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Rules for Living in a Caravan

12.03.2026 08:13 1 min 1 source РУС
CHIP DEU

Permanent residence in a caravan is subject to German registration and insurance laws. Rules for permanent campers must be observed, and appropriate insurance coverage is required.

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Rules for Living in a Caravan

12.03.2026 CHIP DEU Original source

DE Germany — fuel prices

Updated: 12.09.2026

Super E10

$2.65 /l

€2.30 · £1.97/l

163 of 168

pricier than 96% of countries

Super Plus 98

$2.78 /l

€2.41 · £2.06/l

97 of 102

pricier than 94% of countries

Diesel

$2.72 /l

€2.35 · £2.02/l

157 of 167

pricier than 93% of countries

Premium Diesel

$3.03 /l

€2.63 · £2.25/l

44 of 46

pricier than 93% of countries

LPG

$1.28 /l

€1.11 · £0.95/l

50 of 55

pricier than 89% of countries

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Reference data, not legal advice. Rules change without notice — check with the consulate or at the border.

Quiz: test yourself
Guess the vanlife lingo — 3 quick questions
1 / 3
Q1 In Germany, which search term is most useful for a simple motorhome overnight stop?

Best regions in the coming days

Baden-Württemberg +23°·38 km/h
88
Rhineland-Palatinate +20°·41 km/h
88
Saarland +21°·40 km/h
88
Hesse +22°·40 km/h
87
Bavaria +20°·37 km/h
85
Avoid now
Schleswig-Holstein +18°·39 km/h
80
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern +18°·37 km/h
81

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In Germany, permanent living in motorhomes and caravans is becoming increasingly popular. For those using their vehicle as a primary residence, strict registration and taxation rules apply. Permanent camping is only allowed on designated sites, and if the motorhome is used as a main home, registration with local authorities is required. Additionally, owners may be subject to second-home tax, and standard car insurance is insufficient—specialized camper insurance is necessary.

Permanent living in a caravan is permitted on designated sites, but not all campgrounds offer such spaces. In Germany, owners must register as "without fixed abode" if they have no address, and a stationary caravan may be considered a primary residence requiring registration. For permanent living, vehicle insurance alone is insufficient, requiring specific camper insurance coverage.

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German manufacturer Frankia from Oberhaid is radically restructuring its range: classic F-Line, Titan and Platin series are being discontinued, replaced by new models on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. The new Noctra Liner (from €157,900) and Neo Liner (from €124,900) are built on Sprinter, while the Together Edition anniversary model (from €119,900 for alcove, from €143,900 for integrated) and Final Edition F-Line/Titan (from €139,990) remain on Fiat Ducato. From 2027, all Frankia motorhomes will be front-wheel drive only, with rear-wheel drive dropped from the program.

Campingparadies Kellenhusen on the Baltic Sea has created 57 new paved motorhome pitches. The pitches are divided into four categories for vehicle lengths from 5 to 10 metres, all with electricity and water connections. A new disposal station, four washing stations and a dog shower complete the offer. In the 2026 season, the campsite recorded 35% more arrivals than in the same period in 2025. The season is to be extended in future: a new check-in machine will allow bookings for self-caterers over the New Year period, initially without a water connection outside the regular season. Winter operation may become possible depending on weather conditions. A new reception building with storage areas and an operator flat is planned for the future. The campsite has existed since 27 March 1999 and currently offers around 280 pitches for permanent campers, caravans, tents and motorhomes. A generational change is due next year.

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