Living in Mallorca: A comprehensive guide for expats

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has been attracting people from all over the world for decades. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, a diverse landscape and a rich culture, the island offers ideal conditions for a new home. But before you take the step of emigrating to Mallorca, it is essential to get all the information you need. In this article, we look at the requirements, cost of living, pros and cons and other important aspects of living in Mallorca. Like our CEO & Founder Lucas Froese himself, you can also manage to emigrate with your family and really integrate in Mallorca.

Requirements for living in Mallorca

Residence status and registration

As an EU citizen, you have the right to settle in Mallorca. However, certain formalities must be observed:

• NIE number: The Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE ) is your foreigner identification number in Spain. It is required for almost all administrative processes, be it buying property, opening a bank account or concluding an employment contract. You can apply for it at the National Police or the Spanish consulate in your home country.

• Residencia: If you are planning to stay on the island for longer than three months, you should register as a resident. This brings benefits such as tax breaks and travel discounts within Spain.

Language skills

Although German and English are widely spoken in tourist areas, knowledge of Spanish makes everyday life much easier and promotes integration. Catalan is also spoken on Mallorca, with the local dialect being called “Mallorquín”. Learning the local language opens doors to a deeper understanding of the culture and community.

Cost of living in Mallorca

The cost of living in Mallorca varies depending on lifestyle, place of residence and personal needs. In general, however, they are often lower than in large German cities.

Living

• Rent: Rental prices vary depending on the location and features of the property. Rents can be higher in popular areas such as Palma or near the coast, while more rural regions often offer cheaper options.

• Purchase: Buying a property in Mallorca is an attractive investment, especially in view of the continuously rising property prices. It is advisable to seek comprehensive advice before buying in order to identify the best offers and locations.

Food

Food prices are often cheaper than in Germany. Local products, especially fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, are of high quality and reasonably priced.

Transportation

• Public transport: Buses and trains are inexpensive means of transportation on the island. A one-way ticket costs between €1.50 and €3.

• Car: The purchase of a used small car is between €5,000 and €10,000. Added to this are running costs such as gasoline, insurance and maintenance.

Education

Mallorca offers a wide range of educational facilities for families with children:

• Public schools: Attendance is free, but classes are taught in Spanish and Catalan.

• International schools: Especially near Palma, there are schools with British, German and French curricula. Fees vary depending on the school and level of education.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in Mallorca

Advantages

• Climate: With mild winters and warm summers, Mallorca offers a pleasant Mediterranean climate.

• Nature: The island has 550 km of coastline with 179 beaches and bays, ideal for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

• Infrastructure: A modern infrastructure with fast internet makes Mallorca attractive for remote workers and digital nomads.

• Cultural diversity: A rich history and numerous cultural events enrich life on the island.

• There is a large selection of different properties on Mallorca.

Disadvantages

• Dependence on tourism: The local economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which can lead to seasonal fluctuations.

• Higher prices in tourist areas: In popular regions, the cost of living can be higher than the island average.

Job opportunities in Mallorca

The job market in Mallorca is strongly influenced by tourism. Occupations in demand include:

• Hotel and catering industry: Positions such as hotel managers, cooks, waiters and entertainers are particularly in demand during the season.

• Craft services: Due to the numerous properties on the island, there is a constant demand for craftsmen and service providers.

The island also offers potential for the self-employed, particularly in the areas of tourism, gastronomy and real estate.

Integration and community

Mallorca is home to a large international community. There are numerous associations and organizations that help newcomers to integrate and make contacts. Learning the language and understanding local customs makes integration much easier.

Conclusion

Life on Mallorca offers a high quality of life, characterized by a pleasant climate, breathtaking nature and a rich culture. With the right preparation and openness to the local way of life, the island can become a wonderful new home.