The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Mallorca

Mallorca has a special appeal: the Mediterranean climate, stunning nature, and quality of life attract many people every year. But moving to the island should be well planned. It's not enough to simply adopt a holiday mindset; living on Mallorca brings challenges. From choosing the right place to live to integrating into the local community — this guide gives you all the essential information for a successful fresh start.

Planning and preparation

A move should be carefully thought out. Talk to people who already live on Mallorca. Visit online forums or expat groups. Review your finances in advance and consider whether your job or business idea is in demand on the island. Remember: life as a resident is different from being a tourist! Thorough preparation helps you avoid difficult situations.

Choosing the right place to live

Work and business opportunities

The job market in Mallorca differs significantly from other countries. Wages are often lower and many jobs are concentrated in tourism or hospitality. Self-employment can be a good option; however, a detailed business plan is crucial. Whether you are a chef or a craftsman — plan your career on the island carefully.

Understanding language and culture

Knowledge of Spanish makes life much easier. Be aware, however, that Catalan is also spoken on Mallorca. In many areas — for example in the education system — this language plays an important role. Build relationships with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture. Patience is required: decisions sometimes take longer than expected.

Finding a home: renting or buying?

Many prefer to rent first before buying. Renting offers flexibility and avoids rushed mistakes — especially because property transactions can sometimes take years. When buying, legal details should be checked carefully; a lawyer and a good real estate agent can help.

Obtaining legal assistance

On Mallorca there are lawyers ('abogados'), gestorías for administrative matters, and notaries ('notarios'). For many transactions you will need a NIE number (tax identification number). Proper legal advice helps you overcome bureaucratic hurdles and settle in securely.

Financial planning in Mallorca

Choosing a Spanish bank and managing your tax and pension provisions are essential for long-term security. Numerous advisors can assist you with insurance or healthcare planning. Local expertise is particularly helpful for specific requirements.

Choosing schools for children

If children are part of your household, choosing the right school plays a major role. International schools usually offer the advantage of multilingual curricula; local schools often require fees and regular bureaucracy. Language skills in Spanish or Catalan are also relevant here.

Gesundheitswesen verstehen

Mallorca bietet sowohl öffentliches als auch privates Gesundheitswesen mit hoher Qualität. Wenn Sie langfristig auf staatliche Unterstützung setzen möchten, benötigen Sie eine medizinische Karte ('Tarjeta Sanitaria'). Private Versicherungen ermöglichen Zugang zu spezialisierten Kliniken und Privaträumen in großen Krankenhäusern.

Integration ins soziale Leben

Das soziale Leben ist einer der schönsten Aspekte des Lebens auf Mallorca! Treffen mit Expats-Netzwerken sowie Events erleichtern neue Kontakte sehr; gleichzeitig lohnt es sich auch Zeit mit Mallorquinern zu verbringen um ihre Traditionen kennenzulernen.