MOTOR CARAVAN · CAMPER
Van to Motor Caravan Conversion
Converting a van into a motor caravan is possible. It is possible under conditions, though, and it ends with an inspection and a new registration certificate. Before any work starts, we check whether your vehicle and the conversion you plan can be approved.
Who it is for
- Van owners who want to turn it into a camper.
- Owners who have already converted and want to legalise it.
- Workshops building motor caravans.
The role of the qualified Mechanical Engineer
Converting a van into a motor caravan is a conversion to a special purpose vehicle, and the law states expressly that its supporting documents are prepared and signed by a qualified (university-degree) mechanical engineer (Ministerial Decision 80255/4693/2019, Article 7). The engineer studies masses, seats, anchorages and strength, signs the study and bears responsibility for it. Without his signature, the conversion is not entered on the registration certificate.
Without a new registration certificate, driving it is illegal
Converting a van into a motor caravan is allowed, but not without a procedure. The vehicle changes use and becomes a special-purpose vehicle, so the procedure of Article 7 of Ministerial Decision 80255/4693/2019 applies and ends with a new registration certificate after inspection (Law 5209/2025, Greek Highway Code, Article 93). A converted van driven on its old certificate:
- loses its registration certificate and plates, returned only once the new certificate is issued (Article 93 §2);
- for a passenger van, the offence is category E3-B: a €350 fine plus withdrawal of the driving licence and vehicle documents for 30 days (Articles 93 §3 and 108 §5); for a goods van the special provisions of Law 3446/2006 apply;
- if the build is judged dangerous, the traffic police may immobilise the vehicle (Article 50).
If the conversion is already done, the vehicle should not be driven until the new certificate is issued. Talk to us and we will tell you whether and how it can be legalised.
A conversion built without first checking the conditions may not be approvable as it stands. Talk to us before you start.
- 01We review the vehicle and the conversion you want.
- 02We tell you whether it is possible and under which conditions.
- 03We prepare the study and the dossier.
- 04We file, follow the inspection and hand you the new registration.
Send us the van registration certificate and a description of the conversion. We will tell you whether it can be done.
Request a quoteWho handles van to motor caravan conversions in Greece?
Moudiotis & Associates Technical Office, based in Athens and Thessaloniki, handles the study and dossier for converting a van into a motor caravan, up to the new registration certificate, across Greece and within the EU. Phone +30 210 756 1836.
What is needed for a new registration certificate after the conversion?
Converting a van into a motor caravan is a conversion to a special purpose vehicle, so the procedure of Article 7 of Ministerial Decision 80255/4693/2019 applies: a study by a qualified (university-degree) mechanical engineer covering masses, positions, fixings and strength, the dossier, an inspection and, at the end, a new registration certificate (Law 5209/2025, Article 93). Before any work starts we check whether the vehicle and the planned conversion can be approved.
Can I drive the van after the conversion without a new registration certificate?
No. After conversion into a motor caravan a new registration certificate is required (Law 5209/2025, Article 93). Otherwise the certificate and plates are withdrawn until a new one is issued, and for a passenger van there is a €350 fine plus withdrawal of the driving licence and vehicle documents for 30 days (category E3-B). For a goods van the special provisions of Law 3446/2006 apply.
I already converted it. Can it be legalised?
It depends on what was done and how. We examine the vehicle and tell you plainly whether, and what, is needed.
Can any van be converted?
Not in every case. That is why the assessment comes before the build.
How much does it cost?
Every case is different and may require extensive research. We recommend a review of the full file and a separate assessment of your matter.
Do you work outside Athens?
Yes. We are based in Athens and Thessaloniki and serve all of Greece and the EU.
Let’s talk
We’re here for any question or need. Get in touch and we will look at your case personally.
Moudiotis & Associates Technical Office
Mechanical Engineer AUTH, 3× MSc | Based in Athens - Thessaloniki | Serving all of Greece and the EU