Moving to Mallorca - The Complete Checklist

Moving to Mallorca is a long-held dream for many people abroad. The island draws newcomers with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a relaxed way of life, and a large international community. But for a smooth start on the island, you should plan a few things in good time. This checklist walks you through every important step - from your first preparations back home to the official errands once you arrive.

Before the move: planning back home

Preparation begins weeks or even months before the actual moving day. The better you organise everything, the more relaxed your arrival on Mallorca will be.

• Give notice on your home - mind the notice periods and allow enough lead time.
• Deregister where required - if your home country requires you to deregister your residence, take care of it before you leave. You may need the confirmation for tax purposes.
• Sort out health cover - EU citizens are entitled to medical care in Spain, but the transition period needs to be covered. Read up on health insurance in Spain. Non-EU citizens usually need private cover as part of their visa.
• Gather your documents - passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), references, and your children's school records should be within easy reach. Some documents need an apostille.
• Redirect your post - set up mail forwarding so important letters still reach you.
• Book a moving company - get quotes from movers that handle international relocations to Mallorca. Alternatively, with little luggage you can simply fly over and furnish your new place on arrival.

The first steps on Mallorca

Once you have arrived on the island, several administrative tasks await. The order matters, because some documents build on others.

Your first stop is the town hall of your municipality. There you register on the Padron Municipal - the so-called empadronamiento. For registration you need your passport, your rental contract, and in some municipalities a copy of your most recent utility bill. The empadronamiento is the prerequisite for almost all other official errands.

Next you apply for your NIE number. The Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero is your personal tax identification number in Spain and is needed for banking, contracts, and tax matters. Almost nothing happens on Mallorca without an NIE.

Finding a flat and signing a rental contract

Finding a place on Mallorca can be a real challenge, depending on the location and the season. In Palma and the popular coastal towns, rents have risen noticeably in recent years. Demand is especially high in spring and summer, when many seasonal workers and holidaymakers arrive on the island.

Most newcomers use portals such as Idealista, Fotocasa, or community Facebook groups for their search. For more on this, read our detailed guide on renting a flat on Mallorca.

When signing the rental contract, pay attention to the following points: the term, notice periods, the size of the deposit (usually two months' rent), utility costs, and whether furniture is included. If in doubt, have the contract checked by a lawyer or gestor.

Sorting out finances and banking

A Spanish bank account is essential on Mallorca. You need it for rent, electricity and water contracts, internet, and everyday life. Opening one is straightforward at most banks once you have your NIE number and the empadronamiento. You can read more in our article on opening a bank account in Spain.

For transfers between your home country and Spain, it is worth looking at specialised providers. Classic bank transfers often come with high fees and poor exchange rates. Especially in the early days, when you have to pay the deposit, agent fees, and furnishings, the costs add up quickly.

Think about your tax situation too. Anyone who lives in Spain for more than 183 days a year becomes tax resident there. Our guide to taxes in Spain for foreigners helps you keep track.

Car, driving licence, and mobility

If you bring a car from abroad, you must re-register it in Spain within a set period after your registration. The procedure is fairly involved and includes a technical inspection (ITV), payment of import tax, and registration with the DGT, Spain's traffic authority.

Alternatively, you can buy a used car locally or first rely on a rental car to stay flexible. An EU or EEA driving licence is valid in Spain, though you will eventually need to register it with the DGT; licences from outside the EU usually have to be exchanged, and Spain only has exchange agreements with certain countries, so check your situation early.

If you live in Palma, you will get around well with public transport. Buses and the metro cover the city area, and the intercity buses connect Palma with most towns on the island.

Setting up everyday life: internet, mobile, and insurance

Once you have a flat, you will need internet and a mobile contract. The largest providers on Mallorca are Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Digi. Many newcomers start with prepaid SIM cards and switch to a contract later.

Beyond internet and mobile, keep these points on your radar:

• Home contents insurance - in Spain it is called "Seguro de Hogar" and is not mandatory for rented flats, but it is recommended.
• Car insurance - if you register a vehicle, third-party liability insurance is compulsory.
• Healthcare registration - sign up at your Centro de Salud to be assigned a local doctor.
• Electricity and water - the contracts usually run through the landlord. Clarify whether you are allowed to switch provider.

Settling in and building a network

The bureaucratic side is important, but your social network is at least as decisive for a good life on Mallorca. The English-speaking community on the island is large and well connected. There are regular meetups, Facebook groups, and events where you can quickly find your footing.

At the same time, it pays to build at least basic Spanish. Many official errands and everyday situations become much easier when you can communicate in Spanish. Our article on learning Spanish on Mallorca gives you practical tips for getting started.

In the first few weeks, deliberately take time to explore the island. Visit the weekly markets, try the local cuisine, and find your favourite spot. Mallorca has far more to offer than beach and sun - and the better you know the island, the sooner you will feel at home.

Conclusion

Moving to Mallorca is an exciting project that becomes far more relaxed with good preparation. The key steps in short: wrap up and deregister back home, secure your documents, take care of the empadronamiento and NIE number first once you arrive, and then set up your everyday life step by step. Use the local community as a point of contact, and do not hesitate to call on professional help such as a gestoria. Mallorca welcomes you - and with the right planning, your fresh start on the island will be a real success.