Financial Lease
Leasing without a Dutch credit history
Updated
If you have just moved to the Netherlands, you hardly appear in the Dutch credit register yet. That does not make leasing impossible, but the lender will need other information.
What is the BKR?
The Bureau Krediet Registratie (BKR) records which loans people in the Netherlands have and whether there are payment arrears. Lenders check the register when you apply. Credit history from abroad is not included. Read more in financial lease and BKR.
How does a lender assess you then?
Without a Dutch history, a lender mainly looks at the business itself: how long it has existed, how much turnover comes in and whether there are regular clients.
Your personal situation also counts, such as your address and how long you expect to stay in the Netherlands.
What improves your chances?
- a larger down payment or a lower balloon payment;
- a shorter term;
- a car with a good residual value;
- complete and recent figures;
- a clear explanation of your situation.
When is operational lease easier?
If financial lease is not (yet) feasible, operational lease can be an alternative. There is a credit check there too, but you do not become the owner and the conditions may differ.
Frequently asked questions
Does my credit history from abroad count?
Not automatically. You can provide documents showing you met your obligations elsewhere. The lender decides what to take into account.
Is a rejection final?
No. With more figures, a larger down payment or a different car, a new application may succeed.
Is a lease registered with the BKR?
A business financial lease in the name of a company is usually not registered with the BKR. For a sole proprietorship this may differ per lender.
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