Residence & visas: renting or buying abroad

Compare how to register your address and which residence permits you can apply for while renting a home or if you buy property.

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A lease can usually serve as proof of accommodation

A rental agreement can show where you live. Whether you need a residence permit or can register an existing right of residence depends on your nationality, reason for staying and intended length of stay. Local address registration and the period allowed as a visitor follow separate rules.

Near the EU and in the Caucasus

Albania

Address and renting
The remote work permit requires proof of accommodation and an address. A rental can serve as accommodation.
Staying longer
Qualifying remote work or a pension can be grounds for residence. Article 84 provides a separate temporary route for owners.
Official sourceshttps://mb.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ligj-per-te-Huajt-%E2%80%93-nr.-79.2021_English.pdfhttps://mb.gov.al/en/procedura-dhe-dokumentacioni-per-pajisjen-me-leje-qendrimi-dhe-leje-unike-residence-unique-permit-al-en/

Serbia

Address and renting
For paid accommodation, the provider generally registers your stay within 24 hours. Confirm who will register your stay when arranging the rental.
Staying longer
Employment is one possible ground for temporary residence. Qualifying property ownership can also be a separate ground.
Official sourceshttps://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/registration-upon-arrivalhttps://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/temporary-residence-property-ownershiphttps://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/residence-and-work-permit

Türkiye

Address and renting
A rental can provide accommodation. The address documentation required depends on the application category.
Staying longer
Tourism is one possible ground for a short-term permit, subject to review. Qualifying residential property used as a home can also provide a separate route.
Official sourceshttps://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-permit-types

Georgia

Address and renting
You can live in rented accommodation. Eligibility depends on the grounds for your application.
Staying longer
Work and family are examples of possible residence routes. The short-term property permit requires a market value above USD 150,000 equivalent in local currency. Agricultural land is excluded.
Official sourceshttps://sda.gov.ge/en/products/migration-residence-permits/

South America

Uruguay

Address and renting
You can rent when you arrive and prepare the documents for the applicable residence procedure.
Staying longer
Temporary or permanent residence may be available depending on your circumstances. A property purchase is not required for the regular application.

Read the country guide

Official sourceshttps://www.gub.uy/tramites/residencia-legal-permanente

Argentina

Address and renting
A rental can provide local accommodation.
Staying longer
The Rentista category is one possible temporary residence route. It relies on qualifying income from assets held abroad. Buying property in Argentina is not required for this route.

Read the country guide

Official sourceshttps://www.argentina.gob.ar/servicio/obtener-una-residencia-temporaria-como-rentista

Sources checked on 15 November 2026.

Questions about a rental, residence or another country?

Tell us where you want to live, when and for how long. We can help you look for suitable rental properties and connect you with local specialists who can explain which residence route fits your situation. If we do not yet have a partner in your chosen country, we can look for a suitable local contact based on what you need.

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