartment is treated as a secondary residence, taxe d’habitation may still be due. The tax is generally determined according to who has the private use of the furnished property on January 1 of the tax year. This can be an individual occupant or, in some cases, a company.

For corporate rentals, it is therefore worth checking before signing the lease:

• whether the apartment will be declared as your principal or secondary residence;
• whether the lease is signed by you or your employer;
• who will be responsible for any taxe d’habitation if one is issued;
• whether your company’s relocation package covers this cost.

Paris Rental tip: do not assume that a “bail société” or Code Civil lease automatically means that you personally have to pay taxe d’habitation. The tax treatment depends on the actual occupation of the property and how it is declared to the French tax authorities.

Best Areas to Live in Paris for a Corporate Assignment

The best neighborhood for a corporate assignment is not necessarily the most famous one. In practice, the right choice depends on where you work, how you commute, whether you are relocating alone or with family, and the lifestyle you want outside office hours.

Before choosing an area, consider:

• where your office is located;
• how often you need to commute;
• whether you travel frequently from Charles de Gaulle or Orly;
• whether your children attend an international school;
• whether you prefer a lively central neighborhood or a quieter residential area;
• whether you work from home and need more space;
• whether you need parking;
• how important shops, restaurants, parks, and everyday services are within walking distance.

Here are some neighborhoods that are particularly popular with international employees and corporate tenants.

7th Arrondissement: Central, Prestigious and Residential

The 7th is a popular choice for senior executives, diplomats, and international families looking for a central but relatively calm environment.

It offers elegant residential streets, easy access to the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, government institutions, and many embassies.

The main drawback is price. Apartments are often expensive, especially if you are looking for a larger property or outdoor space. The neighborhood is also relatively quiet, with less of a lively social scene than areas such as the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

It is particularly well suited to employees who want a prestigious address, a peaceful residential atmosphere, and easy access to central Paris.

8th Arrondissement: Convenient for the Business District

The 8th is particularly practical for employees working around the Champs-Élysées, Étoile, Madeleine, Opéra, or the central business district.

It offers excellent transport connections, with several Métro lines and convenient access to RER A and E, as well as Saint-Lazare station.

Some parts of the arrondissement can feel busier and more commercial during the day, so you may want to think twice if you are looking for a quieter, more residential atmosphere.

16th Arrondissement: A Strong Choice for Families, Diplomats and Senior Executives

The 16th is one of the most popular areas for international families, diplomats, and senior executives, and is widely considered one of the most prestigious residential neighborhoods in Paris.

Compared with the historic center, apartments are often larger, streets are generally quieter, and parking can be easier to find. The arrondissement also offers convenient access to western Paris, La Défense, Boulogne-Billancourt, and several renowned international schools.

You also have easy access to the Bois de Boulogne, one of the largest green spaces in Paris, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, running, cycling, horseback riding, boating, and tennis.

For employees relocating with children, or for those working partly from home and looking for more space and a quieter environment, the 16th offers a very good balance between comfort, location, and quality of life.

6th Arrondissement: Central Paris Lifestyle

The 6th, particularly around Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is one of the most sought-after areas in Paris. It is ideal for people who want to experience central Paris on a daily basis.

Cafés, restaurants, the Seine, the Luxembourg Gardens, shops, cultural attractions, and the elegant Left Bank atmosphere are all within easy reach.

The main trade-offs are space and price. The 6th is one of the most expensive areas in Paris, and apartments are often smaller and more expensive per square meter. This can make the area less practical for larger families or people who need a separate home office.

Buildings in the 6th also tend to be older. Depending on the property, there may be no elevator, and air conditioning is relatively uncommon.

15th Arrondissement: Practical and Residential

The 15th is a good option for employees looking for a more residential environment while remaining well connected to central Paris. It generally offers more space for the budget than the 6th or 7th and can be particularly practical for people working in western or southwestern Paris, including Issy-les-Moulineaux and Boulogne-Billancourt.

It is also a popular choice for families thanks to its quieter streets, shops, schools, parks, and everyday amenities. Several well-known international and bilingual schools are located in or around the arrondissement, which can make it especially convenient for families relocating with children.

17th Arrondissement: Residential with Good Business Connections

The 17th offers a good balance between residential quality and access to major business areas.

Neighborhoods such as Ternes, Courcelles, and Monceau are especially attractive for corporate tenants and families looking for a more prestigious and elegant residential atmosphere while staying close to the 8th and 9th arrondissements.

On the other side of the arrondissement, Batignolles has a younger, more creative and “bobo” (bourgeois-bohemian) feel, with plenty of trendy cafés, restaurants, local shops, and newer residential developments. It is particularly popular with expats and young professionals.

Apartments around Ternes, Courcelles, and Monceau are not necessarily cheaper than in central Paris, but other parts of the 17th can offer more space for the budget and a more relaxed residential environment.

Ultimately, the best area is the one that makes your daily routine easier. For a corporate relocation, a shorter commute, more space, or better access to schools can often be more valuable than living close to Paris’s main tourist attractions.

What Should Your Employer or Relocation Team Handle?

Even if you are choosing the apartment yourself, your company should ideally be involved early in the process.

Depending on your relocation package, HR or your mobility provider may need to:

• confirm your housing budget;
• approve the property;
• confirm assignment dates;
• provide employer documentation;
• sign or review the lease;
• arrange a company guarantee;
• organize rent payments;
• pay agency fees or deposits;
• coordinate temporary accommodation;
• assist with utilities and insurance.

Do not wait until the landlord accepts your application before sending the lease to your company.

Corporate approval processes can take time, and Paris apartments often move quickly.

Relocation Agency or Real Estate Agency: Which Is Best for Your Corporate Housing Search?

If your company provides a relocation package that includes assistance with your apartment search, take advantage of it. Relocation consultants know the local process and can be particularly helpful if you have not yet arrived in Paris.

That said, if you have very specific criteria, it can still be useful to keep an eye on listings yourself and share interesting properties with your relocation consultant. This can help speed up the search in a competitive market.

If your company does not provide a relocation service, working directly with a real estate agency specialized in international and corporate rentals can often be the most efficient option.

A specialized agency can help you identify suitable apartments, organize in-person or virtual viewings, explain the different lease structures, prepare your rental application, and present your corporate assignment in a way that French landlords understand.

If your company does not cover relocation services, working directly with a specialized real estate agency can also help avoid an additional housing-search fee on top of the agency fees associated with the rental.

Moving to Paris for Work: Prepare the Housing Side Early

A corporate assignment in Paris is easier when the housing side is prepared early.

Before you start searching, make sure you know your budget, assignment dates, lease structure, employer support, and preferred areas. Having your documents ready will also make the process much smoother.

At Paris Rental, we have been helping international employees and companies find long-term apartments in Paris since 1987. We know how to handle corporate and international profiles, and we can help you find a home that works for both your assignment and your everyday life in Paris.