Mallorca
Arriving on Mallorca: traveller with suitcase in front of La Seu cathedral in Palma at sunrise

Arriving

Bureaucracy & First Steps

Everything you need to know to settle in Spain. From the NIE number to the Certificado Digital to registering at the Ayuntamiento - we guide you through the most important official procedures.

Articles

15

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9 min

Updated

March 2026

Your Start on Mallorca - Official Procedures Made Easy

Moving to Mallorca is exciting, but Spanish bureaucracy can quickly feel overwhelming. From the NIE number to the residencia to the empadronamiento - as a German newcomer you have to complete several official steps before you can truly settle on the island. Many of these procedures build on each other: no flat without a NIE, no residencia without an empadronamiento.

In our guides we explain every single step clearly and in plain language. You will learn which documents you need, where to book appointments and how long processing takes. We also show you how to get the Certificado Digital - the digital certificate that lets you handle many official procedures online. Our checklist for the first 30 days helps you stay on top of things and not forget anything important. All information is prepared specifically for newcomers, kept up to date and written from first-hand experience. So that your fresh start on Mallorca is stress-free and well organised.

The most important guides

1

The Certificado Digital is an electronic certificate you need for dealings with Spanish authorities, digital signatures, and most government online platforms. It is one of the most important things to set up after you arrive in Spain - and depending on appointment availability, you can often finish it in a single day.

6 min
2

Arriving on Mallorca can feel overwhelming. This checklist keeps you on track with all the important tasks you should complete in the first 30 days to settle safely and legally on the island.

10 min
3

With the official Cita Previa CAIB app you can book an appointment with Balearic government offices in just a few minutes. We show you when you need the app, what the requirements are and how to get an appointment on Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza or Formentera step by step.

7 min
6

The Empadronamiento is your registration with the local municipality (Ayuntamiento). It is one of the most important administrative registrations in Spain and a prerequisite for almost everything: a school place for children, bank accounts, social security and access to municipal services.

7 min
10

Moving to Mallorca takes months of preparation at home before you ever board the plane. This checklist walks you through the key admin tasks to complete in the 3-6 months before you go, covering tax, banking, healthcare, documents and more - for US, UK, Irish, Canadian and Australian residents.

18 min
11

The Residencia (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE for EU citizens) is an important document that confirms your legal residence in Spain. It is required for long-term stays and is requested in many administrative processes.

9 min
12

With the official Seg-Social App from the Spanish social security authority you can handle your Vida Laboral, certificates, contribution checks and family benefits directly from your smartphone. We show you when you need the app, what the requirements are and how to use it on Mallorca.

7 min
13

The Spanish social security number (Numero de Afiliacion a la Seguridad Social) is mandatory for everyone who wants to work in Spain or access healthcare. This article explains how to apply, what documents you need and what to watch out for.

4 min

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