What Is an Attestation d'Hébergement and Why Do You Need It?
The attestation d'hébergement (proof of accommodation letter) is one of the most frequently requested documents in French administrative procedures. It is a written declaration by a person hosting you — confirming that you live at their address.
As an international student, you will likely need this document multiple times: for your visa application, for VLS-TS validation at the prefecture, for opening a French bank account, for registering with CAF, and for your university's international student office. Understanding exactly what it requires — and how to get it right the first time — saves you weeks of back-and-forth with French administrations.
When You Need an Attestation d'Hébergement
The situations where this document is required are numerous and often time-sensitive:
| Situation | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| French visa application | Yes | Alternative documents accepted before arrival |
| VLS-TS validation (ANEF) | Yes | Or use lease contract / CROUS attestation |
| Prefecture appointment | Yes | Must be recent (less than 3 months old) |
| CAF housing aid (APL) | Yes | Or lease contract |
| Bank account opening | Yes | Required by all French banks |
| University enrollment | Sometimes | Depends on the university |
| AMELI (health insurance) | Yes | Proof of French address required |
| Mobile phone contract | Usually | Most operators ask for proof of address |
In practice, any French administrative procedure requiring your address will accept an attestation d'hébergement when you don't yet have a lease in your own name.
Who Can Sign It and What Must It Contain
Who Can Be Your Host
Your host must be an adult who legally occupies the address in France. This includes:
- French citizens
- EU/EEA nationals residing in France
- Non-EU residents holding a valid French residence permit
- Property owners (occupants of their own property)
- Tenants (occupants under a lease)
The host does not need to be a family member. A friend, classmate, university staff member, or the owner of a student residence can all serve as your host.
Required Content of the Attestation
For the document to be accepted by French administrations (prefecture, CAF, banks), it must include all of the following elements:
Host information:
- Full legal name
- Date and place of birth
- Full address (including postal code)
- Identity document type and number (French CNI or passport)
- Signature (handwritten)
Declaration:
- A clear statement that [your full name] resides at [their address]
- Your date and place of birth
- Your nationality
- The date the hosting began
Document date:
- Date the attestation was written (must be recent — most administrations reject documents older than 3 months)
A Sample Template
Your host can write the following (adapting the details):
"Je soussigné(e) [Host's full name], né(e) le [date of birth] à [place of birth], demeurant au [full address], atteste sur l'honneur héberger [Your full name], né(e) le [your date of birth] à [your place of birth], de nationalité [your nationality], à mon domicile depuis le [start date].
Fait à [city], le [date]. Signature: [handwritten signature]"
This structure is accepted by all major French administrations.
What Documents Must Accompany the Attestation
The attestation letter alone is never sufficient. Every administration in France requires supporting documents to verify the host's identity and their right to occupy the address.
Mandatory attachments:
-
Copy of host's identity document — French national identity card (CNI) or passport (photo page). Must be clear and legible.
-
Host's proof of address (justificatif de domicile) — A document less than 3 months old showing the host's name at their address. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, water)
- Internet or phone bill
- Tax notice (avis d'imposition)
- Bank statement
- Official government mail
-
For prefecture use: Some prefectures also require a copy of the host's own lease or property deed (titre de propriété) to confirm they have the right to host someone.
How to Get an Attestation d'Hébergement
From a Private Landlord or Individual Host
If you're staying with a friend, relative, or private host, ask them to write and sign the attestation using the template above. It should be dated the day it is written. There is no official form — a typed or handwritten letter is equally valid.
Important: The host cannot charge a fee for writing this letter. It is a voluntary declaration.
From CROUS (University Student Housing)
If you live in a CROUS residence, you do not need an attestation d'hébergement from an individual. Request an attestation de résidence from your CROUS management office (intendance) — this official document confirms your address and replaces the attestation for all administrative purposes.
Your CROUS attestation de résidence is typically more powerful than a private attestation because it comes from an official institution.
From a Host Family
If you're in a host family arrangement (particularly common for language students or students newly arrived in a city), ask your host family to write the attestation exactly as described above. Host families are familiar with this request.
From a Student Residence (Résidence Étudiante)
Private student residences (Nexity Studéa, Résidences Biogroup, etc.) typically provide a certificat de résidence or attestation de location to their residents. Request this document from the residence management office.
Attestation d'Hébergement vs. Lease Contract: Key Differences
Many students confuse these two documents. Understanding the difference prevents mistakes in administrative procedures.
| Feature | Attestation d'Hébergement | Lease Contract (Bail) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Informal declaration | Legally binding contract |
| Signed by | Host (not you) | Both landlord and tenant |
| Tenancy rights | None | Full tenant rights under French law |
| CAF acceptance | Yes (as proof of address) | Yes (also shows rent amount for APL calculation) |
| Required for APL calculation | No | Yes (to determine rent amount) |
| Duration | Variable (as stated) | Fixed term (typically 9-12 months for students) |
| Required for prefecture | Yes (if no lease) | Preferred (if available) |
Key takeaway: Use the attestation d'hébergement when you don't yet have your own lease. Once you have a signed lease, use the lease as your primary proof of address — it is more powerful and unlocks full APL calculation.
What to Do If You Don't Have Accommodation Yet
For Visa Applications Before Arriving in France
French consulates understand that students apply for visas before securing permanent housing. For visa applications, accepted alternatives include:
- Hotel or Airbnb booking for the first 3 to 7 nights
- CROUS housing assignment letter if you've been allocated a room
- University accommodation confirmation letter from the international office
- Letter from a host (attestation d'hébergement from a contact in France)
Check the specific consulate's requirements, as they vary slightly by country.
Upon Arrival — First Days
If you arrive with only a hotel booking, your first priority is securing a permanent address. Until then, you can:
- Use your hotel address for your VLS-TS validation (ANEF accepts hotel addresses)
- Contact your university's international office for emergency accommodation referrals
- Check CROUS for available rooms (trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr)
- Use short-term furnished rentals (Studapart, Flatlooker) that provide official lease documents
Once you have a permanent address, update all your administrative registrations immediately.
Useful Official Resources
- Service-Public guide on proof of address: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F31
- CROUS housing portal: https://trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr
- CAF housing aid (APL): https://www.caf.fr
- ANEF portal (VLS-TS validation): https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
- Studapart (furnished student rentals with documents): https://www.studapart.com
- Campus France arrival checklist: https://www.campusfrance.org/fr/arrivee-en-france