Asset finance
IT and software leasing: technology without the big upfront bill
IT and software finance lets a limited company spread the cost of laptops, servers, networks, phones and software licences over their useful life.
- How long
- Usually 2 to 5 years
- Depends on the lender and the deal
- How fast
- Around 1 to 2 weeks
- Typical; never guaranteed
- Our fee
- €0 to you
- The lender pays us commission
Quick eligibility check
Upgrading your company's technology?
Step 1 of 3 · about 60 seconds
About 60 seconds · no credit search · not recorded on the Central Credit Register
Prefer to talk? +353 1 536 9910- How long
- Usually 2 to 5 years
- Depends on the lender and the deal
- How fast
- Around 1 to 2 weeks
- Typical; never guaranteed
- Our fee
- €0 to you
- The lender pays us commission
- Irish limited companies
- Several lenders, one request
- No fees for your company
- No obligation
At a glance
IT and software leasing at a glance
around 1 to 2 weeks
- Irish limited companies
- Often 12+ months trading
- Depends on the lender
- 1
Tell us what you need
Three taps: purpose, amount, business type. About 60 seconds, no credit search and not recorded on the Central Credit Register.
- 2
We match you to lenders
We check your profile against lender criteria and approach only those likely to consider it. One request, only to lenders likely to consider it.
- 3
Compare any offers
See the rate, fees, security and any personal guarantee side by side before you decide anything.
Lenders we work with
We are a broker, not a lender. Lender names and logos are trademarks of their owners and are shown with permission. Their inclusion does not mean the lender endorses Welcome Finance. Finance is subject to each lender’s own approval, which is not guaranteed.
About IT and software leasing
Technology wears out quickly and is often bought in one large batch: a new server, laptops for a growing team, a phone system or a multi-year software licence. IT leasing spreads that cost over two to five years, usually close to the equipment's useful life. Many IT suppliers work with finance partners who can include installation, set-up and some software in one agreement.
Check what happens at the end. Some leases let you upgrade to new equipment, some let you buy it for a small payment, and some require you to return it, wiped and in good order. Software is harder for lenders, because it has little resale value, so it is often funded alongside hardware or with a business loan.
Our panel may help with an unsecured business loan to pay for the equipment, which your company then owns from day one. The lender makes the decision and sets the rate; approval is never guaranteed. See also equipment leasing.
What it’s used for
- Laptops, desktops and tablets
- Servers, storage and networks
- Phone and video systems
- Software licences, set-up and implementation
Who it’s for
- Growing companies equipping new staff
- Firms replacing old servers or networks
- Companies moving to new business software
- Professional practices run as limited companies
No credit search · not recorded on the Central Credit Register · about 60 seconds
IT and software leasing calculator
Estimated monthly rental (ex VAT)
€1,795.69
- VAT per rental (23%)
- €413.01
- Paid at the start (3 rentals, ex VAT)
- €5,387
- Total rentals (ex VAT)
- €86,193
Profile: 3 + 45. With a lease the lender owns the equipment; VAT is charged on each rental rather than up front.
Check eligibility for this amountIllustrative only. Actual rates, fees and terms depend on your circumstances and the lender. This is not an offer of finance.
How IT and software leasing works
- 1
Get a supplier quote
List the hardware, software and services you need.
- 2
Compare finance
Compare the supplier's lease with a business loan on total cost.
- 3
Apply
Share accounts, bank statements and the quote.
- 4
Install and repay
The lender pays the supplier or your company, and you repay monthly.
Types of IT and software leasing
IT lease
Use of the equipment for a fixed term, with return, upgrade or buy options at the end.
Hire purchase
Fixed payments, ownership after the final payment.
Business loan
Your company borrows and owns the technology outright.
Typical eligibility
Every lender sets its own criteria. These are common starting points. We’ll tell you which lenders are likely to consider your business.
- Irish limited company buying for business use
- Supplier quote
- Bank statements and accounts that support repayments
- For our panel, usually 12 months trading and turnover over €100,000
What you’ll usually need
- Supplier quote or invoice
- Recent business bank statements
- Latest filed accounts
- Company and director details
Advantages
- Avoids a large upfront bill
- Matches payments to the equipment's useful life
- Some leases include upgrades
Things to consider
- Costs more in total than paying cash
- You may still be paying for equipment that is out of date
- Early cancellation can be expensive
Rates, fees and costs
Ask for the total cost in euro, the end-of-term options and any fees for upgrades, early settlement or returns. Compare the supplier's finance with a business loan before you sign.
We are paid commission by the lender when finance completes. We do not charge your company a fee and never ask for payment upfront.
Example (for illustration only): a company leases laptops and a server costing €24,000 over 3 years. If a provider’s offer showed rentals totalling €27,000, the company would pay 36 monthly rentals of €750. Check what the lease allows at the end: an upgrade, a return or buying the equipment. The real cost depends on the offer, and finance is subject to status and the provider’s approval.
Leases are usually fixed for the full term, so your company keeps paying even if it no longer needs the equipment. With a loan, the lender can pursue the company and any director's personal guarantee if payments are missed.
Finance is subject to status and the lender’s approval. Welcome Finance is a commercial finance broker, not a lender. We arrange finance for limited companies for business purposes only; this is not regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Compare IT and software leasing with alternatives
Not sure this is the right fit? Here’s how it compares with the options businesses most often weigh it against.
IT and software leasing
This page- Amount
- Varies
- Term
- Usually 2 to 5 years
- Typical speed
- Usually within days; not guaranteed
- Security
- Depends on the lender
- Typical min. trading
- 12 months
- Amount
- €10k to €500k
- Term
- 1 to 5 years
- Typical speed
- Decisions often within 24 to 48 hours, not guaranteed
- Security
- Unsecured
- Typical min. trading
- 24 months
- Amount
- Varies
- Term
- 1 to 5 years, up to 7
- Typical speed
- Usually within days; not guaranteed
- Security
- The asset
- Typical min. trading
- 12 months
- Amount
- Varies
- Term
- Usually 3 to 5 years
- Typical speed
- Usually within days; not guaranteed
- Security
- The asset
- Typical min. trading
- 12 months
| Detail | This page IT and software leasing | Unsecured business loans | Hire purchase finance | Equipment leasing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Varies | €10k to €500k | Varies | Varies |
| Term | Usually 2 to 5 years | 1 to 5 years | 1 to 5 years, up to 7 | Usually 3 to 5 years |
| Typical speed | Usually within days; not guaranteed | Decisions often within 24 to 48 hours, not guaranteed | Usually within days; not guaranteed | Usually within days; not guaranteed |
| Security | Depends on the lender | Unsecured | The asset | The asset |
| Typical min. trading | 12 months | 24 months | 12 months | 12 months |
How we work
IT and software leasing: frequently asked questions
What is IT equipment leasing?
It is a way for your company to use laptops, servers, networks or phone systems for a fixed term, paying monthly instead of buying outright. At the end, you may return, upgrade or buy the equipment, depending on the agreement.
Can software be financed?
Often, yes, especially when it is bought with hardware or as a multi-year licence. Software has little resale value, so some lenders prefer to fund it as part of a wider package or through a business loan.
Is leasing or buying IT better?
Leasing suits companies that want to refresh equipment regularly and keep cash. Buying with a loan suits equipment you will keep for years. Compare total costs and ask your accountant about the tax treatment.
How long are IT leases?
Usually two to five years, close to how long the equipment stays useful. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less risk of paying for out-of-date kit.
Does Welcome Finance offer IT leasing?
Tell us what your company needs and we will tell you whether a lender on our panel may consider it. Our panel may also help with an unsecured business loan to buy the technology.
What happens if my company ends a lease early?
Most leases charge most or all of the remaining payments if ended early. Read the early settlement terms before you sign, especially if your team may change size.
Check in 60 seconds
Upgrading your company's technology?
Tell us what you need and the amount. We will tell you honestly whether our panel may help with a business loan.
- No credit search, not recorded on the Central Credit Register
- One request, several lenders: we’re a broker, not a lender
- For limited companies registered in Ireland
- No fees for your company: we’re paid commission by the lender
Step 1 of 3 · about 60 seconds
Sources: Frequently asked questions, Linked Finance (checked 26 Oct 2026); Medical equipment finance, Fexco Asset Finance (checked 26 Oct 2026).