For families like ours, embarking on a long-term European motorhome adventure, buying a van often makes far more sense than renting. Ownership provides flexibility, allows for customization, and is significantly more economical over a year or more. However, moving from the wide-open regulations of New Zealand or Australia to the tightly controlled, historic infrastructure of Europe requires a shift in priorities—and a deep dive into bureaucracy.
I know we’ve written similar guides already but buying a motorhome is a big deal. There is lots to consider – and not to mention that the research, planning and scheming often starts long before the set-off date.
This guide details the ten non-negotiable checks and questions you must address when buying your European home on wheels, especially as a non-EU citizen. Including more of those questions that we had no idea to ask when we first landed!
But hey; we’ve done it twice. We have successfully bought and sold two motorhomes in Europe as non-EU travellers and had an absolute blast driving through every single country in mainland Europe! Ready for the adventure?
- PART 1: Registration, WOF’s and Security
Registration
Warrant of Fitness
Security - PART 2: Comfort and Configuration
Bed Configuration
Garage Space - PART 3: Power
Solar Panels
Batteries
Power Points
Internet - PART 4: Driving and Logistics
LPG Gas
Tyres
Hey! We are AWAY WITH THE STEINERS. Want to know more about buying a motorhome in Europe?
PART I: Registration and WOF’s – Buying a Motorhome
For Kiwis and Aussies, the hardest part of buying a motorhome isn’t finding the right one, but legally registering and insuring it. You are operating outside of the EU system, which requires creative—and legal—solutions.
For New Zealanders there is not only the Schengen agreement to look at date-wise making plans for your Europe visa-free travel. But New Zealand also has a Bilateral Waiver Agreement.
New Zealand passport holders can visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Separate, older Bilateral Visa Waiver Agreements (BVWA) exist with specific EU countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy), allowing for an additional 90-day stay in that specific country after the general Schengen allowance is exhausted.
1. Registration: Netherlands (NL) vs. Germany (DE)
Where you buy your van often dictates the ease of registration. For non-EU citizens, establishing residency for registration is the primary challenge.
This is not to say you can’t buy a motorhome in Europe in any/many of the other European countries. However, this is where we have had experience and can recommend. We have successfully bought (and sold) two motorhomes from The Netherlands.
- The Netherlands (NL): This is where we have had great experience through EuropeRoadtrip.com. The Mulder family has owned this company for more than two decades selling and organising campervans in Europe for non-EU travellers.
- Germany (DE): Historically this was the preferred route for foreigners. It is often possible to find dealers who handle the paperwork for long-term export plates or who can work with third-party registration services that cater to foreign buyers. If the van is not already German, importing and registering it can be a headache, so focus on vehicles already registered in Germany.
Critical Check: Do not purchase a motorhome until you have secured an insurance policy and confirmed the registration agent can transfer the title into your name. Many sellers will assume you have an EU address, leading to heartbreak if you discover you can’t complete the legal process.
If you are to use a company like EuropeRoadtrip.com they handle all this for you. (We did originally look at all options of doing it ourselves; but that’s a whole another story!).
Contact EuropeRoadtrip.com and use our code: AWAYWITHTHESTEINERS to receive a €100 discount on the Essentials Package for buying a motorhome in Europe.
2. APK/TÜV Status: Warrant of Fitness
The equivalent of a Warrant of Fitness (WoF in NZ) or a roadworthiness certificate is the APK in the Netherlands and the TÜV in Germany.
- Check Status: The vehicle must have a current, up-to-date APK or TÜV certificate. This is non-negotiable for legality and insurance.
- Expiry Date: Look closely at the expiry date. If the certificate is due to expire soon after purchase, negotiate a price reduction or insist the seller gets a new one before the sale. A fresh certificate signals that the vehicle is mechanically sound.
It is also another factor to consider that the APK in the Netherlands is 12 months. Whereas in Germany the same WOF equivalent lasts for 24 months. Definitely take this into consideration if buying an older van.
3. Security: Extra Locks and Safe
In Europe, security is a higher priority than in Australia or New Zealand due to higher rates of opportunistic theft and break-ins, particularly in crowded tourist areas.
We fortunately never had any issues with this. Though we do personally know a family who got their motorhome broken into in Brussels, Belgium. (Don’t not go to Belgium – they have the best frites and waffles!). Just do consider safety and security when you are parking or leaving your van.
- External Locks: Does the motorhome have extra security locks on the cab doors (e.g., HeoSafe or similar deadlocks)? Do the habitation door and garage door have supplementary Fiamma locks? These are extra security barriers.
- Internal Safe: A small, bolted-down safe is a very worthwhile investment, often found in higher-spec rental return models.
Some travellers do leave their passports in a locked safe. Though to be honest we always carry ours with us at all times when leaving the van.
Want to know more about Buying a Motorhome in Europe as a Non-EU Traveller?
PART II: Comfort and Configuration – Buying a Motorhome
Once the paperwork is sorted, focus on how the van will function as a home for yourselves or for you and your family.
4. Configuration: Fixed Beds or Not?
For a family traveling long-term, fixed sleeping arrangements were a great asset. Converting a dinette into a bed every night, only to convert it back every morning, quickly leads to parental burnout.
Given that we’ve done this twice, we’ve had two different bed configurations. One thing we wouldn’t change buying a motorhome in Europe again is the fixed beds for the boys. In our first van it was much bigger (too big!) and had bunk beds at the back.
For our second van, we specially wanted something older and smaller (slash old-school-cool!). We searched for a smaller van but with an alcove and used this as the fixed bed for the boys. Then we ended up changing the rear single table and seats into a small (cosy!) fixed double bed with a fold out foot.
- Fixed Beds: Look for a permanent double bed. This worked for us and we recommend this for travel with kids. In the end we had two fixed beds in our small motorhome.
- Drop-Down Beds: Many semi-integrated models feature a drop-down bed over the lounge area.
- Bunks: Ideal for younger children, providing fixed, separate sleeping space without compromising the living area. Though do know this means your van is going to be much bigger!
5. Garage Space and External Storage
How much storage do you need? With a family, you will inevitably carry more gear: scooters, outdoor toys, hiking gear, and luggage. Do you surf? Skate? Do you need/want a BBQ? The list could go on!
- The Garage: The essential is a lockable rear garage, ideally accessible from both sides. This space is critical for storing large items securely and keeping the living area clutter-free.
- Roof Racks: If you plan on carrying bikes, a bike rack on the back is common. If you have surf boards or extra large gear, ensure the roof is rated for a rack and verify the height clearance—a 3-meter-tall van with a rack is problematic for some tunnels and low bridges. Plus consider how you are going to lock bikes and boards on.
The second time round, our van was smaller and of course our garage space was much smaller. But – we had room for levelling ramps, our power cord, extra water bottles, a small charcoal BBQ, coals and a Moroccan tagine!
Arriving to Amsterdam to buy your motorhome? Check Ibis Schiphol, Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport and Radisson Blu Hotel Schiphol to start your trip.
PART III: Power and Off-Grid Infrastructure
The freedom of buying a motorhome comes from its ability to stay off-grid. European campsites are excellent, but parking spots (Aires or Stellplätze) often lack power hookups, making self-sufficiency crucial.
Some only have a limited number of power connections and there are often more parks than there are power plugs. Yack to your neighbour though. (Go on; you are a Kiwi. Wander over with a beer). Sometimes there is the option to share a connection or hook through them.
6. Solar Panels: A Must-Have
Given the reliance on 12V power for lighting, charging, and especially the fridge, solar panels are a huge bonus for extended travel.
- Panel Size: A decent system should have solar panels to cope with typical family demands and less-than-perfect weather.
- Regulator: Check that the solar regulator is modern and efficient.
If you are buying a motorhome in Europe and it doesn’t already have solar panels, these are an easy addition to book once purchased.
7. Batteries: For Leisure
Your leisure batteries determine how long you can comfortably stay away from a power outlet. We got better and better at it the longer we travelled. By the time we hit Morocco for a second season and Moldova way in the far east we could go up to 3 – 4 days without plugging in or driving. Because remember running your engine charges your batteries too.
- Quantity: Look for a van with two leisure batteries (a dual battery system) as a minimum, or one high-capacity Lithium-ion battery.
- Condition: Inquire about the age of the batteries. A battery older than three years will likely need replacing, which can be an expensive, unforeseen cost.
8. Power Points: Modernizing Older Vans
Older European vans often rely solely on 2-pin 230V sockets and lack modern connectivity options.
- USB Connections: Check if the van has been modernized with USB connections near the beds and dining area. If not, budget for an electrician to install them, as relying solely on adapters is inconvenient.
- Inverter: Does the van have a small inverter (e.g., 600W to 1000W) to run small appliances like a laptop charger without hooking up to mains power? This is a massive quality-of-life improvement.
9. Internet Connection: Starlink and Power Drain
While Starlink is increasingly popular, remember that it is a major battery drain—often consuming more power than anything else in the van.
- Check Wiring: If the van has a roof-mounted Starlink dish, confirm the wiring is professionally installed and that the leisure battery bank is robust enough to handle the continuous 12V draw. You might need to add a dedicated battery or solar array just to power the connectivity.
We travelled all of Europe (every country in mainland Europe) without Starlink and instead used eSIM’s everywhere. At the time this was the best option for us. However we would look at Starlink if buying a van in Europe again as it is getting more and more efficient. (Plus you can always sell it at the end – it will be an asset to the van when selling).
PART IV: Driving and Logistics – Buying a Motorhome in Europe
10. LPG Gas: Underslung vs. Removable Bottles
Cooking and heating rely on gas, and in Europe, LPG standards vary.
- Removable Bottles: Common, but you will constantly need to swap between the two main types of European bottles (the standard German/French bottles). You need adapters for different countries. Though the Netherlands bottle tends to be the most compatible!
- Fixed Underslung Tank: This is the gold standard. A fixed tank can be filled cheaply at thousands of petrol stations across Europe using a standard European adapter kit, offering far greater convenience and cost savings. However note that if you go to Morocco there is no way to get these refilled.
11. Tyres: For Safety and Law
You will traverse diverse climates and altitudes, and in many countries (like Germany and Austria), all-weather or winter tires are legally mandatory during certain months.
Not that we were ever pulled over and checked on during two years and all seasons of motorhome travel in Europe. But it is a written law in some countries so do check.
- Check Type: Do the tires carry the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol?
- Condition: Verify the tread depth and age of the tires. The last thing you want to be doing is worrying about tires when you’ve just set off after buying a motorhome.
Final Advice – Buying a Motorhome in Europe
Buying a motorhome in Europe is an exhilarating but complex process for non-EU travellers. Embrace the complexity, partner with an experienced agent who understands the non-EU registration hurdles, and prioritize the functionality of the van over aesthetic appeal.
A vehicle that is legally sound, mechanically reliable, and optimized for off-grid living will provide the foundation for an unforgettable journey. And hey; this is coming from a Kiwi family who has successfully bought (and sold) two motorhomes in Europe and driven to every country in mainland Europe!
Arriving to Amsterdam to buy your motorhome? Check Ibis Schiphol, Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport and Radisson Blu Hotel Schiphol to start your trip.
Read More About Travel in Eastern Europe
- Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania.
- Border Crossing: Romania to Moldova.
- Border Crossing: Kosovo to North Macedonia.
- Things To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- Border Crossing: Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Border Crossing: Bosnia to Montenegro.
- Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova.
More Useful Links for Your Travels in Europe and Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before buying a motorhome in Europe!
