TL;DR
Guide to corporate housing and business rentals across Europe. How companies and employees find serviced apartments, negotiate corporate rates, and manage business relocations through local agencies.
Corporate housing serves a specific niche in the European rental market: fully furnished, serviced apartments designed for business travellers, employees on temporary assignments, and companies relocating staff across borders. The market sits between hotels (too expensive for stays longer than a week) and standard long-term rentals (too inflexible for business timelines). This guide explains how corporate housing works in Europe, what it costs, and how to find the right provider through local agencies.
What Corporate Housing Includes
Unlike standard furnished rentals, corporate housing typically includes all utilities, high-speed internet, regular cleaning, linen changes, and sometimes a concierge service. The apartments are move-in ready with everything from kitchenware to towels. Many providers also offer flexible lease terms (1-12 months with early termination options), corporate invoicing, and multiple-unit discounts for companies housing several employees simultaneously.
The standard is higher than a typical furnished rental. Expect modern furniture, a fully equipped kitchen, a dedicated workspace, and proximity to business districts or public transport hubs. Premium providers add extras like gym access, parking, and airport transfers.
Key European Markets for Corporate Housing
Major Financial and Business Centres
London has the most developed corporate housing market in Europe, with dozens of specialist providers concentrated in Canary Wharf, the City, and South Bank. Paris follows closely, with strong supply in La Defense and the central arrondissements. Germany has robust markets in Frankfurt (financial sector), Munich (tech and automotive), and Berlin (startups and government). Amsterdam and Zurich serve multinational headquarters.
Emerging Corporate Markets
Madrid and Barcelona are growing corporate housing markets as more companies establish European operations in Spain. Dublin serves the tech sector heavily. Lisbon has attracted corporate demand as companies set up shared service centres and tech hubs. Eastern European capitals like Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest offer corporate housing at significantly lower price points.
Pricing Expectations
Corporate housing is priced per night or per month, always inclusive of utilities and services. Typical ranges for a one-bedroom apartment:
Tier 1 (London, Paris, Zurich, Geneva): EUR 3,500-7,000/month. Tier 2 (Amsterdam, Munich, Frankfurt, Dublin): EUR 2,500-4,500/month. Tier 3 (Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Lisbon): EUR 1,800-3,500/month. Tier 4 (Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, Bucharest): EUR 1,200-2,500/month.
Volume discounts for companies booking multiple units or extended stays (6+ months) typically reduce rates by 10-20%. Some providers offer per-diem pricing that aligns with company travel policies.
How Agencies Help with Corporate Housing
Local rental agencies that handle corporate clients bring several advantages over booking directly through platforms. They maintain vetted portfolios of business-grade properties. They handle corporate contracts with proper invoicing and VAT documentation. They can arrange multiple viewings in a single day for HR teams evaluating options. And they manage the relationship throughout the stay, handling maintenance, extensions, and early departures.
When searching our agency directory, look for agencies that list "corporate" or "business" in their services, or filter by short-term and mid-term rental types. Contact them specifying your company's requirements: number of employees, duration, budget range, and preferred locations.
Corporate vs. Serviced Apartments vs. Apart-Hotels
These three categories overlap but differ in important ways. Corporate housing is leased (typically 1-12 months) and feels like living in a residential apartment. Serviced apartments offer hotel-like services (daily housekeeping, front desk) with apartment layouts, usually for stays of 1 week to 3 months. Apart-hotels are licensed as hotels but with apartment-style rooms, best for stays under 4 weeks. For assignments longer than one month, corporate housing almost always offers better value and a more comfortable living experience.
Tax and Compliance Considerations
Companies housing employees internationally need to consider tax implications. In most European countries, employer-provided housing is a taxable benefit. The tax treatment varies significantly: Germany calculates the benefit based on local reference rents, France uses a formula tied to the property's cadastral value, and the UK has specific rules for temporary workplace accommodation. Agencies experienced in corporate housing can point you toward tax advisors who specialise in expatriate benefits.
Getting Started
Browse our agency directory filtered by your target city. Reach out to 2-3 agencies explaining your corporate needs. Request proposals with pricing, availability, and sample properties. Most agencies can turn around proposals within 48-72 hours.
Related: Expat Relocation Guide | Furnished Apartments | Family Rentals