Aesthetic Equipment Finance in Ireland: Options

Clinics usually finance an aesthetic machine through a bank loan, an asset finance or hire purchase agreement, a lease, or supplier-arranged payment plans. Lenders look at the clinic's trading record, the machine's invoice and your ability to make the repayments. We do not publish rates because we have no verified Irish figures, so this guide focuses on how to prepare and compare.

What are the main ways to finance an aesthetic machine?

Ask each route for the same three numbers: total amount payable, the term and what it costs to leave early. Only then can you compare them fairly.

What do lenders ask a clinic for?

Requirements differ, so treat this as a preparation list rather than a guarantee of what any lender wants.

1. Business details. Company or sole trader registration, and how long you have been trading.
2. Financial records. Recent accounts or management figures, and bank statements.
3. The invoice or quote. A formal document naming the machine, model, serial number if known, seller and price.
4. A reason the machine pays. A short plan showing the treatments you will sell, your price per treatment and how many a week you expect. Our payback guide shows how to build that.
5. Insurance. Evidence that the machine will be insured on delivery.
6. Identification and, often, a personal guarantee from the directors of a small company.

A new clinic with no accounts has a harder time. Expect more questions, a larger deposit or a request for security.

Does the type of machine affect finance approval?

Lenders think about what they could recover if you default. This is general lender logic, not a published rule, but it explains patterns clinic owners report:

• A well-known machine with a visible second-hand market is easier to fund, because it can be resold.
• A machine with a thin resale market, such as one our EmFace page describes as recent enough that resale pricing is not yet established, may meet more resistance.
• Machines tied to manufacturer-controlled consumables or non-transferable warranties are harder to value as security.
• A used machine bought privately gives the lender an invoice from an individual, which many treat with caution.

If you are considering the used route, read the new vs used guide first so you know what the saving is worth.

How do you compare two finance offers?

Fill this in for each offer, using the real quote:

The last line is the cost of borrowing in euro. If a supplier plan shows a lower monthly payment but a higher machine price, this table exposes it.

What mistakes do clinics make when financing a machine?

Borrowing for a treatment they have not tested. If you have not sold a single course of the treatment, finance a cheaper or used machine first and prove demand.

Financing consumables into the deal. Bundles that include tips, applicators or cycles can be useful, but you should know what each part costs separately.

Ignoring downtime. Repayments continue when the machine is broken. Check service cover and response times for your area before you sign.

Forgetting the exit. Think about what you would do if the clinic closed. A machine with strong resale value is easier to exit, and you can list it free with no commission. Our guide to selling when closing a clinic goes through that scenario.

What should you ask a lender?

• Is the quoted rate fixed or variable, and how is it expressed?
• What fees apply at the start, during and at the end?
• What security do you take, and is a personal guarantee required?
• Can I repay early, and what does that cost?
• Will you fund a second-hand machine, and from what kind of seller?
• What insurance do you require?
• What happens if the machine breaks beyond repair?

Tax treatment is a matter for your accountant. Revenue's note on the 12.5% wear and tear allowance says the machinery must belong to the claimant and be used wholly and exclusively for the trade (Revenue note), which matters if you lease rather than buy. For supports, check with your Local Enterprise Office or Enterprise Ireland.

How can you borrow less before you apply?

The simplest way to improve a finance application is to borrow less. Browse our classifieds for machines in your category, such as laser hair removal or HydraFacial, and use the used price ranges on each machine page to see how much smaller the loan could be. Trading in or selling your old machine through our sell page route can also reduce the amount you need.

Sources and notes

• Department of Enterprise: Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme: loan sizes, terms, eligibility, equipment cover and end date.
• iwoca: hire purchase vs finance lease: ownership and end-of-term differences (UK lender).
• Revenue note on wear and tear allowances: 12.5% rate and ownership condition.

Machine figures are Aesthetic Machines Ireland researched ranges, not completed-sale data.

Frequently asked questions

How can a clinic finance an aesthetic machine in Ireland?

Common routes are a bank loan, asset finance or hire purchase, a lease, a supplier payment plan or your own cash. Compare total amount payable across them, not the monthly payment.

Can I get finance for a used aesthetic machine?

Possibly, particularly against a dealer's invoice. Private sales are harder to fund, so confirm with the lender before agreeing the purchase.

What documents do lenders ask for?

Usually business registration, accounts or bank statements, the machine invoice, ID, and sometimes a personal guarantee and proof of insurance. Requirements differ by lender, so ask for their list first.

Is there a government loan scheme for SMEs buying equipment?

The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme offered €25,000 to €3 million over 7 to 10 years, with up to €500,000 unsecured, and its page says growth loans can cover machinery or equipment. It was listed as running until 30 June 2026 or until fully subscribed, so ask a participating lender whether it is still open (Department of Enterprise).

What is the difference between hire purchase and a finance lease?

With hire purchase you own the machine after the final payment, while under a finance lease the lender keeps ownership and you only use it (iwoca). That affects what you can resell, so check it before signing.

Can I claim tax relief on an aesthetic machine?

Possibly, but get your accountant to confirm. Revenue's note on the 12.5% a year wear and tear allowance requires that the machinery belongs to the claimant and is used for the trade (source).

Is it better to finance or pay cash?

Cash costs less overall, but finance protects working capital. It makes sense when the machine will earn more than the cost of borrowing.

Terms vary by lender, so get written quotes and professional advice before committing.