Can I get a car lease or loan without a Schufa record?

Why it's hard: Leasing companies and banks check your creditworthiness through Schufa. If you are new, your thin record may lead to a rejection. They may also require that the contract does not run longer than your residence permit, that you have a permanent employment contract and that you have passed your probation period.

Options: Pay a higher down payment or deposit, provide a guarantor who has a Schufa record, try banks that work with newcomers, or look into all-inclusive monthly car subscriptions (Auto-Abo). Subscriptions are usually more flexible but can be more expensive.

Driving licence: You need a valid licence to rent or lease a car. Remember that a Turkish licence is only valid for 6 months after you settle in Germany; you must have a valid licence for the whole contract period.

Be careful: Besides the monthly instalment, leasing can involve extra charges such as excess mileage, damage assessment on return and comprehensive insurance. Ads promising «credit without Schufa» are usually very expensive or scams; never pay anyone who asks for a fee upfront.

Alternatives: In Berlin, public transport, the Deutschland-Ticket, car sharing and buying a used car are often cheaper. Before signing a contract, you can get an independent opinion from the Verbraucherzentrale.