We synthesize continuous solid solutions with monophasic zircon-type structure of vanadates of formula YxBi0.95-xVO4:0.05Dy3+ (x = 0–0.95) using a combined method of co-precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis. The X-ray diffractometer patterns confirm the formation of a solid solution of YxBi0.95-xVO4:0.05Dy3+, and the results show that all the samples have monophasic zircon-type structure. The absorption spectra of the prepared phosphors show a blue-shift of the fundamental absorption band edge with increasing Y3+ content. An intense tunable characteristic emission of Dy3+ is observed with the increasing ratio of Y/Bi. Finally, the mechanism of luminescence of Dy3+ in the YxBi0.95-xVO4:0.05Dy3+ (x = 0–0.95) solid solution is analyzed and discussed.