Can a non-UK resident register a car in the UK?

No, non-UK residents typically can’t register a car in the UK. Vehicle registration usually requires proof of residency and address history, which non-residents don’t have. If you're not a UK resident, you might find it difficult to register a car in the UK, even if you manage to buy one.

Can a foreign national buy a car in the UK?

Foreign nationals may be able to buy a car in the UK if they can provide a UK home address. Some dealerships may require proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of income. Additionally, foreign nationals may need to provide a valid visa or residency permit to demonstrate their legal status in the UK.

Can I get a loan from another country?

Typically, getting a loan from another country to finance a car in the UK is not a common practice. Lenders usually require borrowers to apply for finance within the country where the vehicle will be registered and used.

Can you get car finance without 3 years address history?

Written by Matthew Evans Posted 16 Jul 2024

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Recently moved to the UK and don’t yet have three years’ address history? To help clear up any confusion and talk you through your options for car finance, we’ve answered your FAQs.

Can you get car finance without 3 years address history?

Unfortunately, you need to have lived in the UK for three years or more to get car finance with us.

Our lenders ask this, because, if you haven’t been in the UK for three years, you likely won’t have a credit history in the country yet. Lenders use your credit history - amongst other factors - to decide if you're a trustworthy borrower, and how much they’d be willing to lend.

If this is your situation, it can be frustrating. But during this waiting period, you can enhance your credit score, increasing your likelihood of approval when the time comes to apply.

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How do I apply for car finance with less than 3 years address history?

Our lenders require you to be a UK resident and have at least three years of UK address history to be eligible for a car loan.

But while you can’t apply yet, there are things you can do in the meantime to boost your credit score. The best thing you can do is get on the electoral roll as soon as you have a place to live (you can do this with your local council).

You should also open a UK-registered bank account and get a mobile phone contract if possible. These will help boost your creditworthiness and help ensure you get the best deal when you apply.

How long do you have to live in the UK to get finance?

You need to have lived in the UK for at least three years to get car finance. This is because lenders want to see that you're stable and reliable, and have built up a credit history.

If you've lived in the UK for less than three years, it can be hard to get car finance in the UK. But you can use the time you wait to build up your credit score and improve your chances of approval when three years have passed.

Can I get car finance with an international license?

At CarFinance 247, our lenders can offer finance if you have a current UK or EU driving licence.

If you don’t hold one of these yet, you still may be able to get finance. Some of our lenders provide finance to people without a driving licence, so don’t let this hold you back from applying!

Can you get car finance if you are not a UK resident?

Unfortunately not. In most cases, getting car finance in the UK requires being a current UK resident.

At CarFinance 247, our lenders require that you live in the UK and can provide at least three years of address history here.

Can a foreigner finance a car in the UK?

You can apply for car finance with us if you currently live in the UK and can show you’ve lived here for three years or more.

This means that if you haven't lived in the UK for the required period, you won’t be approved for car finance just yet.

Can you get car finance as an expat?

If you're an expatriate living in the UK, you may be able to get car finance provided you meet our lenders’ residency criteria. This means you have to have lived in the UK for at least three years and have a current UK address.

Expat applicants will need to provide evidence of their residency status and address history as part of the finance application process.