Building your own campervan is an incredible adventure — but it’s also important to have a clear idea of the costs involved.
If you’re thinking, "Where can I build a van conversion in Europe without breaking the bank?", Portugal might just be your perfect place.
Here at Vancowork, we host DIY van builders from all over Europe — and today we’ll give you a realistic breakdown of what it costs to build your campervan in Portugal, based on what most people experience.
Let’s dive in!
1. Tools and Workspace Rental
If you’ve ever built anything before, you know: having the right tools makes all the difference.
Buying all the tools you need can easily cost €5,000 or more — not including the space needed to work safely.
At Vancowork, you don’t have to worry about that!
Our campervan workshop rental includes access to all the essential tools, plus a comfortable, secure workstation where you can build full-time.
Cost at Vancowork:
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Workshop rental from €500/month, depending on the size and duration of your project.
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Tools included (professional quality!)
You’ll save thousands compared to buying everything yourself — and you’ll be able to start building immediately.
2. Materials for the Build
The cost of materials depends heavily on the style of build you want (simple or luxury).
Here’s an average range for DIY campervan materials:
| Item | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Insulation (Armaflex, cork, wool) | €300 - €800 |
| Electrical system (battery, inverter, solar panel) | €1,000 - €3,000 |
| Water system (tanks, pumps, pipes) | €300 - €600 |
| Furniture (plywood, hardware) | €600 - €1,200 |
| Windows, skylights, ventilation | €400 - €1,000 |
| Flooring and wall finishes | €300 - €800 |
| Kitchen equipment (fridge, stove, sink) | €600 - €1,500 |
| Heating system (optional) | €800 - €2,000 |
At Vancowork, we have our own onsite shop with all the essential materials you need to pick them fast and work non-stop.
If you need anything extra, Amazon delivers here in about 3 days — easy and efficient!
Tip:
Shopping local in Portugal (IKEA, Leroy Merlin) can also save you money compared to other European countries.
3. Engineering Project (If Required)
In Portugal (and many parts of Europe), if you want to legally register your van as a campervan, you often need an engineering project or inspection documents.
Typical Costs:
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Engineering project: around €400 - €600 (depending on complexity)
At Vancowork, we can connect you with certified engineers to simplify this process!
4. Legalization Costs
Legalizing your campervan (homologation) is important if you want to travel stress-free across Europe or sell your van later.
In Portugal, legalization involves:
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Inspection at IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes)
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Technical project approval
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Possible adjustments if needed
Typical Costs:
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IMT Inspection Fees: around €150 - €250
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Legalization Service (if you want full support): €400 - €700
At Vancowork, we offer campervan legalization services so you can focus on building while we help with the paperwork!
5. Accommodation and Living Expenses
While building your van at Vancowork, you’ll need a comfortable place to stay.
Luckily, our location is amazing:
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5 minutes from Porto Airport
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15 minutes from Downtown Porto
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5 minutes from beautiful beaches
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Affordable local housing and markets nearby
Average Costs:
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Monthly accommodation: €400 - €800, depending on the type of rental
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Food and living expenses: €200 - €400/month (local markets are very affordable!)
We can help you find accommodation nearby to make your stay smooth and stress-free.
Summary: Average Total Cost of Building Your Own Van in Portugal
| Item | Estimated Total Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Workshop Rental (2-3 months) | €1,000 - €1,500 |
| Materials | €3,000 - €7,000 |
| Engineering Project | €400 - €600 |
| Legalization Process | €500 - €900 |
| Accommodation and Living | €800 - €2,400 |
Estimated Total:
€5,700 to €12,400
(depending on your van style and choices)
Why Building Your Campervan in Portugal Is a Smart Choice
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Sunny weather to work comfortably all year
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Beautiful beaches and culture nearby for your free time
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Easy access to big suppliers (IKEA, Leroy Merlin)
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Fast Amazon deliveries (3 days) if you need special materials
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Expert support available for beginners
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Community of van builders from all over Europe
Plus, we truly believe that everyone should build a campervan once in their life.
Building your own van creates a unique connection with your future home-on-wheels — a bond you’ll never feel when buying a new one.
Ready to Start Your DIY Campervan Project in Portugal?
At Vancowork, we offer everything you need to turn your dream into reality:
Professional campervan coworking space
All essential tools and materials onsite
Expert support, even if you're a complete beginner
Legalization assistance
Fast Amazon deliveries
Great location near Porto Airport, the city, and the ocean
Contact us today to reserve your workstation and start building your adventure!