Introduction: Why a Lease Transfer is Often the Best Solution
In Switzerland, leasing is one of the most popular ways to finance a vehicle. However, circumstances change quickly: a new job with a company car, a growing family, or a move abroad can mean you need to terminate a lease early. An early exit directly through the dealership or bank is usually associated with high penalties and depreciation losses. This is where a lease transfer comes in.
With EASY LEASY, we offer a platform where you can transfer your contract to another individual or company. This saves you thousands of CHF and offers the new lessee attractive conditions without long waiting times. In this guide, we walk you through the five crucial steps to successfully and legally complete a change of holder.
Step 1: Check the Legal Framework
Before listing your vehicle, you must clarify the basics of your contract. In Switzerland, most leasing contracts (e.g., from AMAG Leasing, Multilease, or Cembra Money Bank) are generally transferable, provided the new lessee passes the credit check.
Check the following points:
- Bank Approval: Look in your T&Cs under "Contract Transfer". Almost all banks allow this for a processing fee (usually between CHF 400 and CHF 800).
- Current Mileage: Compare the actual kilometers driven with the contractual agreement. Excess mileage can affect the price.
- Vehicle Condition: Are there damages beyond normal wear and tear? These should be documented or repaired before the transfer.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Listing on EASY LEASY
An appealing ad is the key to a quick transfer. On EASY LEASY, you reach exactly the target group looking for short-term contracts. To convince potential takers, we need transparency.
Photos that Sell
Take advantage of Swiss daylight. Photograph the car from all angles: front left, rear right, and especially the interior. A clean, well-maintained interior suggests a responsible previous owner.
The Hard Facts
State the monthly rate including VAT. Also important are the remaining term of the contract, the remaining kilometers until the end of the contract, and the amount of the transfer fee. If you offer the successor a "bonus" (e.g., paying the first monthly installment or the transfer fee), this increases attractiveness significantly.
Step 3: Finding and Vetting the Successor
As soon as interested parties get in touch, communication is required. Be honest about the condition of the vehicle. In Switzerland, trust is the basis for such transactions.
Pro Tip: Ask the interested party early on if they meet the basic criteria for leasing in Switzerland: residence in Switzerland or cross-border commuter status, a steady income (no debt collection/Betreibungen), and a budget that covers the monthly rate. This saves both parties time if the bank rejects the file later due to a lack of creditworthiness.
Step 4: The Process with the Leasing Bank
This is the formal part. Once you have agreed with a taker, contact your leasing company. The bank will send the interested party a self-disclosure form.
The process usually looks like this:
- The new lessee submits their salary statements and a copy of their ID/passport to the bank.
- The bank carries out a credit check (ZEK - Central Office for Credit Information).
- In the event of a positive decision, the bank creates two new contracts: a cancellation contract for you and a new contract for the successor.
Important: The change is only legally secured once the bank has given written approval.
Step 5: Vehicle Handover and Insurance
The last step is the physical handover. This should ideally happen at the Road Traffic Office (Strassenverkehrsamt) or shortly after formal confirmation.
Insurance: In Switzerland, a vehicle must be re-insured when the holder changes. The taker needs insurance confirmation to register the car in their name. Remember that full casco (comprehensive) insurance is mandatory for leasing in Switzerland.
Create a handover protocol recording the mileage and condition at the time of the change of holder. Hand over all keys, the service booklet, and, if applicable, the second set of tires.
Conclusion
A lease transfer is a win-win situation. You get out of your contract without high costs, and someone else is happy about a great car with a shorter term than a new contract. With EASY LEASY, you have the right tool at hand to manage this process professionally and efficiently. Start today and list your vehicle on the largest marketplace for lease transfers in Switzerland.
