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Settling in Europe (BorderFlow Settle)
What is BorderFlow Settle?
BorderFlow Settle is a housing settlement service for international professionals, students and families moving to Europe. We pair you with a vetted local partner in your city, stay in a three-party WhatsApp group with you throughout, and typically get people settled in 4–8 weeks. See the Settle page.
Which European cities does Settle cover?
Settle is active in Munich, Nice & Monaco, Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna. Brussels is being built (corporate focus) and Berlin is being rebuilt with a new local partner. We only open a city once a vetted local partner is in place, so tell us where you are headed and new markets open based on demand. City pages: Munich, Nice & Monaco, Budapest, Vienna.
How much does Settle cost?
Our fee is commonly equal to one month’s cold rent (the monthly rent excluding utilities and heating), and it varies with the city, your case and the service tier. The larger part is only due once you have signed a contract and have the keys. We confirm the exact fee in writing before you pay anything.
How does the success-based payment work?
Our fee is split in two. The first part covers screening, matching and the start of the search. The second, larger part is only due once you have signed a contract and have the keys. If you don’t settle, you don’t pay the success portion.
What are the Settle service tiers?
There are three tiers depending on how much hands-on support you need: a lighter-touch option for a vetted landlord introduction, a full-service option covering search through move-in, and a guaranteed option with the strongest outcome commitment. Scope and pricing vary by city and case, and we recommend a tier after your intake.
Is there a deposit, and is it refundable?
Sometimes. New-market requests, or searches booked well ahead of the usual search window in your city, may involve a small BorderFlow deposit. It is credited toward your service fee if we go ahead, and the refund terms are confirmed in writing before you pay. It is separate from the rental deposit you pay a landlord. Details are in our Trust & Commitment Policy.
What documents do I need before starting?
Requirements vary by city, but most cases need proof of income or employment, ID or passport and, depending on the market, a guarantor or deposit funds ready to move. In Germany that typically also means a SCHUFA report if you have one, a CV and a motivation letter. We confirm the exact list for your city during intake, before you commit.
How long does settling in take?
Typically 4–8 weeks for a case with a clear budget, complete documents and some flexibility on property type. Premium markets like Nice/Monaco or tight-supply periods can run longer. Being flexible on move-in date and neighborhood is the biggest lever on speed.
Do you support clients who don’t speak the local language?
Yes, this is a core part of the model. Across our partner network we cover German, English, Chinese, Russian, French, Italian, Hungarian and more, so you are never negotiating a lease in a language you don’t speak.
Can I change my city or requirements mid-process?
Yes, within reason. Tell your partner and BorderFlow as early as possible. Changing budget, city or property type usually means re-matching, so the earlier we know, the less time it costs you.
What happens if a match doesn’t work out?
We stay in the three-party group throughout the case. If a property falls through, an application is rejected or a partner match isn’t working, we step back in to re-match or re-scope, so you are never left to restart alone. Because payment is success-based, this is also in our direct interest.
How is this different from a real estate agent?
A traditional agent shows you available listings. BorderFlow focuses on the landlord trust gap: a vetted local partner with existing landlord relationships vouches for you, and we stay in a three-party group to step in if something goes wrong. It is relationship capital, not just property access.
What is your success rate?
Cases handled with a local partner succeed in about 75–80% of cases. We screen every client first, stay in the three-party group, and only collect the larger part of the fee once you have the keys, so our incentives match yours.
Can I search myself, and is there a discount if I tried DIY first?
Yes, searching yourself is possible and our settlement guide shows how. If you tried DIY first and can show proof of applications sent, we offer a €200 discount.
Can I search from abroad, or do I need to be in Europe?
You can search from abroad, but it is harder. Virtual viewings are possible, but landlords prefer in-person meetings. A professional service helps most if you are relocating from another continent and can’t easily fly over for viewings.
Can I stay in an Airbnb while I search?
Yes, but it is expensive: roughly €1,500–2,500 per month, so about €3,000–7,500 for two to three months. Some landlords are also wary of Airbnb addresses on applications. More in our settlement guide.
Do you help companies relocate employees to Europe?
BorderFlow handles the housing piece of employee relocation, not full-service mobility. We work alongside your existing relocation provider, or as your sole housing partner, in Munich, Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest and Nice & Monaco, using the same screening and success-based model as for individuals. Email hello@getborderflow.com.
Is Settle right for my situation?
Settle fits if you are moving to one of our cities for work, study or family with a real move-in date, and you have no local guarantor, credit history or language support. It is probably not the right fit if you already have a signed lease, need visa or immigration legal advice, or want a long-term property investment (see Invest). If unsure, start an enquiry: the first step is an honest feasibility check, not a sales call.
Local helpers in Asia (BorderFlow Trade)
What is a BorderFlow local helper?
A local helper is an independent person or small team in Asia who works task by task for overseas buyers: supplier and factory visits, product and packaging checks, sample coordination, and photo, video and written reports. Every listed helper is reviewed and approved by BorderFlow. See the helper directory.
How much does a local helper cost?
Fees are set per task and depend on scope, location and travel. Send us your product, city and task, and we confirm the fee in a written brief before any work starts.
Are local helpers licensed inspectors?
No. Local helpers are independent contractors who follow a written checklist and report what they see. They do not provide engineering design, product-compliance sign-off or certified third-party inspection, unless a helper’s qualifications for that exact scope are confirmed in writing.
Which cities do local helpers cover?
Helpers are currently listed in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Yiwu and Shenyang, and Dongguan and Foshan are covered by a Guangdong-based helper. We are recruiting in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan, and Chengdu is coming soon. See the full list of helpers.
How does helper matching work?
Four steps: 1) send your product, city, task type and target date; 2) we match you using each helper’s city, product experience, languages and availability; 3) we agree a written brief with checklist, deliverables, deadline and fee; 4) you receive photos, video and a written report.
Why are helpers listed by ID and not by name?
To protect helpers’ privacy. Names, contact details, employers and websites are never published. Each helper has a unique ID such as LH-GZ-001, and BorderFlow introduces you once your inquiry is matched.
How do I become a listed local helper?
Apply on the Trade Helper page. The information you submit is used for matching, so please complete the form fully. Approved helpers are added under an anonymous ID.
Contacting BorderFlow
How do I contact the BorderFlow team?
Use the WhatsApp button on this page, or WeChat: bfti01. Settle enquiries submitted through the form get a reply within 24 hours. You can also use the contact page.
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