Can You Live in a Motorhome on a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?

With house prices rising and more people looking for affordable ways to move to Spain, the idea of living in a motorhome or mobile home on a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) has never been more relevant. In our  YouTube video, we explore this option in detail — from visa requirements in the UK to the practicalities of life on wheels in Spain. If you’re dreaming of swapping bricks and mortar for vanlife, this one’s for you.

A major talking point for UK applicants is how to present a consistent and acceptable address when applying for the NLV. Many people sell their UK home before their visa is processed and end up in temporary accommodation, sometimes even already living in their van. That’s fine, as long as all your documents still show a consistent address. If you’ve just sold your property, you can still use your old address, especially if it matches your police record, driving licence, and council tax. If you sold your property months ago, you may need to use a relative’s address and update your documents accordingly. The key message from our video? Be truthful and consistent — and if your situation is a little unusual, a simple explanation letter can go a long way.

Once you’ve got your visa and arrive in Spain, the next big challenge is the Padrón — the local registration certificate from the Town Hall that proves where you live. In this article, we explain what a padrón is. This document is essential for getting your TIE card, registering for healthcare with an S1, and exchanging your driving licence. But what if you don’t own or rent a traditional home? That’s where things get trickier. Some provinces are stricter than others, and in many cases, you’ll need to be registered at a permanent address from the outset. Fortunately, some campsites and mobile home parks will issue you with a letter that allows you to register at their address. Alternatively, if a friend or family member is happy to let you register at their home, that can work too, but it isn’t ideal.

In the video, we cover real examples of clients who have made this work, especially in places like Marbella, where certain campsites allow residents to register. However, the takeaway is clear — if you want to live in a motorhome and stay on the right side of Spanish bureaucracy, you must plan ahead.

We’ve packed this video with first-hand insights, practical advice, and answers to the questions we hear every week. If you’re thinking of applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa and don’t want to be tied to a house, watch the video now and find out how to make motorhome living in Spain a reality.