Applying for a financial lease: step-by-step guide and documents

Required documents for the application

To assess a financial lease application, the acceptance department requires some basic information about your company. This starts with a valid Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number and proof of identity for the authorised signatory.

Depending on how long your company has existed, the credit provider may ask for additional financial documents. These could include recent annual accounts, a profit and loss statement, or recent bank statements.

The assessment and approval process

After submitting the required documents, the leasing company conducts a credit check. This assesses your company's financial health and its ability to meet monthly obligations.

Even start-up entrepreneurs can often qualify for suitable financing. Discover more about our financial lease solutions and how the acceptance conditions work in practice for your type of business.

From approval to delivery

Once the financing has been approved, you will receive the lease agreement for signature. After signing and fulfilling any potential down payment or VAT amount, the contract is definitively activated.

The leasing company pays the purchase amount to the car dealership, after which you arrange to pick up the car and immediately hit the road.

What role does my business structure play in a financial lease application?

The legal structure of your company directly influences the procedure and requirements for a financial lease application. A sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) or general partnership (vof) is assessed differently from a private limited company (besloten vennootschap). For a sole proprietorship or general partnership, the leasing company often also looks at the entrepreneur's personal financial situation, as they are typically personally liable. This may entail additional documentation regarding personal income and expenses.

For a private limited company (B.V.), the focus is more on the financial health of the company itself. In this case, annual accounts, balance sheets, and profit and loss statements are crucial for the credit assessment. The B.V. is a legal entity, which means that the liability of the directors is more limited. It is therefore important to gather the necessary documents appropriate to your business structure at an early stage for a smooth application.

• Sole proprietorship/general partnership: personal finances relevant
• B.V.: focus on company annual accounts
• Liability differs by business structure
• Documentation requirements vary accordingly

Can I apply for a financial lease as a start-up?

Applying for a financial lease as a start-up entrepreneur is possible, but may involve specific considerations. Leasing companies assess risk, and start-ups often lack a long financial history. This means that the emphasis is more on other indicators, such as a solid business plan and a realistic budget. A higher down payment or a personal guarantee may also be requested to mitigate the risk.

A well-prepared business plan that demonstrates the viability of the enterprise is essential. This plan should provide insight into your market analysis, strategy, financing needs, and projected cash flow. Some leasing companies have specific programmes or conditions for start-ups. It is advisable to proactively seek information on this and, if necessary, request a consultation to discuss the possibilities.

Frequently asked questions