Living in a Caravan in Spain (2024)

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Living in a caravan in Spain is a dream that many have and one of the most common questions we’re asked is ‘can I live in a Caravan in Spain as a full time Resident’?. The short answer is yes, but there are a number of factors to consider. So, we’ll go through a few scenarios for you to consider and list the pro’s and cons of living or retiring on one of our many parks and campsites in Spain.

Can you live in a caravan on a campsite in Spain?

Living in a caravan in Spain on a tourist campsite or Residential Mobile Home Park

We’ll jump right in and answer the question on that most people looking to retire or live in Spain ask – Yes, you can live in a caravan on a campsite in Spain. But, how you decide to do this will depend on a number of factors including: Location, Facilities & Costs.

Basically, there are 2 options when it comes to investigating where and how you can live on any campsite in Spain (Campsite or Residential Mobile Home Park) whether it be on the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Calida or any other area:

Ultimately, your choice will depend on several factors. So, we’ll delve in and look at the pro’s and con’s of both campsite living and residential park living in Spain:

Tourist Campsite

Firstly, you have a tourist campsite. This is the most common option and made up of touring caravans, static caravans, mobile homes & fifth wheels. Technically, tourist campsites shouldn’t be used as a main place of residence as their licence doesn’t allow. But, there’s always been a large degree of flexibility when it comes to this rule.

Living all year in a caravan in Spain

Most campsites throughout Spain will allow a person to stay on their campsite all year. But, you’ll need a main place of residence away from the campsite. Some campsites enforce this, some don’t, so you’ll need to check the full details with each campsite.

Holiday makers and Residential owners

A campsite is licenced for tourism. This means that you’ll be buying in to the fact that you want to be part of a vibrant atmosphere and surrounded by a mix of tourists and residential owners. Furthermore, campsites are generally in the best locations – close to the main resorts and attractions. Moreover, facilites on campsites are in abundance and you’ll find that each one has a minimum of 1 swimming pool, a bar & restaurant & daily activities.

The annual costs of living in a caravan in Spain

A tourist campsite costs more to live on, with annual site fees ranging from €3500 to €6000 per year. In most cases, this will include the water, TV connection and any associated communal costs.

Residential Park (Mobile Home Park)

Secondly, you have a fully residential park, which is primarily made up of mobile homes (residential & holiday spec) imported from the UK. Or, Spanish built mobile homes from manufacturers Alucasa & Aitana. These parks are licensed specifically for residential use. So, you can can use your park address as your main place of residence address. This is invaluable when it comes to applying for your Residencia, Padron, TIE and SIP card to register with a local doctors. And makes the whole process so much easier.

Made for retirees

Residential Mobile Home Parks are aimed at retirees that are more inclined to avoid the facilities on offer at a tourist campsite. And for those who prefer a more laid back environment. Furthermore, you know who your neighbours are and Residential Parks are secured by an owners only entrance. As a result, this option is popular for those looking for a secure community of like minded people. Locations are varied but you’ll notice that most Residential Parks are on the outskirts of the main resorts or close to lesser known Spanish villages

Facilities & associated costs of living on a Residential Mobile Home Park in Spain

By comparison to a tourist campsite, facilities are aimed at their demographic of clients. So, expect to find a basic amount of facilites on offer. As a result, annual or monthly site fees on a Residential Park are less. With the average fees coming in at around €4,000 per year. In addition, you’ll pay for water and a TV connection as well as some associated communal costs.

Is living in a caravan in Spain affordable?

Living in a caravan in Spain v’s bricks & mortar property

Living in a caravan on a campsite in Spain is more affordable than living in an apartment or bricks and mortar property. Many ex-pats from all over Europe have determined that living or retiring on a campsite as the most affordable way of moving to Spain. Moreover, it’s straightforward to buy a caravan or mobile home. And you don’t need to get embroiled in the legalities & costs associated with buying Spanish property.

Monthly costs come down to lifestyle, but costs such as site fees are fixed costs. And you can break this amount down in advance. Whereas gas, water and electric is by usage. As a guide, the current cost of a gas bottle is €18 and electric is on average at 0.41 per KW.

But, what does this mean in real world terms? As an example: a gas bottle will last over a month if you only use it for cooking. Factor in the use of a central heating system (used for 2 hours per day) and this will drop to less than 10 days. On the other hand, electricity should cost on average €50 per month for general use. But, factor in the use of an air con unit or electric heater and you’ll see this amount double!

Lifestyle costs are determined by how lavish you want to live! But, when you consider that the cost of eating out, shopping and general social activities costing around 30% less than the UK, you could live comfortably with less than a €1000 per month.

Living as a resident on a Campsite in Spain

Living in a Caravan in Spain legally

Since Brexit, to live full time on a campsite in Spain, you have to register as a resident – The same as if you bought a bricks and mortar property. This comes into force when you stay more than 90 days in any 180 day period. The rules are constantly changing when it comes to qualifying for residencia so it’s essential to employ the services of a Gestoria. They will advise on all legal matters and submit applications on your behalf. Furthermore, they will also speak English or have translators available to communicate in your own language.

NIE, TIE, Residencia, Empadronamiento(Padron), SIP

There are 4 aspects to complete to become a resident of Spain. Essentially TIE & Residencia have merged into 1 for British ex-pats. Originally, you could obtain a ‘residencia’ as proof of living in Spain. But, this was swapped for a TIE card (non-EU nationals residency card) after Brexit. But, what are they?

Padron (Empradonamiento)

This is the first step as you’ll need this to apply for the other 3 documents. This is a registration at your local town hall to prove your address.

NIE

Basically, you need an NIE for everything in Spain. It’s essentially a tax number and you’ll need it to purchase a car, pay taxes or other official processes.

TIE

A TIE (or Residencia) is a residency card for non-EU nationals which came into force with Brexit. Obtaining a TIE was a complex process when it first came into force but not as difficult now. If you use the correct Gestor (gestoria) they can advise on the requirements & complete all paperwork on your behalf.

Other articles:

Our Guides > Advice | Residential Mobile Home Parks in Spain – All you need to know

Disclaimer: The content of this article should be used as a guide only and you must do your own checks to determine the accuracy of all information provided for your own circumstances.