Long-term vehicle rental on Mahé
Car leasing in Seychelles is still an emerging market in the islands: Leasing Company (Seychelles) Limited, trading as SeyLease, launched finance lease and full maintenance lease contracts for individuals and businesses in June 2025.
SeyLease, the archipelago's first long-term lessor
Presented at its June 2025 launch as the first leasing and fleet management company in Seychelles, SeyLease is based at Allied Plaza in Victoria. It serves private individuals as well as businesses looking to renew or expand their vehicles.
Full Maintenance Lease and Finance Lease
Two main formulas are on offer: a lease with full servicing included, and a finance lease in which the lessee is responsible for maintenance. A maintenance management service completes the range for company fleets that need hands-off vehicle upkeep.
Petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles
The range covers SUVs, vans and pickups with petrol, hybrid or electric engines. Leasing lets drivers try an electric vehicle on Mahé's short journeys without carrying the resale risk alone, since distances on the main island stay short.
SeyLease or a Seychelles bank loan
With a loan, the buyer owns the car from the start and may sell it once it is repaid, whereas leasing leaves ownership with the lessor for the whole contract. Bank financing terms are set out in our guide to a car loan in Seychelles.
Hire purchase at car dealers
Hire purchase, governed by the Hire Purchase and Credit Sales Act 2013, is close to leasing: the seller remains the owner until the final payment, but the customer automatically becomes the owner when the contract ends.
Fleets for hotels and tourism businesses
Hotels, rental agencies and tourist transport operators are natural leasing customers, as it turns a heavy purchase into monthly rentals. For other equipment needs, see our guide to a business loan in Seychelles and its funding options.
Rentals in rupees and total cost
Rentals are set in rupees according to the price of the imported vehicle, the term, the expected mileage and the services included. Prices are not published and must be requested directly from the lessor, so gather several quotes to compare.
Import rules and choosing a model
A leased vehicle requires the same Ministry of Transport import licence as any other. Restrictions on imported used cars make leasing new vehicles particularly relevant in the Seychelles market, where cheap second-hand supply is limited.
Insurance and claims
The contract states who insures the vehicle and who pays the excess after an accident on the winding roads of Mahé or Praslin. A maintenance-inclusive lease sometimes also covers the administrative handling of insurance claims for the lessee.
Leasing in the credit bureau
The Seychelles Credit Information System is due to bring in leasing companies gradually, alongside the banks, the Credit Union, the DBS and the HFC. Unpaid rentals could therefore eventually weigh on any future credit application.
Returning the vehicle in Victoria at the end
When the contract expires, the lessee returns the vehicle, renews the contract or, depending on the terms, may offer to buy it. Reconditioning charges for wear beyond normal use should be read carefully before you sign.
How Namibia compares
In Namibia, banks and specialist firms have offered car leasing for many years. Our guide to car leasing in Namibia shows how far behind the Seychelles market still is, a gap that reflects how long such offers have existed.
Taking out a long-term lease in Seychelles
- Decide on the type of vehicle, the term you want and the expected annual mileage on the island.
- Request written leasing proposals and compare them with a bank loan or hire purchase.
- Check what the rental covers: servicing, tyres, insurance and a replacement vehicle.
- Provide proof of income or the company's financial statements and accept the credit assessment.
- Sign the contract, take delivery of the vehicle and keep the signed handover report.
What goes into a Seychelles lease rental
| Component | Amount | What makes it vary |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rental | On quotation, in SCR | Vehicle price, term, mileage |
| Deposit or higher first rental | Per the contract | Customer profile |
| Servicing | Included in Full Maintenance Lease | Paid by lessee under Finance Lease |
| Insurance | Per the contract | Vehicle value and use |
| Return charges | Depends on vehicle condition | Damage beyond normal wear |
Documents required for car leasing
- National ID card, or passport with work permit
- Valid driving licence
- Payslips or bank statements
- For a company: registration and Seychelles Licensing Authority licence
- Recent company financial statements
Mistakes to avoid before signing a lease
- Choosing an annual mileage that is too low and then paying heavy penalties on return, even on an island with short distances.
- Confusing leasing with hire purchase and expecting to own the car at the end when the contract actually requires its return.
- Failing to check who pays the insurance excess after an accident or damage caused by a cyclone.
- Paying a deposit to a so-called leasing company found online without checking that it legally exists in Victoria.
Questions about long-term car rental in Seychelles
Is car leasing available to individuals in Seychelles?
Yes. Since SeyLease launched in June 2025, leasing contracts have been offered to individuals as well as to businesses. The offer is still recent and limited, and terms are negotiated case by case.
What is the difference between a Finance Lease and a Full Maintenance Lease?
A Finance Lease funds the use of the vehicle, with servicing left to the lessee. A Full Maintenance Lease includes routine servicing in the rental, which makes the budget more predictable but usually higher.
Can you lease an electric car in Seychelles?
The launch offer includes electric and hybrid vehicles. Before signing, check that you can charge at home or at the office, and how the contract handles the battery.
Is leasing cheaper than a car loan in Seychelles?
Not necessarily. The rental includes services and the lessor's margin, while a loan leaves you owning the vehicle. The comparison should focus on the total cost over the term and the expected resale value.