Accommodation Guide
Finding safe, affordable housing in Europe — practical advice for Bangladeshi workers.
Accommodation Scam Warnings
- • NEVER pay rent or deposit before physically seeing the property — scammers use fake photos of apartments that do not exist.
- • Verify the landlord's identity — ask for an ID copy and proof of property ownership or a signed power of attorney.
- • Never send money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or cryptocurrency to a "landlord" you have not met in person.
- • If the price seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Research average rents for the area first.
- • Do not sign anything you cannot read — get contracts translated before signing.
- • Take photos of the apartment on move-in day to document existing damage and avoid disputes later.
- • Your employer CANNOT confiscate your passport or lock you in your accommodation — that is illegal.
Shared Room
EUR 250-400
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 500-900
per month
Deposit
2-3 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- Anmeldung (address registration) is mandatory within 14 days of moving in.
- Cold rent (Kaltmiete) does not include utilities. Ask about Warmmiete (warm rent) which includes heating.
- Schufa credit report may be requested — new arrivals can get a free basic Schufa.
- Many German apartments come unfurnished — even without a kitchen. Confirm before signing.
Scam Warnings
- • Never pay before viewing. German rental scams are common on Facebook groups.
- • If the landlord claims to be abroad and wants you to wire money — it is a scam.
Shared Room
EUR 150-250
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 350-600
per month
Deposit
1-2 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- Zameldowanie (registration) is needed for your residence card.
- Heating costs can be high in winter — ask about monthly utility estimates.
- Many landlords prefer cash rent. Insist on bank transfers for proof of payment.
Scam Warnings
- • Be cautious of Facebook ads offering very cheap apartments in city centers.
- • Always sign a written rental contract (umowa najmu) before paying anything.
Shared Room
EUR 200-350
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 450-800
per month
Deposit
2-3 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- Rental contracts must be registered with Agenzia delle Entrate for legal protection.
- Condominium fees (spese condominiali) are often extra — ask about these.
- Southern Italy is significantly cheaper than Milan or Rome.
Scam Warnings
- • Informal cash-only rentals without contracts leave you with no legal protection.
Shared Room
EUR 300-500
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 550-1000
per month
Deposit
1 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- APL housing aid (aide personnalisee au logement) may be available — apply through CAF.
- Paris is extremely expensive. Consider suburbs with good metro connections.
- A guarantor (garant) is often required. Visale.fr offers free guarantor service for workers.
Scam Warnings
- • Paris rental scams are very common. Never send money before visiting in person.
Shared Room
EUR 200-350
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 450-750
per month
Deposit
1-2 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- Empadronamiento (municipal registration) is essential — you need a rental contract for this.
- Southern Spain (Andalusia, Murcia) is significantly cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid.
- Agricultural workers may get employer housing — verify conditions before accepting.
Scam Warnings
- • Do not pay fianza (deposit) without signing a contract and receiving keys.
Shared Room
EUR 150-250
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 400-650
per month
Deposit
1-2 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- Prague is much more expensive than other Czech cities. Consider Brno or Ostrava.
- Factory jobs often include dormitory accommodation — deducted from salary.
- Utility costs are separate. Winter heating can add EUR 50-100/month.
Scam Warnings
- • Verify the landlord owns the property by checking the katastral (land registry).
Shared Room
EUR 100-200
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 250-450
per month
Deposit
1-2 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- Romania is one of the most affordable EU countries for accommodation.
- Construction employers often provide worker housing near project sites.
- Bucharest and Cluj are more expensive. Industrial cities like Timisoara offer good value.
Scam Warnings
- • Always get a contract in writing. Verbal agreements are not enforceable.
Shared Room
EUR 350-550
per month
Studio / 1BR
EUR 700-1200
per month
Deposit
1-2 months
rent upfront
Useful Websites
Tips
- Housing is extremely scarce in the Netherlands. Start looking before you arrive.
- Register at the municipality (gemeente) within 5 days of finding accommodation.
- Anti-kraak (anti-squat) housing is an affordable option with short notice periods.
- Staffing agencies often provide worker housing — check quality and cost before accepting.
Scam Warnings
- • The Netherlands has a severe housing shortage. Scammers exploit this. Never pay without viewing.
- • If an agency deducts more than EUR 350/month for shared housing from your salary, question it.
General Accommodation Tips
Shared Accommodation
Sharing with other Bangladeshi or South Asian workers is the most affordable option. Look for Facebook groups specific to your city and community. Typical cost is EUR 150-400 per month depending on the country.
Worker Hostels
Some industries — especially construction, agriculture, and hospitality — offer worker hostels or dormitories. These are often basic but very affordable. Ask your employer about accommodation options before arrival.
Company-Provided Housing
Some employers provide housing as part of your contract. Ensure the cost deducted from your salary is reasonable — it should not exceed 20-25% of your gross salary. Get this in writing before you sign.
Always have a temporary place to stay for your first 1-2 weeks (hostel or contact's home) while you search for permanent accommodation. Never rely on an arrangement you have not verified in person.