Question
We are applying for a Spain Non Lucrative Visa and we intend to bring our motorhome over to Spain with us and are wondering if anyone has managed to get on the padrón by using a campsite as their address.
We don’t want to spend thousands on rent whilst we’re searching for a home to buy if we can do it a bit cheaper.
Answers
“I was exactly in your situation. Somebody told me that if you pay 6 month’s campsite fees then you can register on the Padron. I ended up renting a flat for 6 months just to get the paperwork sorted. It’s been very difficult and now I have to get sorted.”
“Be careful as you may be liable for import tax on your motorhome once you become a resident.”
“I believe some campsites are recorded with their local council to allow residency but the biggest issue you’ll face is that a UK vehicle has to be re-registered in Spain within 30 days of arrival if you’re a resident, (which you will be if you are registering on the Padron).”
“Thanks buddy I’m well under way to see if it’s possible to matriculate it which if possible can be done within the 30 days no problem. The real nuggets of info I’m searching for are the details of any sites that will allow me to stay on them for (however long) to get me on the padron.”
“We tried this, yes they will of course let you stay as long as you want but the sites we asked at it was a definite NO to us being able to apply for our Padron using their site because they didn’t want to get involved in all the paperwork and town hall regulations.”
“Ok mate. It might be useful to let us know what area you’re looking at. All the best.”
“LOL my wife said exactly the same. We’re thinking the Alicante/Murcia area but aren’t ruling out Almeria. Much appreciated buddy.”
“We bought a Spanish motorhome and paid 6 months on a site at Los Gallardos to obtain the Padron. There is an article on YouTube of a couple registering his UK van in Spain. So yes it’s possible.”
“I registered my UK motorhome in Spain. Cost about €5k. But totally worth it, I think.”
“Lucky with the sale of our UK van got what we paid for it, 5k sounds like a win, we thought of the resale of a UK van in Spain in the future might hit us in the pocket.”
“We’re planning on registering our right hand drive UK campervan in Fuerteventura later this year. Did you use a company/agent or did you do it all yourselves? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.”
“We lived in our motorhome and used a friend’s address for the padron. We had a rental contract drawn up and had to show one month’s paid rent. We have since bought a finca. Do you know anyone whose address you can use?
We have also just been through matriculation with the motorhome and even though it is LHD it was tricky.
It has Aircon, electric step, awning and solar all fitted post manufacture which the Spanish ITV do not like. We have had to produce an engineers report to cover everything including fitting dates for the extras and the fact that none of the extras have interfered with the structural integrity of the van. We have used a company to help us and they have been brilliant.”
Conclusion
For those applying for the Spain non lucrative visa and considering life on the road with a motorhome, getting on the padrón can be tricky—but not impossible.
While some campsites may allow registration after paying several months in advance, others outright refuse due to bureaucratic complications. A few members have succeeded using friends’ addresses, paired with temporary rental contracts, to fulfill padrón requirements.
The vehicle itself presents another challenge. If your motorhome is UK-registered, it must be matriculated (re-registered) in Spain within 30 days of becoming a resident. This process can cost several thousand euros and may involve additional inspections, especially for vans with modifications.
If you’re bringing a motorhome as part of your Spain non lucrative visa journey, it’s crucial to plan not only your living situation but also how your vehicle and paperwork align with local regulations.
