Is it permissible to pay a sum of money to a government employee to facilitate obtaining an apartment, especially with urgent need, and is this act considered a form of bribery?

Bribery is a grave sin if it is used to invalidate a right or to establish falsehood. As for bribery through which one obtains their right or wards off injustice or harm, it is permissible according to the majority of scholars. In this case, the sin falls upon the recipient of the bribe, not the giver. So, if you are compelled to pay money to obtain housing to avert certain harm, we hope that there is no blame upon you.