How do you prepare for a financial lease application?

29 januari 2026

Financial leasing is a popular leasing option for entrepreneurs. It allows you to drive a car that suits your needs, while also benefiting from tax advantages. Are you also considering submitting a financial lease application to a leasing company? Good preparation is key. That's why the blog below provides some practical tips compiled by the experts at 123Lease that can help you apply for financial leasing.

What is financial leasing?

Financial leasing is a type of leasing for business drivers. With financial leasing, the car is yours, not the leasing company's. This also means you're responsible for the costs associated with owning a car, such as insurance, road tax, and maintenance. You're responsible for these costs yourself, along with the monthly payment you make for the car, including interest and the residual value—also known as the final payment.

Furthermore, you don't have to return the car to the leasing company after the lease contract expires. The car often serves as collateral during the lease period. It's also good to know that as an entrepreneur with financial leasing, you're entitled to several tax benefits, such as the investment deduction, VAT refund, and interest deduction.

Applying for financial leasing: a step-by-step plan

There are a few things to consider when applying for a financial lease contract. The experts at 123Lease will help you get started and make the application process much smoother with the step-by-step plan below.

Step 1: Check your creditworthiness

It's important to understand your creditworthiness. Financial leasing companies often impose requirements that you, as a business owner, must meet when it comes to your creditworthiness. For example, an outstanding debt could result in your lease application being rejected or you receiving questions from the leasing company.

It's also important to carefully review your company's finances, as leasing companies will also look at these. You don't want to risk being unable to pay for the car down the road. Leasing companies can also check your creditworthiness for you. This often involves checking your income, credit history, and the length of your business.

Step 2: Gather the necessary documentation

It's also important to gather the necessary documentation. In many cases, you'll need to be able to demonstrate your company's annual figures. This often includes the past three years. If you can't demonstrate the past three years, perhaps because you only started your business two years ago, for example, some leasing companies may struggle with this.

However, this isn't necessarily the case with every leasing company. Leasing companies may also accept it if, for example, you make a down payment and it's important that your company's forecasts are sound. For example, at 123Lease, you can generally lease a car under certain conditions, without having to provide annual figures. It's also important to bring a copy of your Chamber of Commerce registration, as well as a copy of your ID.

Step 3: Think about your budget

It's also important to consider your budget. It's wise to use the lease calculator to calculate your budget beforehand, but without financial pressure. Besides the monthly payment, financial leasing naturally involves other costs. Keep these in mind. You should also factor in additional costs such as:

• Road tax
• Car insurance
• Maintenance costs
• Fuel

Step 4: Look for a suitable car

Once you've calculated your budget, you can start looking for a car that meets your needs. There are several things to consider when choosing a car.

For example, consider what you'll be using the vehicle for. Do you own a business that requires transporting a lot of materials, such as a landscaping or construction company? In that case, it's wise to choose a van with a large cargo area.

Don't need a lot of equipment to work, but really just a laptop? Then you could also opt for a smaller car. It just depends on your needs and the image you want to project as a company.

You can also opt for an electric car : electric driving is becoming increasingly important these days, as it allows you to contribute to the environment. An electric car emits far fewer harmful substances than a fuel-powered car. Moreover, an electric car can also have a positive impact on your company's image, demonstrating to the outside world that your company is committed to the environment.

You can also consider other factors like the car's make, color, and features. You naturally want to be comfortable and safe on the road. For example, you could specifically look for a car with adaptive cruise control or heated seats. Again, it all depends on your needs.

Step 5: Submit an application to a leasing company

Do you have an idea of your budget for leasing a car? Then you can submit an application to a leasing company like 123Lease. At 123Lease, you can view and compare all available cars in one overview. You can also filter by specific requirements, such as the monthly payment or a specific car brand. Choose a car that suits your business needs, but also one that fits your financial situation.

You can also consider how long you want to lease the car. Often, the longer the lease contract, the lower the monthly payment and the final payment. Also consider the interest rate and the terms and conditions set by the leasing company.

Then request a free quote and get advice from the experts at 123Lease. You'll be on the road in no time!