Expats are often rejected for car leases. This Czech company found a way around it

Having a car means freedom, and many are familiar with the ability to explore, commute, and settle into daily life with ease. But for many expats in Czechia, getting behind the wheel is unexpectedly complicated. Traditional leasing companies often turn foreigners away, not because they can’t afford the payments, but because of rigid bureaucracy and strict eligibility rules that leave little room for newcomers.

The process can be a rude awakening, especially for those coming from countries where access to personal vehicles feels unlimited. But thankfully a new Czech leasing model is giving foreigners a hassle-free way around these obstacles, so they can get on the road quicker and enjoy the ride.

According to data from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, over 850,000 foreigners now live in Czechia—a number that continues to rise each year. As more expats settle across the country, having a car becomes essential for commuting, school runs, and exploring beyond city limits. Yet traditional car leasing often leaves many struggling to secure a vehicle for whatever purpose they need.

Vjačeslav Poliščuk, an expat advisor at Birne by Direct, a Czech mobility company specializing in flexible operational leasing and car subscriptions, notes that rarely does the decision to lease or not to lease come down to income. “It’s not about whether or not you can pay,” he reveals. “It’s about the fact that leasing companies don’t know you and don’t want to take a chance.” 

Poliščuk, an expat himself and speaker of six languages, is well-acquainted with the frustrations faced by foreign drivers in Czechia. Working as a freelancer, lacking a Czech credit history, or not yet holding permanent residency can all make applicants appear unreliable to traditional leasing companies. 

“Leasing companies take on risk because they invoice after the car is used,” explains Poliščuk. “Sadly, if you don’t ‘score’ well as a reliable payer within the Czech system, they’ll be unwilling to lease a car to you.”

The team at Birne knew they could solve this problem through a new leasing model enabling everyone, including expat drivers who don’t tick the standard boxes, to get back behind the wheel. Their approach eliminates these unnecessary obstacles, with a deeper focus on driver needs. No long months of waiting, confusing paperwork, or unexplained rejections—just clear, flexible access to a car when they need it.

Birne’s model flips the old school logic, putting trust and flexibility first, not bureaucracy. All that’s needed is proof of income and identification to lease a car through a flexible “subscription” model. Most customers receive their car within three days, no waiting months for approval or dealing with hidden fees. 

Through Birne’s lease program, drivers get a car of their choice, full insurance with collision coverage, regular servicing, no-worry damage coverage and road assistance, and multilingual support—all included in one predictable monthly payment.

Prices for operational leasing start at around CZK 5,790 per month, depending on vehicle model, mileage, and lease duration.

“Subscribing” to a car puts power back in the hands of drivers. And by paying upfront, the risk shifts away from Birne, allowing them to make a fair assessment based on your situation. The result? Expats can lease a car without being hamstrung by bureaucracy. 

Getting started takes only a few minutes online. Choose from over 100 car models (from 15 brands) offered by Birne, then upload a few basic documents like your ID and your driver’s license. You’ll then be put in touch with an adviser, such as Poliščuk, who will guide you through the contract and next steps.

When this simple process is complete, you’ll pay your first month in advance and receive your car within 2-3 working days. Birne delivers cars anywhere in Czechia, helping hundreds of expats hit the road. 

Flexible plans allow you to lease the car for as long as you need, return it early, or switch models free of charge any time after the first two months. This is ideal for expats on temporary contracts, families relocating, or anyone wanting a no-commitment option.

Being rejected by traditional leasing companies doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Birne gives expats more than mobility, restoring independence, freedom of movement, and the confidence to make Czechia truly feel like home. It’s a simple, human solution to one of the biggest challenges expats face—and proof that mobility doesn’t have to come with limits.