International students renting in Europe need a valid ID, proof of enrolment, and in some countries a local tax number \u2014 NIF, NIE or Codice Fiscale. Requirements vary by country, but you can book on Uniplaces before having everything in place.<\/p>\n
Regardless of where you’re moving in Europe, most landlords will expect you to provide:<\/p>\n
These documents are not required to book on Uniplaces<\/strong> \u2014 they may be requested by the landlord after your booking is confirmed, or when you sign a rental contract. Have them ready before your move-in date.<\/p>\n In Portugal, most landlords and property managers will ask for your NIF (N\u00famero de Identifica\u00e7\u00e3o Fiscal)<\/strong> \u2014 the Portuguese tax identification number. It’s required for signing a rental contract and for many day-to-day transactions in the country.<\/p>\n You can obtain your NIF at any local tax office (Finan\u00e7as) in Portugal, or through the Portuguese consulate in your home country before you arrive. You’ll need your passport and proof of address. EU citizens can also obtain it online through the Portal das Finan\u00e7as.<\/p>\n In Spain, foreign nationals need a NIE (N\u00famero de Identificaci\u00f3n de Extranjero)<\/strong> for most legal and administrative processes, including signing a rental contract. Without it, you may struggle to open a bank account or register as a resident.<\/p>\n Apply for your NIE at a Spanish National Police station (Comisar\u00eda) or through the Spanish consulate in your home country. The process can take several weeks, so apply as early as possible \u2014 ideally before you arrive.<\/p>\n In Italy, the Codice Fiscale<\/strong> is a personal tax code required for almost all official transactions \u2014 including rental contracts, bank accounts and healthcare registration. Without it, you cannot legally sign a tenancy agreement.<\/p>\n You can apply for your Codice Fiscale at the Italian tax authority (Agenzia delle Entrate) in Italy, or at the Italian consulate in your home country before travelling. It’s typically issued quickly \u2014 sometimes within a few days.<\/p>\n In Germany<\/strong>, landlords typically require proof of income and the last three months of bank statements. Some also request a SCHUFA credit report \u2014 a German credit check that non-residents may struggle to provide. Having a guarantor letter from a parent or institution can help if you don’t have a SCHUFA.<\/p>\n In France<\/strong>, landlords often require a complete application dossier including ID, proof of enrolment, proof of income and a guarantor. The Visale guarantee scheme \u2014 run by Action Logement \u2014 can act as a guarantor for eligible students and young people, which removes this barrier for many international tenants.<\/p>\n You can book on Uniplaces before having your tax number or other documents in place. Book first, sort the paperwork after.<\/strong> Most landlords understand that international students are working on obtaining these documents and will give you time to provide them after move-in.<\/p>\n If a landlord requires specific documents before accepting your booking request, they will typically mention this in their listing or ask via the platform after receiving your request. Contact the Uniplaces support team<\/a> if you need help navigating a specific situation.<\/p>\n No \u2014 a tax number is not required to create a Uniplaces account or send a booking request. It may be needed when signing a rental contract with your landlord, which typically happens after your booking is confirmed.<\/p>\n Processing times vary. A Portuguese NIF can often be obtained within a day at a local tax office. A Spanish NIE can take several weeks to process. An Italian Codice Fiscale is usually issued quickly, sometimes on the same day. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays.<\/p>\n Yes \u2014 both can be obtained through the relevant consulate in your home country before you travel. This is the most reliable way to have the documents ready before move-in, especially for Spain where the NIE process can be slow.<\/p>\n Explain your situation honestly and provide what you can \u2014 a passport, enrolment letter and financial proof are usually enough to start. If a landlord is inflexible, contact Uniplaces support and they can help mediate or suggest alternatives.<\/p>\n Ready to find your accommodation?Portugal \u2014 NIF number<\/h2>\n
Spain \u2014 NIE number<\/h2>\n
Italy \u2014 Codice Fiscale<\/h2>\n
Germany and France \u2014 general requirements<\/h2>\n
What if you don’t have all documents yet?<\/h2>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
Do I need a tax number to book on Uniplaces?<\/h4>\n
How long does it take to get a NIF, NIE or Codice Fiscale?<\/h4>\n
Can I get my NIF or NIE before arriving in the country?<\/h4>\n
What if my landlord asks for documents I don’t have yet?<\/h4>\n
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