How to Lease a Car in Ireland as an Expat

International professionals can arrange for their car before or after moving to Ireland. There are no restrictions on when to start the process with our program

1. Personal Car Shopper Service

With the “Personal Car Shopper Service”, we will search for your vehicle according to your wishes, needs and budget (new or used). Our Ireland partners will locate and negotiate pricing on your behalf. Our partner can, in most cases, get better pricing because of arrangements made with vehicle manufacturers to offer discounts & leasing options to expatriates.

2. How to Apply

The following documents are required to apply:

Copy of work visa
Copy of passport with photo
Copy of valid driver’s license
Detailed copy of contract stating salary, term and allowances
Completed application form
Hold an Irish Bank Account

Please note that you need to hold an Irish bank account.

2. How to Apply: How to Lease a Car in Ireland as an Expat

3. Driver’s License

As an expat in Ireland you can drive on a driving license from any state outside the EU/EEA for up to a year provided the driving license is current and valid. However, on taking up ‘normal residence’ in Ireland you must either exchange your driving license or apply for a driving license in Ireland.

4. Payments

Payment due at delivery consists of:

Registration fee and taxes
Pro rated portion of current month’s monthly payment
First full month lease/finance payment
€275 set-up fee

5. Auto Insurance

While you can opt out of the CDW coverage in some countries, it is a mandatory insurance in Ireland. Proof of third-party insurance (required). Our Irish partners offer insurance (not included in the lease payments) or you could choose a third party provider. Most often, our partner’s insurance is the more affordable option.

6. Car registration and Car Delivery

Your Personal Car Shopper will assist you with car registration.

After the registration has been completed, it is time for car delivery. In many cases, you could pick up the car at a local dealership or it may be delivered to your home.

Need assistance with leasing a car? Let ExpatRide lead the way

Tell us what type of car you want, and we will find it for you nationwide:

All major cities and all smaller cities, we will be there for you: Dublin, Cork, Dún Laoghaire, Limerick, Galway, Tallaght, Waterford, Swords, Drogheda, Dundalk and the list goes on…

No matter what Irish province you are relocating to, contact us for your car needs: Leinster, Ulster, Munster or Connacht

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Leasing in Ireland for an employer or through an EOR

If the company pays for the car, ask about the Corporate Billed Lease. Ireland is not on the current list of 67 corporate billed lease countries, and availability changes, so send the request form with the start date and we confirm within one to two business days. A corporate billed long-term rental is always available in Ireland, with one invoice to the company, the RMC or the Employer of Record and no local entity needed.

Corporate Billed Car Lease: What HR, Procurement and Finance Need to Know

What HR, procurement and finance ask before signing a Corporate Billed Lease: who signs, how it is invoiced, cost versus rental or allowance, exit terms.

Car Leasing for Employees Hired Through an Employer of Record

How a car lease works for an employee hired through an Employer of Record: no local entity, no local credit history, one invoice to the EOR or the client.

Leasing a Car as an Expat during Covid-19

Expats could still lease a car during COVID-19. ExpatRide worked by email and phone before the pandemic, and the Personal Car Shopper process did not change.