Car rental for expats in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Often yes, as long as your licence is valid in Germany, Austria or Switzerland and the rental company accepts it. For licences from outside the EU, many rental companies also require an International Driving Permit or a translation, plus a minimum number of years of driving experience. It's best to ask the rental company before booking.

Deadlines apply once you take up residence: usually six months in Germany and Austria and generally twelve months in Switzerland. After that, you often need to exchange your licence, with or without a test depending on the issuing country. Only the responsible driving licence authority can give you a binding answer.

Not every rental company requires one, but some ask for a local address or proof of it. If you haven't registered yet, your passport and driving licence are often enough, but it's up to the rental company. Check briefly in advance, especially for longer rentals.

With some rental companies, yes. Depending on the car, the deposit can be paid online via PayPal or bank transfer, or in cash at pick-up, and some offers come with no deposit at all. The accepted options are shown in every offer, and you can filter by them in the app.

For your first months it can make sense: you skip buying, registering, insuring and later selling a car, and you stay flexible. If you're staying longer, compare the total costs. A monthly rental over 28 days or a car subscription gives you time to decide without pressure.

At junctions without signs, priority to the right applies, and some German cities have low-emission zones that require a sticker. In Germany and Austria, suitable winter tyres are mandatory in wintry conditions, and motorways in Austria and Switzerland require a vignette. Rental cars usually already have the required sticker. If in doubt, ask the rental company.

Rentlo is a marketplace for all kinds of rental vehicles in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. You rent directly from verified local rental companies.

Choose a vehicle, pick your dates and send a request. Once the rental company confirms, you pay securely online and collect the car or have it delivered.

Only once the rental company has confirmed your request. Payment runs via Stripe.

Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Revolut Pay, iDEAL and Klarna. For some vehicles you can pay 10 % online and the rest in cash at pick-up.