Yes, living in an RV full-time is legally permissible in Greece, provided compliance with national and municipal regulations. The Hellenic Republic treats RVs as vehicles, not permanent residences, requiring adherence to roadworthiness, parking, and zoning laws enforced by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and local municipalities.
Key Regulations for Living in an RV Full Time in Greece
- Vehicle Registration & Roadworthiness: RVs must be registered as “tourist vehicles” (Category M1 or M) with valid Greek license plates. Annual technical inspections (KTEO) are mandatory under Law 4850/2021, with penalties for unroadworthy units.
- Parking & Overnight Stays: Overnight parking is restricted to designated areas (e.g., official campsites or “parking for motorhomes” zones). Municipal ordinances (e.g., Athens’ 2023 Δ1/ΓΠ/οικ.53941 decree) prohibit long-term stays in urban or residential zones, limiting durations to 48 hours unless prior municipal approval is granted.
- Zoning & Land Use: Permanent habitation in RVs is prohibited on private or public land without building permits. The 2026 draft National Spatial Plan tightens enforcement, classifying unauthorized RV settlements as “irregular constructions” subject to eviction under Law 4759/2020.
Additional considerations include insurance requirements (third-party liability coverage under Law 4897/2022) and tax obligations for non-EU residents (e.g., VAT on vehicle imports). Municipalities like Thessaloniki and Crete have introduced pilot programs for “legal RV hubs,” but these remain discretionary. Non-compliance risks fines up to €3,000 or vehicle confiscation under the Road Traffic Code (ΚΟΚ).