Can I get finance for imported vehicles or assets bought outside the UK?

Table of contents
– Quick summary — the short answer and next steps
– Who this guide is for
– Can you get finance for imported vehicles or assets bought outside the UK?
– What lenders look for when financing imports
– Clear ownership & purchase paperwork
– Import, registration & type-approval
– Condition, valuation & inspections
– Business profile & security
– Insurance arrangements
– Paperwork checklist: customs, VAT, DVLA and other admin
– Types of finance that can work for imports
– Hire Purchase (HP)
– Finance lease / operating lease
– Asset finance / secured facilities
– Dealer / stock finance
– Bridging & import-specific short-term facilities
– Common problems and how to avoid them
– How UK Business Loans helps (process + free eligibility check)
– Frequently asked questions
– Ready to check eligibility? Final note & legal

Quick summary — the short answer and next steps
Yes — UK businesses commonly obtain finance for vehicles and assets bought overseas, but funding depends on the lender, the type of asset, and whether import paperwork, VAT/customs clearance and UK compliance (DVLA/type approval) are in order. Lenders often prefer UK-registered and insured assets; specialist brokers and lenders can offer pre-registration or bridging facilities for goods still in transit. For a free eligibility check and quick matching to lenders or brokers experienced with imports, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Who this guide is for
This page is aimed at limited companies and trading businesses importing:
– Single vans, cars or specialist plant from overseas
– Dealer stock bought abroad for resale in the UK
– Specialist machinery or vehicles bought outside the UK
If you are purchasing for private personal use, different rules apply — this guide is business-focused and assumes funding amounts of approximately £10,000 and above.

Can you get finance for imported vehicles or assets bought outside the UK?
Short answer: yes, but funding is conditional.
Most UK business finance providers will consider imported vehicles and assets. The main caveats are paperwork, regulatory compliance and lender risk appetite. Typical lender conditions include:
– Clear proof of purchase and ownership (supplier invoice, bill of lading).
– Evidence that import duties and VAT will be (or have been) paid, or that the borrower has a clear plan to settle them.
– That the asset will meet UK type-approval/registration rules (an IVA, VCA or equivalent where required).
– Insurable status and physical security while in transit or before registration.
Different lenders treat imports differently: some will provide full finance before DVLA registration if the asset has been cleared through customs and insured; others will wait until UK registration or evidence of customs/VAT payment. Dealers importing multiple units usually secure stock finance facilities; SMEs buying specialist plant often look to asset finance or hire purchase.

What lenders look for when financing imported vehicles
Clear ownership & purchase paperwork
Lenders need an unambiguous chain of title. Typical documents:
– Purchase invoice showing seller, buyer, price and VAT treatment.
– Bill of lading or airway bill if shipped.
– Export documentation from the seller’s country.
Without these, lenders may delay or decline funding.

Import, registration & type-approval
Lenders will check import clearance and UK compliance:
– HMRC clearance entries (CDS reference / C88 or equivalent).
– Evidence VAT and customs duties are paid, deferred or lawfully exempt.
– DVLA forms for import registration (V55/5 or V55/4 for used/new vehicles) and NOVA notifications for certain imports.
– Where a vehicle requires Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or VCA confirmation, lenders may insist this is completed before releasing funds.

Condition, valuation & inspections
Lenders want to know the asset’s market value and state:
– Independent valuation or broker appraisal, especially for specialist or high-value imports.
– Pre-delivery inspection (PDI) reports and verification of mileage and VIN.
– For dealer stock, condition reports and photos for each unit.

Business profile & security
Underwriting will consider:
– Business trading history, turnover and credit profile.
– Director information and, where appropriate, personal guarantees.
– Availability of additional security or deposits — imported assets can attract higher deposits.

Insurance & physical security
Lenders typically require:
– Transit insurance and cover from the point of departure (or at least from UK port entry).
– Comprehensive cover once the vehicle is in the UK.
– Secure storage arrangements prior to registration for high-value imports.

Paperwork checklist: customs, VAT, DVLA and other admin
Before lenders fund an imported vehicle, having the right documents reduces delay:
– Shipping & title: bill of lading, airway bill, export declaration, supplier invoice.
– HMRC: proof of VAT and customs duty payment or valid relief documentation (e.g., margin scheme evidence, returned goods relief).
– CDS/C88 or equivalent import entry reference or evidence of deferred accounting.
– DVLA: NOVA (Notify Of Vehicle Arrival) reference where required, V55/4 or V55/5 forms, proof of type approval (IVA, VCA certificate, EC/WVTA as applicable).
– Vehicle identity: VIN check, HPI/vehicle history report.
– Insurance: cover note showing start date and insured value covering the asset from arrival to registration.
Practical note: lenders often require evidence that HMRC-related issues are resolved or will be resolved at drawdown. If duties are unpaid, expect stricter terms or short-term bridging.

Types of finance that can work for imports
Hire Purchase (HP)
– Common for single assets.
– Lender takes ownership as security until final payment.
– Often accepted for imports if paperwork and registration plan are clear.

Finance lease / operating lease
– Useful where businesses prefer off-balance-sheet or fixed-term use.
– Lenders may prefer UK-registered and insured assets; some lessors will arrange finance pre-registration for certain imports.

Asset finance / secured business loan
– Flexible for specialist plant and machinery imported from overseas.
– Facilities can sometimes include costs for import taxes and freight if agreed in advance.

Dealer / stock finance
– Designed for traders importing multiple units.
– Facilities structured around stock cycles and sales — lenders will want shipment manifests and dealer invoices.

Bridging & import-specific short-term facilities
– Short-term import finance or bridging can pay suppliers and customs duties while you await long-term funding or registration.
– Expect higher cost than term finance and stricter documentation.

(For more on typical commercial vehicle lending products and how lenders structure deals, see vehicle finance.)

Common problems and how to avoid them
– VAT & customs surprises: estimate and budget for duties. Mis-declared values delay funding; use an experienced customs agent.
– Type-approval & non-UK specs: factor in IVA or conversion costs; disclose non-UK-spec items to lenders early.
– Currency & invoice risk: confirm whether lenders will accept foreign-currency invoices or require sterling equivalents; consider forward contracts.
– Warranty & servicing: many imports lack UK warranties; lenders may ask for condition reports or extended warranties.
– Title or fraud risk: use reputable suppliers, run VIN checks and obtain escrow or verified payment terms if possible.
Tip: involve your lender/broker early — early disclosure reduces surprises at credit decision and speeds funding.

How UK Business Loans helps
We do not lend. We match UK businesses to brokers and lenders who specialise in vehicle and asset finance — including imported assets. Our simple four-step process:
1. Complete a short enquiry (free — takes around 2 minutes).
2. We match you to lenders and brokers suited to imported vehicle finance.
3. Partners contact you for a fast eligibility check and quote.
4. Compare offers and proceed directly with your chosen provider.
Submitting an enquiry is information-only and not an application — it will not affect your credit score. Get a Free Eligibility Check to get started.

Frequently asked questions
Can I get finance for a vehicle bought in the EU since Brexit?
Yes. Lenders typically accept EU imports if customs clearance, VAT treatment and DVLA registration are in order. Expect checks on NOVA/V5 and any required type-approval.

Will lenders finance import VAT or customs duty?
Some lenders include VAT and import duty within the facility; others require duties to be paid before drawdown. Always confirm with your broker or lender.

Do lenders fund vehicles still overseas or in transit?
Specialist import bridging or pre-delivery finance exists, but it usually requires stronger security, proof of shipment and higher deposits.

Do I need DVLA registration before funding?
It depends. Some lenders will provide funds pre-registration with proof of customs clearance and insurance; others will wait for full DVLA registration or a V55 confirmation.

Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No. Submitting an enquiry on our platform is free and will not affect your business or director credit score. Individual lenders may carry out checks later in the process.

What if I have imperfect credit?
Some specialist lenders and brokers work with businesses with adverse credit, but expect higher rates, larger deposits or additional security. A broker can help find the right panel.

Ready to check eligibility? Final note & legal
If you’re importing vehicles or specialist plant, get matched quickly with lenders and brokers experienced in imports. Complete our short enquiry to receive a free eligibility check and to be connected with potential funders. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Legal & privacy note
UK Business Loans is an introducer; we do not lend or give regulated financial advice. We connect businesses with brokers and lenders. Submitting an enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score. All finance offers come from third-party lenders and brokers; terms, availability and eligibility vary. Read our Privacy Policy before submitting business details.

Further reading
– Importing a vehicle into the UK: https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk
– HMRC guidance on imports and customs: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/imports
– DVLA guidance on registering imported vehicles: https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicle-into-uk/vehicle-registration

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Note on internal link
For more detail on the lender products commonly used for commercial fleets and business vehicles see our vehicle finance page.

(End of page)1. Can I get finance for imported vehicles or assets bought outside the UK?
Yes — UK businesses commonly get finance for imported vehicles and assets, but funding depends on lender appetite and having import paperwork, VAT/customs clearance and UK compliance in order.

2. Will lenders finance import VAT and customs duty?
Some lenders will include import VAT and customs duties in the facility, while others require these to be paid before drawdown, so always confirm with your broker or lender.

3. Can lenders fund vehicles that are still overseas or in transit?
Yes — specialist import bridging or pre-delivery finance exists for goods in transit, but it usually carries higher cost, stricter security and requires proof of shipment and insurance.

4. Do I need DVLA registration or type-approval before funding?
It depends — some fund pre-registration with evidence of HMRC clearance and insurance, but many lenders will wait for DVLA registration or IVA/VCA type-approval for non-UK-spec vehicles.

5. What paperwork do lenders typically require to finance an imported vehicle?
Common documents include the supplier invoice, bill of lading/airway bill, CDS/C88 or import entry reference, NOVA/V55 registration forms, type-approval certificates (IVA/VCA/WVTA), HPI/VIN check and insurance cover notes.

6. Which types of finance work best for imported vehicles and machinery?
Typical options are Hire Purchase (HP) for single assets, finance or operating leases, asset finance for specialist plant, dealer/stock finance for traders, and short-term import bridging facilities.

7. Can businesses with imperfect credit obtain finance for imported assets?
Yes — specialist lenders and brokers may work with adverse credit cases, but expect higher rates, larger deposits or additional security compared with standard approvals.

8. How much deposit or security will lenders ask for on imported assets?
Deposits and security are often higher than for UK-sourced assets and vary by lender, asset type, condition and completeness of import paperwork.

9. How long does it take to get an eligibility check and final funding for imports?
A free eligibility check can take minutes to hours through a broker, but final funding depends on paperwork, customs clearance and registration and can take days to several weeks.

10. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — submitting an enquiry on UK Business Loans is free, does not affect your credit score, and simply matches you with suitable brokers and lenders who may carry out checks later if you proceed.