Find Accommodation Abroad: The Complete Guide for Nordic Language Speakers
Moving abroad is exciting, but finding safe and affordable accommodation can be challenging. This guide helps Nordic language speakers find verified apartments, understand different rental platforms, avoid common scams, and choose the best option for their move. Whether you're relocating for work, studies, or a new adventure, you'll find everything you need to secure housing with confidence.
How to Find Accommodation Abroad
Finding accommodation abroad doesn't have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right tools, you can secure a safe, comfortable home before you even pack your suitcase. Follow these five simple steps to make your move smoother and avoid common mistakes.
1. Decide on Your Budget 💰
Before you start browsing apartments, decide how much you can comfortably spend each month. Remember that rent is only part of the picture.
Include:
Monthly rent
Deposit (usually 1–2 months' rent)
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
Transportation
Everyday living expenses
A realistic budget helps you narrow down your options and avoid surprises later.
2. Choose the Right Area 📍
The cheapest apartment isn't always the best choice. Think about your daily routine and what matters most to you.
Ask yourself:
How long is the commute to work?
Is the neighbourhood safe?
Are there supermarkets, gyms and public transport nearby?
Is it a lively city centre or a quieter residential area?
A great location can make your entire experience abroad even better.
3. Use Verified Rental Platforms ✅
When searching online, trust matters. Verified accommodation platforms help reduce the risk of scams by checking landlords and listings before they're published.
Platforms like Spotahome and Uniplaces let you browse verified apartments, view photos or virtual tours, and book securely online—giving you greater peace of mind before you arrive.
4. Prepare Your Documents 📄
Having your paperwork ready makes the booking process much faster.
Most landlords will ask for:
Passport or national ID
Employment contract or job offer
Student acceptance letter (if applicable)
Proof of income or financial support
Keeping digital copies ready can help you secure popular apartments before someone else does.
5. Book Before You Move ✈️
Arriving without accommodation can be stressful—and expensive.
Booking in advance gives you:
More choice
Better prices
Less stress after arrival
Time to focus on settling into your new city
The earlier you book, the more options you'll have.
Spotahome vs. Uniplaces: Which Platform Is Right for You?
Both Spotahome and Uniplaces make it possible to book accommodation before you arrive in your new city. They offer verified listings, secure online bookings, and a much safer experience than searching through social media or online classifieds.
The right choice depends on where you're moving, your budget, and the type of accommodation you're looking for. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
Quick Comparison
Spotahome
✔ Verified properties.
✔ Video tours available.
✔ Secure online booking.
✔ Great for professionals and students.
✔ Available in major European cities.
Pros
Verified homes.
Detailed photos and videos.
Good for professionals and expats.
Secure online booking.
Cons
Booking fee.
Availability varies by city.
Best if you want: Detailed property information and the confidence of seeing the apartment before you arrive.
Uniplaces
✔ Verified properties.
✔ Secure online booking.
✔ Large selection for students and young professionals.
✔ Available across many European cities.
✔ Some listings include virtual tours.
Pros
Large student community.
Flexible rental options.
Wide selection across Europe.
Cons
Some listings have less detailed media.
Fees vary depending on property.
Best if you want: A wide choice of rooms, studios and shared apartments, especially in university cities.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Spotahome if detailed video tours and verified apartments are your top priority.
Choose Uniplaces if you're looking for flexibility, student-friendly housing or a larger selection in your destination.
The good news? You can't really go wrong. Both platforms offer a safe and convenient way to book accommodation online before moving abroad, helping you avoid common rental scams and last-minute stress.
Tips for Avoiding Rental Scams Abroad
Unfortunately, rental scams exist in every country. The good news? Most are easy to avoid if you know what to look for.
Stay One Step Ahead
✔ Never send money directly to a private landlord without verifying the listing.
✔ If the price looks too good to be true—it probably is.
✔ Read reviews from previous tenants whenever possible.
✔ Use trusted booking platforms with secure payment systems.
✔ Ask questions about the apartment, contract and move-in process before booking.
✔ Always read the cancellation policy before making a payment.
Quick Rental Safety Checklist ✅
Before you click Book, make sure you can answer YES to these questions:
☐ Is the property listed on a trusted platform?
☐ Have I seen photos or a virtual tour?
☐ Are payments made through a secure system?
☐ Have I read reviews or ratings?
☐ Do I understand the cancellation policy?
☐ Do I have a written booking confirmation?
If you can tick every box, you're already reducing the risk of common rental scams.
Best Cities for Nordic Language Speakers
Looking for a job abroad? Many European cities actively recruit Nordic language speakers for customer support, sales, IT, finance and multilingual roles. Here are some of the most popular destinations.
Barcelona 🇪🇸
One of Europe's top destinations for Nordic professionals. Barcelona offers hundreds of multilingual jobs, a vibrant international community, sunny weather and an unbeatable lifestyle.
👉 Read our Barcelona relocation guide.
Lisbon 🇵🇹
Lisbon combines a growing tech scene with a relaxed lifestyle and lower living costs than many other European capitals. It's an excellent choice for professionals looking for sunshine and career opportunities.
Málaga 🇪🇸
If work-life balance is your priority, Málaga is hard to beat. The city is becoming increasingly popular among Nordic professionals thanks to its expanding international business sector and over 300 days of sunshine each year.
👉 Discover our Málaga guide.
Berlin 🇩🇪
Berlin offers opportunities across tech, customer service, gaming and startups. It's a diverse city with excellent public transport and a large international community.
👉 See our Berlin relocation guide.
Fuengirola 🇪🇸
Love the Costa del Sol? Fuengirola is home to several international employers recruiting Nordic speakers, especially within customer service and sales. Add beaches, great weather and a relaxed lifestyle, and it's easy to see why it's a favourite.
👉 Read our Fuengirola relocation guide.
Sofia 🇧🇬
Sofia has become one of Europe's fastest-growing outsourcing and tech hubs. With a low cost of living and increasing demand for Nordic language speakers, it's a smart choice for professionals looking to build an international career.
Athens 🇬🇷
Looking for sunshine and exciting job opportunities? Athens is a hotspot for multilingual customer support and sales roles, with many international companies hiring Nordic speakers year-round.
👉 Read our Athens relocation guide.
Malta 🇲🇹
Small island, big opportunities. Malta is famous for its thriving iGaming, finance and customer support industries, making it one of the most popular destinations for Nordic professionals seeking an English-speaking workplace and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Hua Hin 🇹🇭
Dreaming of working in Thailand? Hua Hin offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with an increasing number of remote and Nordic-focused job opportunities. It's ideal for those looking to swap cold winters for sunshine and palm trees.
👉 Read our Hua Hin relocation guide.
Dublin 🇮🇪
Home to many global companies, Dublin regularly hires Nordic speakers for customer support, finance, HR, sales and technology roles. English-speaking workplaces also make settling in easier.
Which City Is Right for You?
Every destination offers something different. Whether you're looking for sunshine, career growth, lower living costs or an exciting international community, there's a city that's the perfect fit. Explore our city guides to compare salaries, living costs, accommodation and local tips before making your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find accommodation abroad before moving?
Start by deciding on your budget, choosing your preferred neighbourhood, and using trusted accommodation platforms with verified listings. Booking before you arrive gives you more options, better prices, and one less thing to worry about when you land.
Is it safe to rent an apartment online?
Yes—as long as you use trusted platforms with verified properties and secure payment systems. Avoid sending money directly to private landlords unless you've confirmed the listing is genuine.
Which accommodation platform is best?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Spotahome is a great choice if you value verified apartments and detailed video tours, while Uniplaces offers a wide selection that's especially popular with students and young professionals. The best platform depends on your destination and personal preferences.
How much deposit do I need?
Most landlords ask for a security deposit of one or two months' rent. Some properties may also require the first month's rent to be paid before moving in. Always check what's included before confirming your booking.
Can I book accommodation without visiting the apartment?
Absolutely. Many people moving abroad book their accommodation online before they arrive. Trusted platforms provide verified listings, photos, and sometimes virtual tours, making it easier to book with confidence.
What documents do landlords usually require?
In most cases, you'll need:
A valid passport or ID
Proof of income or employment
An employment contract or university acceptance letter
Occasionally a guarantor, depending on the country
Having these documents ready can speed up the booking process.
Is accommodation cheaper if I book early?
Usually, yes. Booking early gives you more properties to choose from and can help you secure better prices before demand increases. It also reduces the stress of searching for housing after you've moved abroad.
How does it work?
Go to the website - Spotahome.com
Choose among various cities around the world, add move in and move out dates.
Find the home that suits you best and click on “Book Now”.
Complete all the details in the Booking Form.
An exclusive linkAnordic discount will be applied on the next step - the payment page. The money will only be debited from your account when the landlord accepts your booking.
That’s it; the home is yours! The landlord will now be your main point of contact, but Spotahome will still be there in case you have any issues.
All you have to do is collect your keys and sign your contract. The first payment – which you made at the beginning of the booking process – will be transferred to the landlord 48 hours after you move in.
Don’t forget, when you sign the contract, you will have to pay your deposit to the landlord, along with any other fees that they specified in the landlord policies.
FAQs
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Spotahome is a online renting platform. It’s the safest way to book mid- to long-term accommodation in Europe, directly from your mobile phone.
The homes advertised on our site are personally visited by one of our Homecheckers, professional photographers who take high-quality photos, create an HD video tour, detailed floor plans and honest descriptions of the property and neighbourhood.
The most complete property listings mean that you can view, choose and book your property directly online! You will also receive a discount on the booking fee when you come from linkAnordic.
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1) Go to the website - Spotahome.com
2) Choose among various cities around the world, add move in and move out dates.
3) Find the home that suits you best and click on “Book Now”.
4) Complete all the details in the Booking Form.
5) An exclusive linkAnordic discount will be applied on the next step - the payment page. The money will only be debited from your account when the landlord accepts your booking.
6) That’s it; the home is yours! The landlord will now be your main point of contact, but Spotahome will still be there in case you have any issues.
All you have to do is collect your keys and sign your contract. The first payment – which you made at the beginning of the booking process – will be transferred to the landlord 48 hours after you move in.
Don’t forget, when you sign the contract, you will have to pay your deposit to the landlord, along with any other fees that they specified in the landlord policies.
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As a linkAnordic user you can contact a Booking Agent at Spotahome through email; partners@spotahome.com, with your accommodation search requirements (template below) and a dedicated booking agent from our Spotahome will provide you with options that best suit your needs.
Accommodation Search Requirements Template
1) Number of people
2) Check-in/out dates
3) City/Country
4) Preferred location
5) Budget
6) Type of accommodation (room, studio, aprt)
7) Any additional info
*Remember to mention that you come from linkAnordic.
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Once the booking request has been submitted, we will forward it to the landlord, who has 24 working hours to respond.
When the landlord accepts your booking, we will confirm it to you via email and share your details with them and vice versa. At this time we will also take payment for the first month's rent and booking fee automatically.
If the landlord does not accept your booking, we will offer you similar accommodation options or alternatively you may also choose a full refund.
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Once you arrive in the property, you have 24 hours to notify Spotahome in case of any significant deficiencies or any inaccuracies in the listing. Spotahome will then work to remedy the situation.
