Acquiring a vehicle or equipment through financial leasing represents one of the most efficient and flexible financing solutions used by commercial companies, sole proprietorships (PFAs), and individuals. Although the approval process has become considerably faster thanks to digitalization and integration with tax authority databases, properly preparing the application file remains the decisive step toward securing quick approval and favorable financing.

In this Complete Guide to Financial Leasing, you will find the complete structure of documentation required by non-banking financial institutions (IFNs) and banks in Romania, eligibility criteria, the steps to obtain pre-approval for financing, and practical recommendations for submitting your application in 2026.

What Is Financial Leasing and How Does It Work?

Under a financial leasing contract, the lessor purchases the desired asset (passenger car, commercial vehicle, equipment) from the supplier and grants you the right to use it in exchange for a monthly installment. Throughout the contract term, the lessee is considered the economic owner (depreciating the asset and deducting expenses), and at the end of the period, upon paying the residual value, becomes the legal owner of right.

Unlike operational leasing (which resembles a long-term rental without transfer of ownership), the option of auto financial leasing is preferred by businesses and individuals who wish to keep the vehicle in their assets upon closing the contract.

How to Get Pre-Approval for an Auto Leasing File?

Obtaining financial pre-approval before going to the showroom or choosing the final car offers a major strategic advantage: you know the exact purchase budget, hold greater negotiating power with the dealer, and significantly shorten the time to vehicle delivery.

Steps for Pre-Approval:

1. Preparing basic financial documentation: For companies, the latest closed trial balance and Tax ID (CUI) are sufficient; for sole proprietorships (PFAs), the Single Tax Return (Formularul 212); and for individuals, just the ID card and ANAF tax inquiry consent form.
2. Evaluating financial capacity (Financing Limit): The lessor or leasing broker analyzes accounting metrics and credit history from the Central Credit Register (CRB). Following the analysis, an approval in principle is issued for a maximum purchase limit (for example, approval for a vehicle up to €40,000 with a 15% down payment).
3. Selecting the car and requesting the proforma invoice: With pre-approval in hand, choose the vehicle from dealer stock or order the desired configuration and request the proforma invoice.
4. Finalizing and signing the contract: The proforma invoice is sent to the lessor to issue the final contract, the CASCO insurance policy, and generate the payment order for the down payment.

Useful Tip: Financial pre-approval is typically valid for 30 to 60 days. Working alongside us as your auto and leasing broker, we leverage this time window to analyze the market, compare offers across multiple lessors and dealerships, arrange test drives, and negotiate the absolute best discounts and terms on your behalf.

List of Required Documents for Financial Leasing by Entity Type

To ensure a smooth credit analysis, leasing companies divide requirements into three main categories: legal entities, sole proprietorships / freelancers, and individuals.

Required Leasing Documents for Legal Entities (SRL, SA)

For companies, financial analysis relies on the firm’s capacity to generate cash flows to cover lease installments, as well as its historical solvency.

Legal and Statutory Documents

• Standardized Financing Application: Completed with company details, asset value, proposed down payment, and desired repayment term.
• Updated Articles of Association: Together with all addenda registered with the Trade Register Office (ONRC).
• Registration Certificate (CUI): Certified copy and, where applicable, the VAT Registration Certificate.
• Certificate of Status (Certificat Constatator ONRC): Recently issued (typically no older than 30 days from the request date).
• Shareholders’ Resolution / Sole Shareholder Decision: Approving the lease purchase, financing contract, and empowering the authorized signatory.
• Identification Documents: Copies of ID cards for the legal representative, authorized signatories, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).
• Beneficial Ownership Declaration: Mandatory form according to AML/KYC legislation.
• CRB Consent Form: Signed by the legal representative to check credit history in the Central Credit Register.

Financial and Accounting Documents

• Last Two Annual Financial Statements (Bilanț): Approved and filed with ANAF (accompanied by official filing receipts and accounting annexes).
• Trial Balance as of December 31 of the previous year.
• Latest Closed Monthly Trial Balance: For the month prior to application (e.g., the previous month’s balance), accompanied by the filing receipt if applicable.
• Active Loans and Leases Schedule: A summary of current financial obligations (bank loans, other lease contracts), specifying monthly installments and remaining balances.

2. Required Documents for Sole Proprietorships (PFA) and Licensed Professionals

Sole Proprietorships (PFA), Individual Enterprises (ÎI), and licensed professionals (doctors, lawyers, notaries, architects) benefit from a simplified process.

• Financing Application & CRB Consent Form: Standard forms provided by the lessor.
• Identification Document: Copy of the PFA holder’s or authorized person’s ID card.
• Registration and Licensing Documents: Registration Certificate (CUI), Operating License, or Registration Decision from the Unification Registry / Professional College / Bar Association.
• Single Tax Return (Form 212): Filed with ANAF for the last closed fiscal year, along with the official receipt.
• Income and Expenditure Register: Extract covering the last 3–6 months of the current year to prove income continuity.
• ANAF Tax Inquiry Consent: Allows the lessor to verify income reported to tax authorities.

Required Leasing Documents for Individuals

Thanks to digitalization, applying for auto leasing as an individual is faster today than ever before.

• Financing Application and CRB Consent Form: For verifying credit score and payment history.
• Identification Document: ID card in original/copy for the applicant and co-borrower, if applicable.
• ANAF Inquiry Consent Form: Based on this signed agreement, the bank or leasing company verifies salary income directly with the tax authority, eliminating the need for a traditional employer income certificate – more details here
• Supporting Documents for Special Income (if applicable): If income is not reported to ANAF (per diems, foreign employment contracts, dividends, copyrights, rental income), specific contracts, bank statements, or Shareholders’ Resolutions on dividend distribution will be requested.

Documents Related to the Financed Asset (Vehicle or Equipment)

In addition to evaluating the applicant, the leasing company assesses the asset serving as collateral for the contract. You will need:

1. Proforma Invoice or Commercial Offer: Issued by the partner dealer or supplier, detailing the asset description, purchase price excluding VAT, VAT amount, and total price.
2. Technical Data Sheet / Vehicle Specification: Detailing options, VIN/chassis number (if assigned), and technical parameters.
3. For Pre-Owned Vehicles: Copy of the Vehicle Registration Document (CIV), Registration Certificate, technical inspection/evaluation report, and vehicle photos provided by the seller.

Eligibility Criteria and Financial Lease Parameters

To secure approval, the requesting entity must meet basic financial criteria:

• Minimum Down Payment: Typically ranges from 10% to 15% of the purchase price, but may reach 20%–30% depending on company age or assessed risk level.
• Financing Term: Generally between 12 and 60 months (1–5 years).
• Company Age: Businesses with at least 12–24 months of activity and a filed annual balance sheet qualify for standard terms. Start-ups may require higher down payments (25%–30%) or additional guarantees.
• Debt-to-Income / Debt Service Coverage: For individuals, total monthly debt obligations (loans + lease) must not exceed BNR thresholds (typically max 40% of net monthly income). For legal entities, debt service coverage ratios and EBITDA margins must confirm repayment capacity.
• Comprehensive Insurance (CASCO): Mandatory for the entire auto lease duration, underwritten by insurance companies approved by the lessor.

Practical Recommendations for Quick Approval

1. Check CRB and Credit Bureau History: Ensure there are no active arrears or major payment delays reported in databases.
2. Prepare Accounting Records in Advance: Work with your accountant to ensure trial balances are up to date and annual statements are filed with proof of receipt.
3. Use Qualified Electronic Signatures: Most lessors (BCR Leasing, BT Leasing, UniCredit Leasing, Impuls Leasing) accept 100% online submissions, allowing application forms and consents to be signed digitally.
4. Request Financial Pre-Approval: Before finalizing the vehicle configuration, obtaining a ceiling pre-approval based on your Tax ID (CUI) and latest financial reports is highly recommended.
5. Consider a Higher Down Payment: Practical experience shows that willingness to pay a higher down payment for a financed amount exceeding €50,000 can become a major strong point for lease file approval.
6. To quickly find out the estimate of the monthly rate and total costs, you can also use our car leasing calculator here