A Guide to Short-Term Housing and Rental Apartments : Furnished Apartments for Foreigners
Short-term housing refers to fully furnished apartments or accommodations that can be rented for a few weeks to several months. These rental options are designed for flexibility and convenience, often catering to business travelers, digital nomads, expatriates, and students. Unlike traditional long-term leases, short-term rentals offer simplified agreements, inclusive utilities, and ready-to-use living spaces.
This type of housing is especially relevant for foreigners who are relocating temporarily, undergoing international work assignments, attending academic programs, or simply exploring a country before committing to a longer stay. The concept has expanded in major urban centers and tourist destinations around the world to accommodate the growing demand for mobility-friendly living arrangements.
Why Short-Term Furnished Rentals Matter Today
The global workforce is increasingly mobile. From international tech professionals to postgraduate students and healthcare workers, more people are traveling or relocating temporarily than ever before. This has led to a rising demand for comfortable, hassle-free, and flexible housing options.
Key reasons why short-term furnished rentals are important:
-
Convenience: Foreigners often need immediate housing with minimal setup. Furnished apartments eliminate the stress of purchasing furniture, setting up utilities, or dealing with long lease negotiations.
-
Flexibility: Short-term leases allow tenants to stay for exactly as long as they need without penalties for early exits.
-
Cost Transparency: Many short-term rentals include internet, electricity, water, and maintenance in the monthly rate, simplifying budgeting.
-
Location Choices: These accommodations are often located in central business districts, near universities, or close to public transportation, offering easy access to amenities.
Who benefits most?
-
International students
-
Business travelers
-
Freelancers and remote workers
-
Relocating families or individuals
-
Medical tourists and temporary healthcare workers
This model solves the problem of securing temporary housing in a foreign environment without the usual challenges of setting up a new home from scratch.
Recent Trends and Updates in Short-Term Rentals (2024–2025)
The short-term rental landscape continues to evolve, especially in response to global events and digital lifestyle shifts. Several notable trends have emerged over the past year:
| Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visas | Countries like Portugal, Estonia, and Costa Rica have implemented special visas encouraging foreign professionals to live and work temporarily. |
| Smart Apartments | Integration of smart locks, virtual tours, and remote booking platforms has become more common. |
| Work-Friendly Spaces | Many rentals now include dedicated workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi to cater to remote workers. |
| Hybrid Leasing Models | Some property managers offer flexible leases that transition from short-term to long-term without requiring tenants to relocate. |
| Increased Regulation | Cities like Amsterdam and New York have tightened rules around short-term subletting, emphasizing legal compliance and taxation. |
Laws and Policies Affecting Short-Term Rentals Globally
Short-term rental policies vary significantly by country and city. Understanding local laws is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Examples of country-specific regulations:
| Country | Key Policies |
|---|---|
| United States | Rules vary by city. In New York City, owners must register short-term rentals with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. In Los Angeles, hosts must live on the property and limit stays to 120 days per year. |
| Germany | In Berlin, renting out an entire apartment short-term requires a permit. Hosts must also report income for tax purposes. |
| Japan | Under the “Minpaku” law, short-term rentals are allowed for up to 180 days per year, and property registration with local authorities is mandatory. |
| France | Paris limits short-term rentals of primary residences to 120 days annually. Anything beyond this requires changing the property’s classification. |
Common legal elements across countries:
-
Requirement for business licenses or permits
-
Income reporting and taxation
-
Limits on rental duration
-
Guest registration for safety and immigration records
-
Zoning restrictions and homeowner association rules
Foreigners are advised to confirm whether their intended lease is compliant with both national and municipal laws. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo often include location-specific compliance guides for hosts and guests.
Helpful Tools and Resources
Access to the right tools can simplify the search for short-term rentals. Whether it's comparing listings, checking for legal compliance, or handling payments, the following resources can assist foreigners:
Websites and Platforms:
-
Airbnb – Offers flexible stays with filtering for monthly rentals and “verified stays.”
-
Booking.com – Includes apartment listings with discounts for long stays.
-
Blueground – Furnished apartments in major global cities with monthly leasing options.
-
Flatio – Focused on mid-term rentals for digital nomads and expats.
-
Homelike – Specializes in business housing in Europe with lease contracts and invoicing.
-
Nestpick – Aggregates furnished apartments for stays longer than one month.
Legal and Government Resources:
-
Immigration websites – For checking if specific housing types meet visa/residency requirements.
-
Local municipality portals – Often list approved properties or outline local rental rules.
-
Online expat forums – For personal reviews and real-world experiences.
Useful Apps:
-
HousingAnywhere – Student- and intern-friendly platform with verified landlords.
-
Zumper – Allows booking, credit checks, and lease signing online (U.S. and Canada).
-
MoveMeIn – Simplifies the utility setup process for foreigners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the difference between short-term and long-term rentals?
A: Short-term rentals are typically for durations of a few days to six months and come fully furnished. Long-term rentals are often for a year or more, usually unfurnished, and may require more documentation and upfront deposits.
Q2: Are furnished apartments more expensive?
A: Yes, they generally cost more than unfurnished apartments on a per-month basis due to included furniture, appliances, utilities, and added convenience. However, they may be more economical when considering setup costs and short duration.
Q3: Can foreigners legally rent short-term apartments in any country?
A: While most countries allow it, legal frameworks vary. It’s important to ensure the property complies with local rental laws and that your visa allows such stays. Some countries also impose rental taxes or require guest registration.
Q4: Is it safe to book a furnished apartment online before arrival?
A: Booking through well-known platforms with verified listings is generally safe. Look for properties with multiple positive reviews, cancellation policies, and customer support. Avoid wiring money directly to private landlords without verification.
Q5: What documents do I need to rent a furnished apartment as a foreigner?
A: Required documents may include a copy of your passport, visa, proof of income or employment, and a valid credit card. Some landlords may also request a deposit or local references, especially for longer stays.
Conclusion
Short-term furnished apartments provide a vital solution for foreigners who need a flexible, convenient, and legally compliant place to stay. Whether you're in town for a project, transitioning between cities, or exploring life abroad, these rentals make temporary living easier and more comfortable. As the world continues to adapt to mobile lifestyles and hybrid work cultures, short-term housing will likely become an even more prominent part of the global rental ecosystem.