As an Expat or Overseas visitor coming to the UK for work or to live, getting finance for a new car can prove difficult, as you haven’t effectively got credit score history in the UK.
Car leasing and finance company like to see a healthy credit score and the more you try and apply, the worse your score could become in the UK.
Car Leasing for Expats
We offer the perfect solution for Expats and Overseas vistors to the UK in getting a car, utilising our car subscription and short-term car leasing service, our experienced underwriters can look at your application on a case-by-case basis.
No computers or algoritms making decisions, every application is touched by hand to ensure that you meet the criteria based on UK compliance. Where applicable, we can also credit check you in your home country.
We’ve been helping Expats since 2007, so we’ve streamlined our process to make sure that the application is as easy as possible. You can do this before you arrive or once you’ve entered the UK
Save time and money with our Expat Service
We aim to save you time and money when relocating to the UK — and we make leasing a car as an expat completely stress-free.
Our sales team works closely with our experienced underwriters to create a tailored package that suits your circumstances and the length of your stay in the United Kingdom.
Our setup costs are significantly lower than traditional expat car leasing firms, and we’re able to offer far greater flexibility to match your needs.
Fixed and Flexible Car Solutions
By utilising our established credit lines with funders and manufacturers, we’re able to offer both flexible and fixed expat car leases across a wide range of vehicles — including commercial options.
While short-term car leasing may not be your first choice, many customers find that when you compare our pricing to traditional expat car leasing companies, we often work out cheaper and far more flexible.
You can even enjoy a brand-new car every 6–12 months for less than the cost of a typical 24-, 36- or 48-month lease.
How it Started...
Since launching Cocoon Vehicles in 2007, the business has grown into a specialist contract hire and leasing provider across multiple sectors. While short-term car leases remain our core service, many of our customers have one thing in common — they struggle to obtain credit through traditional methods.
The inspiration for our expat service began back in 1999, when a family member of one of our Directors relocated from the UK to Canada to work for Rolls-Royce. Despite having a two-year work contract, securing finance as a British citizen in another country proved extremely challenging.
Rolls-Royce provided accommodation and a vehicle for the first month, but after that, the responsibility was entirely on the individual.
This experience sparked an idea: why not create a service that supports expats coming to the UK, offering vehicle finance without the need for UK credit history or even a UK driving licence?
Instead of relying solely on UK credit checks, our team would use:
employer references
overseas credit agencies
supporting documentation from the customer’s home country
This allowed us to approve applications and get expats into a car rental or car lease with minimal stress.
Since then, Cocoon Vehicles has supported hundreds of expatriates relocating to the UK, with many referrals coming from major global employers including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Airbus, British Airways, Samsung and OTC Europe.
Examples of Subscription Vehicles Available
Please see below and example of some of the car subscriptions available to Expat customers coming to the UK. All vehicles are subject to status and terms may differ from those advertised.
Examples of Expat Car Leases
Please see below examples of some of the Expat Car Leases we offer, all vehicles are subject to status and terms may differ from those advertised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see below examples of some of the Expat Car Leases we offer, all vehicles are subject to status and terms may differ from those advertised.
Why is it difficult to lease a car in the UK as an Expat?
It can prove quite difficult for an Expat coming to the UK to lease a car due to the lack of credit history and zero credit score.
Finance companies who offer car leases and finance, want to see an established credit history in the UK with a good score and payments made on time. As you’re coming to the UK, you won’t have a credit score or any history.
This is why it makes sense to use an Expat Car Leasing specialist such as Cocoon Vehicles® – Experienced in dealing with Expats and Overseas Workers coming to the UK.
Can I lease a car as an Expat in the UK?
Whilst every individual is different, it is possible to lease a car in the UK utlising our specialist expat car leasing service. We use our Short-Term Car Leases and Car Subscriptions to enable those coming to the UK for work or living, to lease or subscribe to a car.
We offer a great range of vehicles with budget to suit most customers, our experienced underwriters will work with you to get a credit line set-up so then all you’ve got to do is choose a car and drive!
Who qualifies for an Expat Car Lease?
All applicants are welcome to apply for our Expat Car Lease service in the UK. This includes individuals coming to the UK on secondment or placement, expatriates relocating permanently, UK nationals returning home, and overseas visitors who need a vehicle during their stay.
Our experienced underwriters will request a number of supporting documents, but acceptance rates are high — and our setup costs are far lower than those charged by most traditional expat car leasing companies.
How do I apply for an Expat Car Leasing agreement?
Our application process is simple and can be completed online via the Apply Online section of our website.
When filling in the form, please select Expat to ensure your application is sent directly to the correct underwriting team.
How quickly will I get a decision?
For all our Expat Car Lease applications, decisions are made quickly — provided you supply all the information requested by our underwriters.
When all documents and employee references are submitted promptly, you can often receive a decision on the very same day.
Will I be restricted in my vehicle choice?
Your credit limit will depend on your income and employment status in the UK. Our underwriters may set a maximum allowance and, in some cases, request a refundable deposit.
Please note that some of our vehicle suppliers have restrictions on certain categories of expats, which may limit the range of vehicles available to you.
However, you will always have access to the vehicles listed on our website as part of your approved options.
What documents will I need to provide for an Expat Car Lease?
Our underwriters will request several documents to verify your Expat Car Lease application. The minimum requirements include:
Proof of residency
Copy of your passport
Copy of a valid driving licence
Copy of your tenancy agreement
Copy of your UK employment contract or proof of income
In some cases, they may also request details of both your home-country bank account and your UK bank account.
Why is an Expat Car Lease more expensive than traditional leasing?
Because you don’t have a UK credit score or credit history, the number of funders willing to assess your application is reduced — which can make vehicle supply more expensive.
However, the rates available through our short-term programmes are very competitive, and for expats they are comparable to those offered by car subscription companies serving customers with strong UK credit.
The main differences are that the documentation fee may be higher and a refundable deposit may be required.
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