Publication date: 22.07.2024
Vitaliy Kolomiets is an experienced lawyer specializing in assisting with obtaining residence permits and residence cards in Poland. He has in-depth knowledge of Polish law and many years of experience in migration matters. He has over 5 years of experience.
Leasing a car in Poland
Leasing a car is a beneficial option for purchasing a vehicle when you don't have enough funds to buy it outright. When you enter into a leasing agreement, you can use the car similar to renting it, making monthly lease payments. The key difference is that with leasing, the monthly payment contributes towards eventually owning the car when fully paid.
Compared to a loan where the vehicle remains owned by the bank until the loan is fully repaid, leasing allows you to potentially become the owner of the car more quickly.
In Poland, car leasing is often arranged directly at the dealership, and the car can immediately be on the lessor's balance sheet, which is crucial for legal entities. However, this may not always be the case and could change until all payments are completed.
It is advisable to carefully review the documents when arranging leasing on the "Konsultant" marketplace.
How to choose the right leasing agreement?
Depending on who arranges the car leasing in Poland, it can be commercial (for businesses) or consumer leasing.
Leasing agreements are divided into financial and operational types depending on the conditions of the leasing operations.
In operational leasing, ownership of the car remains with the lessor until all payments are made. This is advantageous for legal entities as they do not need to include the car on the company's balance sheet and pay taxes, while leasing and car maintenance expenses can be deducted from profits. After fulfilling all contract conditions, the company becomes the owner.
In the financial variant of leasing, ownership of the car is transferred immediately upon document execution, and the contract is considered completed after the final payment is made.
For individuals, this allows changing cars through leasing without making the final payment and returning it to the lessor.
Basic requirements for car leasing in Poland for Ukrainians
The main requirement for arranging a leasing contract for foreigners is proof of legal residence in Poland. A work contract is also required to confirm solvency.
Car leasing can be arranged with the "Karta Polaka," which is a better basis for the contract than a regular residence card. With the "Karta Polaka," you can apply for permanent residence after a year and then for Polish citizenship. Permanent residence and Polish citizenship provide more grounds for arranging a car lease.
Process of arranging car leasing in Poland
After choosing and verifying the car, clarify all terms of the lease directly at the dealership. It is important to learn about maximum terms, types of leasing, and check the possibility of buying a car on the basis of available documents.
For individuals, when arranging leasing, you may need:
- Passport
- Document confirming legal residence in Poland - residence card, visa, "Karta Polaka"
- Employment contract
- Income confirmation
- Application
For legal entities arranging car leasing in Poland, the following documents may be required:
- Copy of the company's articles of association
- Company income details
- Leasing application
- Articles of association and confirmation that the applicant is the company's director or power of attorney for the authorized person and their ID
- License if the car is purchased for licensed commercial activity
Based on the provided documents, the leasing company verifies the applicant and decides on the leasing contract.
If all checks are successful, a contract is concluded that includes information about the parties, lease terms, payment terms, payment information, vehicle usage conditions, and contract termination terms.
What to consider when arranging a car leasing contract in Poland?
When signing a leasing contract, as with any other contract, carefully review the terms. It is important to understand clauses such as early termination options, potential fines and penalties, the car's technical condition, and service conditions.
The document must be fully and correctly completed. It is recommended to check independently or seek assistance from a specialist on the "Konsultant" marketplace.
Before signing the contract, calculate your expenses for car leasing. Consider car maintenance costs, insurance costs, potential fines, and penalties.
Pay attention to the terms of early contract termination, as this may result in significant penalties.
Conclusion
Purchasing a car through leasing in Poland is a convenient way to acquire a vehicle. You can choose the best option for yourself among the conditions offered, depending on your needs. Foreigners can buy a car through leasing in Poland, but thorough preparation and document collection are necessary. On the "Konsultant" marketplace, you can request consultation from an experienced specialist who can help select a car and leasing company, assist with document collection, review the contract, and guide you through the agreement process or provide a "turnkey" service.
