Entry requirements for Mallorca: What you need to know as an EU citizen

As a citizen of the European Union, entering Spain, and therefore Mallorca, is extremely straightforward.
Thanks to the regulations in place since 1957, no visa is required for German nationals.
The EU-wide freedom of movement makes it possible to travel within the member states without any major bureaucratic hurdles.
But what exactly do you need to consider when planning a trip to Mallorca and what about longer stays?
Here we give you a comprehensive overview of the most important entry requirements for Mallorca.

Entering Mallorca: What documents do you need?

As part of Spain, Mallorca is a member of the European Union.
This means that the entry requirements largely correspond to the general rules within the EU.
If you want to travel to Mallorca from Germany or another EU country, all you need is a valid identity card or passport.

If you are traveling by plane, your documents will generally not be checked by the Spanish authorities, but by the airline you are traveling with.
Make sure that your ID or passport is valid, as expired documents could cause problems and, in the worst case, you may not be allowed to travel.
If you are traveling to Mallorca via the Spanish mainland by ferry, it is equally unlikely that you will be subject to an ID check on entry.
Nevertheless, we strongly recommend that you always carry valid documents with you to prevent any complications.

Validity of identity documents

Your identity card or passport must be valid for entry into Spain.
If your ID has expired, you can theoretically enter the country with an expired German document for up to 12 months, but airlines in particular apply strict standards and often do not allow passengers with expired IDs on board.
If you are already on the island and your ID is lost, you have the option of applying for a replacement document at the German consulate in Palma de Mallorca.

Do you need a passport to enter Mallorca?

The clear answer is: No, a passport is not required to enter Mallorca if you are traveling from an EU member state.
Citizens from countries such as Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, which are part of the Schengen area, can also enter the country with just an identity card.
A passport is only required for citizens of so-called third countries, who also require a visa in many cases.
If you enter Spain as a third-country national, you may stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days at a time before your stay is considered permanent and other regulations come into force.

Driving license as ID in Mallorca?

Even if your driver’s license has a photo, your name and your date of birth on it, it is not a recognized identity document.
This applies both in Germany and in Spain.
So if you are driving in Mallorca, you must always carry a valid identity card or passport with you to prove your identity.
However, your German driving license entitles you to drive on Mallorca without any problems.
However, if you need to renew or extend your driving license, you must do so in the country in which you are registered.

Residence permit in Mallorca: What applies after 90 days?

EU citizens are generally not required to apply for a residence permit for Spain or Mallorca if their stay is less than 90 days.
However, if you are planning a longer stay or would like to live on the island permanently, you must apply for a so-called “Residencia” after the 90 days have expired.
This is particularly important if you are buying a property in Mallorca, as you will need this “Residencia” immediately upon purchase.

Requirements for applying for residency

In order to obtain the Residencia, you must prove that you are financially independent and do not receive any state support.
This includes, for example, proof of sufficient income or savings.
You must also have health insurance that is valid in Spain.
It is important to complete these formalities in good time in order to avoid any problems and ensure that your stay in Mallorca is legal and carefree.

Special entry requirements for children

Special regulations also apply to children under the age of 16.
They require a valid children’s passport to enter Mallorca.
This can be applied for from the relevant German authority and, like all travel documents, should be checked in good time before departure.

Entry requirements for third-country nationals

Stricter rules apply to nationals of countries outside the European Union, the Schengen area or associated countries.
A valid passport and in many cases a visa are required to enter Spain.
Without the appropriate documents, entry may be refused.
To stay in Mallorca as a third-country national for longer than 90 days, you must apply for special permits that go beyond tourist status. Entry to Mallorca is uncomplicated for EU citizens and nationals of the Schengen area.
A valid identity card is sufficient in most cases.
For longer stays, however, additional steps must be taken, such as applying for residency.
Third-country nationals should ensure that they always carry valid travel documents and, if necessary, a visa.