Do You Need to Be a UK Citizen to Lease a Car? | Autozone UK

Are car leasing and car finance the same thing?

Car leasing and car finance share a few similarities. Both require monthly instalments to be paid to keep driving a vehicle, and the contracts can last upwards of two years, depending on your budget and the amount borrowed. 

Where they differ is in terms of who owns the car. When you take out car finance, several finance options allow you to own the vehicle once you’ve made the repayments. Typically hire purchase is the most common choice as you get to own the vehicle once the contract ends, followed by PCP, which gives you the option of owning or returning the car. 

But another choice is personal leasing, an option where you will never own the vehicle for the duration of the contract. You’ll simply make the repayments and return the car once the contract ends. 

What are the criteria? 

When it comes to applying for a car leasing agreement, you’ll be required to provide the following:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Contact details
• Proof of address
• Marital status
• Copy of photo passport
• Copy of valid photo driver’s licence
• Letter of UK employment that includes salary, term and allowances
• UK bank account details 
   

What should you consider when applying for UK vehicle leasing as an international citizen? 

Depending on the country you passed your test, you may not need to have your foreign licence exchanged for a UK one.

What if I passed my licence in a country within the EU?

If you passed your test in the EU, then you won’t need to have your licence exchanged unless your job requires it. However, you won’t have to retake your test.

What if I passed my test in a country outside of the EU?

But if you passed your test in a country outside of the EU, you can use your licence for up to 12 months before applying for a UK provisional licence.

What if I have UK citizenship but have a foreign driver’s licence?

Should you have UK citizenship but still have a foreign licence, then it’s possible to have it exchanged for a UK licence after six months. 

For more information, you can visit the gov.uk website. 

What else should I consider before leasing a car in the UK?

Familiarise yourself with the rules

It might seem simple, but just remembering that motorists drive on the left side of the road will help make the adjustment easier if you’re used to driving on the right.

Also, because road signs can vary from country to country, be sure to read the Highway Code to be aware of the rules and signs that apply to motorists and pedestrians. 

The leasing provider

Have an idea of your budget and how likely you are to keep up with the monthly repayments, then shop around to find the most suitable deal for you. 

At Autozone, we are experienced with leasing and financing cars in Barnsley and Yorkshire. So if you want any information about the process and requirements, you can get in touch, and we will be happy to help.