Legal Changes for Expats in Mallorca 2025

Mallorca remains a magnet for people from around the world — a place of Mediterranean beauty and quality of life. But 2025 brings several significant legal changes that particularly affect expats. Whether visa rules or changes in the property sector: anyone planning to move to the island or buy property there should inform themselves early. In this article we take a detailed look at the most important law changes and their impact.

The end of the Golden Visa program

From April 2025 Spain will end the Golden Visa program. This allowed non-EU citizens to obtain residency through investments of at least €500,000 in real estate. Although the measure helped the economy, rising property prices—especially in popular regions like Mallorca—led to its abolition. Existing Golden Visa holders can still renew, but new applicants must consider alternatives such as the non-lucrative visa or the digital nomad visa.

Changes to immigration regulations

Planned property tax for non-EU property buyers

A controversial tax reform is planned: Spain intends to impose a property tax equal to 100% of the property's value for non-EU citizens such as Britons. According to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the aim is to curb speculation and support the local housing market. EU citizens are exempt, and the tax only applies to non-EU buyers who stay less than 183 days per year.

Legalization of rural properties

Under Decree-Law 3/2024, owners of rural properties in Mallorca are given a three-year period to legalize their buildings—provided they were built before 2014 or have been non-compliant for more than eight years. Required environmental adjustments include energy-efficiency measures as well as water and waste management. This legal use, however, excludes tourist rentals. Costs range from about €4,600 up to more than €140,000, depending on the size of the building.