How It Works

Preparation

Eligibility Requirements

Anyone who meets all three requirements is eligible for the tax benefits of a new vehicle lease.

  1. Permanent Residence outside Europe
  2. Temporary Non-Commercial Stay in Europe
  3. Valid Driver's License - Age 18 and Over
What does 'Outside Europe' mean?

This term refers to countries and regions that are not member states of the European Union (EU). Overseas France (DROM-COM or DOM-TOM) is classified as a region outside Europe.

What does 'Temporary Non-Commercial Stay' mean?

This term typically refers to activities such as tourism or study. It also extends to professional assignments, on the condition all remuneration is provided by the home country.

Tax-free lease contracts are unavailable to current holders or prospective applicants of a European Residence Card or Permit. As any qualification breach may incur vehicle confiscation by local authorities alongside a massive fine exceeding €10,000, exceptional vigilance is required.

As per French Head Office policy, tax-free lease contracts are provisionally unavailable to citizens and permanent residents of the following countries. We appreciate your understanding.

  • Belarus
  • Cuba
  • DR Congo
  • Iran
  • Libya
  • Myanmar
  • North Korea
  • Russia
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Ukraine
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen
  • Zimbabwe

Authorized Drivers

The following persons are authorized to drive:

  • Lessee and Spouse
  • Parents
  • Children

In accordance with relevant French laws, the scope of authorized drivers for our vehicles is fixed as above. Persons within this scope may operate the vehicle immediately in Europe without separate procedures such as document submission or driver registration, provided a valid driver's license is held.

Anyone outside this scope—such as parents-in-law, siblings, relatives, friends, or acquaintances—is not permitted to drive. Please be advised that expanding the scope of authorized drivers is strictly prohibited and cannot be accommodated through additional fees or procedures. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the examples below when designating the contract holder.

When traveling as a couple with the wife's parents
  • Contract under the husband's name → Only the couple can drive
  • Contract under the wife's name → Everyone can drive
When traveling with siblings (children) and parents
  • Contract under one sibling's name → Only the contract holder and parents can drive
  • Contract under one parent's name → Everyone can drive
Are unregistered partners recognized as a married couple for insurance purposes?

Persons who are citizens or permanent residents of a country that legally recognizes common-law marriages or civil unions may be recognized as a married couple, provided an official partnership certificate issued by the relevant government authority of that country is presented.

Tax Benefits

Maximum allowable terms differ based on eligibility status.

Standard Status Special Status
Definition For all cases excluding Special Status Exceeding maximum term for Standard Status → Proof of status required
Term Min 15 days 166 days → For vehicles delivered in Paris: 176 days
Max 165 days → For vehicles delivered in Paris: 175 days 350 days → For vehicles delivered in Paris: 355 days

Minimum and maximum terms may differ by specific vehicle and location.

Is it possible to use the vehicle for a shorter or longer term than the limits?

For a shorter term, it is possible to contract for the minimum term and return the vehicle early without additional fees or penalties. However, as for terms exceeding the maximum limit, please contact us for a personalized consultation, as various variables must be considered.

Is it possible to contract for another vehicle upon concluding the maximum term?

A new vehicle may be delivered upon the renewal of tax-free eligibility, which occurs six months after the contract termination date (i.e., the vehicle return date). Therefore, a new contract should be initiated for a delivery date on or after this renewal. If a vehicle is required immediately upon return, an alternative is to establish a contract under the name of an immediate family member (e.g., a spouse).

Delivery Time & Tax-Free Quota

A minimum delivery time applies to new vehicles, and the tax-free quota is limited.

Region Paris France Europe
Delivery Time Approximately 2 weeks Approximately 3 weeks Approximately 4 weeks

New vehicles require a minimum delivery time, and the earliest available pickup date reflecting this period will be shown during online booking. Furthermore, the vehicle supply is limited due to a fixed annual tax-free quota. As popular models may become unavailable early, it is recommended to reserve with a tentative schedule and finalize it later.

Is it possible to make a reservation with a tentative schedule?

Yes. The contract details can be modified once the schedule is finalized. Please refer to the tips below:

  • Book a vehicle at a non-Paris center: The largest tax-free quotas are allocated to Paris. Therefore, if choosing between Paris and a non-Paris center, it is recommended to reserve a vehicle at a non-Paris center. This is because a subsequent modification to Paris is relatively less impacted by quota availability.
  • Book the earliest possible pickup date: Tax-free quotas are filled in chronological order. Therefore, it is recommended to reserve a vehicle for the earliest possible pickup date. This is because a subsequent postponement to a later date is relatively less impacted by quota availability. Conversely, advancing the date may not be permitted if the quota for the desired earlier date is already filled.