Last updated on October 25, 2025
No, not generally. Permanent residence in a camper van is not legally permitted unless the vehicle is located on land with a residential designation and meets housing standards.
Van Life Meets Dutch Law
The idea of living full-time in a camper van—waking up to canal views, parking near tulip fields, and chasing sunsets across the Netherlands—sounds idyllic. But when it comes to Dutch law, the dream of mobile living runs into a wall of zoning regulations, housing codes, and municipal planning.
In the Netherlands, permanent residence is tightly regulated. Whether you live in a brick house, a boat, or a camper van, your dwelling must comply with local zoning plans and national housing standards. Camper vans, by default, are not considered legal residences. They are vehicles, not homes—unless they are parked on land designated for residential use and meet specific criteria.
Recreational Living vs. Permanent Housing
The Dutch government has long distinguished between recreational use and permanent habitation. This distinction is especially relevant for camper vans and recreational dwellings. According to the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, permanent residence in recreational accommodations—including camper vans—is generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed by the local municipality.
However, in October 2025, the Dutch cabinet introduced a new instructieregel (instruction rule) that gives municipalities the authority—and obligation—to legalize existing cases of permanent residence in recreational dwellings under strict conditions. This rule is aimed at addressing the housing shortage and applies for a period of ten years.
To qualify, individuals must have lived continuously in a recreational dwelling since at least May 16, 2024, and must not own another home. The dwelling must meet minimum safety and health standards. While this rule primarily targets fixed structures like holiday homes, it sets a precedent for how municipalities might treat long-term camper van residents.
Municipal Discretion
Local governments play a decisive role. Each municipality sets its own zoning plans, which determine whether a camper van can be used as a permanent residence. For example, if a camper van is parked on private land with a residential designation and meets housing standards, the municipality may allow registration at that address. But this is rare and often temporary.
In most cases, camper vans are restricted to designated camping areas or private property with recreational use permits. Long-term parking in public spaces is subject to local ordinances, and overstaying can result in fines or eviction.
Legal Registration and Services
Another hurdle is registration in the Basisregistratie Personen (BRP), the Dutch personal records database. To access healthcare, schooling, and social services, residents must be registered at a legal address. Camper vans typically do not qualify unless the municipality grants an exception.
Some municipalities offer temporary registration solutions for people in housing transition, but these are not intended for permanent van life. Without a registered address, residents may face difficulties accessing public services or applying for benefits.
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Sources
Instructieregel bewoning recreatiewoningen naar Tweede Kamer
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/10/02/instructieregel-bewoning-recreatiewoningen-naar-tweede-kamer
October 2, 2025
Mag ik permanent in een recreatiewoning wonen? – Rijksoverheid
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/ruimtelijke-ordening-en-gebiedsontwikkeling/vraag-en-antwoord/mag-ik-permanent-in-een-recreatiewoning-wonen
September 9, 2021