You’ve just moved to the Netherlands for a new job. Exciting, challenging, and frankly a bit overwhelming. New colleagues, new city, new language. And then it turns out you need a car to get to the office, or to explore the country at all. But how to arrange that if you have no Dutch credit history? No long-term fixed address? And no idea how the Dutch system works?
Welcome to the world of Dutch bureaucracy. But the good news: shortlease is there specifically for situations like yours. In this article, we explain exactly how short lease works for expats and international employees, what you need, and how you can be driving within 24 hours.
What do you need as an expat to short lease?
Let’s start with the most important question: what do you need to arrange before you can short lease a car in the Netherlands? The answer is surprisingly simple, especially compared to what you may be used to.
Valid proof of identity
You need a valid ID or passport. This can be a European ID, but a passport from countries outside of Europe will also work fine. As long as the document is valid and confirms your identity, it is sufficient.
Some leasing companies ask for a BSN number, but when short leasing for expats, it’s often not required right away. We understand that sometimes you only get that number after a few weeks in the Netherlands, and you don’t want to wait until all the paperwork is complete before you can drive.
Address in the Netherlands
You need an address where you can be reached. This does not necessarily have to be a permanent address where you will live for the next few years. A temporary apartment, a hotel where you stay for the first few weeks, or even your employer’s address may suffice in some cases. The important thing is that we know where to reach you and where to deliver the car.
Many expats live in corporate housing or a serviced apartment for the first few months while looking for something permanent. That’s not a problem. We understand that relocation takes time and that not everything is settled right away.
Employment contract or proof of income
Because short leasing does not require a BKR check, we look at other indicators of reliability. Your employment contract is one of them. It shows that you have a stable income and that your employer stands behind you. For many expats, this is actually easier than a credit check, because you do have a concrete contract, but no Dutch financial history.
Do you work as a self-employed or freelancer? Then a recent bank statement or contract with your client may also suffice. The important thing is that we can see that you are financially able to pay the monthly lease.
Can I drive with a foreign driver’s license?
Yes, as an expat you can drive with your foreign license. For driving licenses from EU countries there is no problem, you can just keep driving with it. For driving licenses from countries outside the EU, you can use it for the first six months, after that you have to have it converted to a Dutch license if you stay permanently in the Netherlands.
For short leasing, this usually doesn’t matter much, because many expats leave again within a year anyway or have temporary contracts. But it’s good to know that you don’t have to convert your driver’s license right away to short lease.
Insurance is arranged
One of the biggest advantages of short lease for expats: insurance is included as standard. You don’t have to look for Dutch car insurance yourself, which can be quite a challenge for many internationals. Third-party and comprehensive insurance are included in the monthly fee, as are road tax, maintenance and roadside assistance.
It saves an enormous amount of hassle. No conversations with insurance companies asking questions you don’t have the answers to. No forms in Dutch. Just all-in driving from day one.
German registration: when does it make sense and what are the conditions?
One of the questions we often get from expats: can I drive with a German license plate in the Netherlands? The answer is yes, you can. And for some expats, it is even the smartest choice.
When does a German license plate make sense?
If you work across the border a lot, for example because your office is in Düsseldorf, Aachen or another German border city, a German license plate saves you hassle. You don’t have to keep explaining why you are driving a Dutch car in Germany at checkpoints or parking meters. It can also be more advantageous at toll roads and environmental zones.
In addition, some expats are more comfortable with a German license plate because they are familiar with the German system. Especially if you are from Germany or have lived there before, it may be a logical choice.
What are the preconditions?
There are a few things to consider, though. First, the car must be registered in Germany, which means German papers are involved. Second, you need to meet German insurance requirements, although we’ll take care of that for you if you lease a car with German plates through us.
Also important: if you live permanently in the Netherlands, you are basically required to have your car registered in the Netherlands. But there are exceptions for temporary assignments, international employees who alternate between working in both countries, or people who leave again within a year.
So it’s not for everyone, but for the right situation it can have many benefits. We are happy to think with you if it is an option in your case.
Delivery and service specifically for expats
One of the things that makes short leasing for expats so attractive is the speed and simplicity of the whole process. You don’t have months to arrange everything. You often have to move quickly.
On-site delivery
We deliver the car where you need it. At your temporary address, with your employer, or even at the hotel where you are staying while you are looking for a permanent home. You don’t have to travel somewhere to pick up the car first. We come to you.
That delivery often happens within 24 hours of signing the agreement. We understand that you want to get started quickly and that waiting is not an option. If you agree today, you can start driving tomorrow.
Upon delivery, you will get a brief explanation of the car, all the papers you need, and of course the keys. All in English if that’s your preference. No jargon, no complicated explanations, just clear and to the point.
English-language support
Communication can be a barrier when you are just in the Netherlands. That’s why we offer all support in English. From your first phone call to any questions along the way, everything can be done in your language. Our contracts are also available in English, so you know exactly where you stand without having to wade through Dutch legal terms.
One permanent contact person
With Drive, you get one regular contact person. No call center where you have to tell your story over and over again. Just someone who knows your situation, who understands that you are an expat, and who can respond quickly if anything changes. Is your contract being extended? One phone call and it’s settled. Need to return home early? We arrange that too, quickly and without penalties.
Why do expats choose short lease over other options?
Of course, there are more ways to get a car in the Netherlands. You can buy, private lease, or rent a car. But for expats, short lease is often the smartest choice. Why?
- No capital tied up: Buying a car means spending thousands of dollars immediately. Money you might prefer to save or use for your new home, furniture, or simply as a buffer in a new country. With short lease, you only pay a monthly amount, and you don’t need a large sum of money to get started.
- Flexibility that suits expat life: You don’t know if you’ll still be in the Netherlands a year from now. Maybe your contract will be renewed, maybe not. Maybe you love it here and stay longer, maybe you get an offer elsewhere. That uncertainty doesn’t fit with a four-year lease or a car you have to sell again. Shortlease moves with your career.
- No hassle selling: If you buy a car and leave after a year, you have to sell it. That means placing ads, receiving viewers, negotiating, and often still taking a loss because you want to get rid of it quickly. With short lease, you just turn in the car and you’re done. No hassle, no loss.
- Faster than traditional lease: Traditional lease can take weeks or even months to drive. Apply, get approved, order, wait for delivery. With short lease, you have a car within 24 hours. That’s essential if you need to start work quickly.
Start your application and drive as early as tomorrow
Shortlease for expats is there to make your life in the Netherlands easier, not harder. No endless bureaucracy, no systems that are not geared to your situation, no waiting periods. Just honest, flexible mobility that suits how you work and live.
Want to drive as early as tomorrow? Then start your application today. We’ll contact you within two hours, discuss what you need, and take care of the rest. You can call us in English, email us, or request a quote directly through our website.
Request an instant quote for expats or call us: 085-0471462. We are happy to help you in English