The complete guide for your fresh start on the island
Mallorca has been one of the most popular emigration destinations for Germans for decades. Around 30,000 Germans live permanently on the island – and more arrive every year. No wonder: a pleasant climate, short flight distances and a well-connected German-speaking community make starting over easier than in many other countries.
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know for your fresh start on Mallorca – from the first bureaucratic steps to the question of how to best transport your household goods to the island.
Already made your decision? Our service for removals to Mallorca helps with planning and execution. For commercial goods, use our freight forwarding to Mallorca.
Learn more about the NIE number in Mallorca– an essential step for your fresh start.
Want your car on the island too? Our vehicle transport to Mallorca gets your vehicle there safely – including motorhomes and construction machinery.
Taking individual furniture? Our furniture transport to Mallorca ships sofas, wardrobes and antiques safely to the island. Sending parcels and boxes? Our parcel shipping to Mallorca ships parcels affordably and reliably to the island.
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and one of the most popular emigration destinations in all of Europe. The island combines a Mediterranean climate, stable infrastructure and an international community in a manageable area.
Over 300 days of sunshine per year, mild winters with average temperatures around 15°C and hot but bearable summers. Plus beaches, mountains and nature reserves in close proximity.
Mallorca has a modern road network, motorways, an international airport with direct flights to Germany and good medical care. The connection to Germany is better than many mainland Spanish regions.
Around 30,000 Germans live on Mallorca. There are German-speaking doctors, lawyers, insurance advisors and tradespeople. German schools, clubs and media make the transition easier.
Tourism, gastronomy, real estate and increasingly digital services offer employment opportunities. Setting up a business is relatively straightforward as an EU citizen.
Well-thought-out planning is the key to a smooth fresh start on Mallorca. We recommend starting preparations at least six months before your planned moving date.
Make the fundamental decision. Check finances: calculate living costs on Mallorca, plan reserves. Build basic Spanish skills – outside tourist zones, Spanish is essential in daily life. Initial research on location, work and schools.
Start apartment hunting on Mallorca. Explore the job market or prepare for self-employment. Clarify health insurance: public, private or deferred status? Research kindergarten and school places if children are coming along.
Sign a rental or purchase contract in Spain. Apply for the NIE number (also possible through the German consulate). Sort your household: what goes, what gets sold or stored? Organise transport for the move.
Inform German authorities: deregister at the residents' registration office, tax office, broadcasting fee, pension insurance. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel or transfer contracts: electricity, internet, insurance, bank connections. Open a Spanish bank account.
As an EU citizen, you have the right to settle in Spain. Nevertheless, some formalities are required. The most important documents at a glance:
The NIE number is the tax and identification number for foreigners in Spain. You need it for almost everything: signing a rental contract, opening a bank account, registering a car, working. Application either at the Spanish consulate in Germany or directly on Mallorca at the Policía Nacional. Processing time: 1–4 weeks.
The Residencia is the official registration as an EU citizen in Spain. It is mandatory for stays exceeding 90 days. Requirements: proof of sufficient financial means and health insurance. Application at the Oficina de Extranjería or the Ayuntamiento. The green document contains your NIE and confirms your right of residence.
The Empadronamiento is the registration of your address at the responsible city hall (Ayuntamiento). It is mandatory and a prerequisite for many further administrative procedures: applying for a health card, enrolling children in school, exercising voting rights. Required: passport, rental agreement or property deed, NIE.
With the Empadronamiento and a social security number, you can apply for the Spanish health card. It entitles you to use the public health system. Alternatively or additionally, many emigrants take out private health insurance – waiting times for specialists are significantly shorter.
The housing market on Mallorca is tight – especially in Palma and popular coastal areas. Those who inform themselves early and remain flexible about location have better chances.
Palma is the most expensive: a 2-bedroom apartment costs €1,200–1,800 in rent. In the island's interior (Inca, Manacor, Llucmajor) prices are 30–50% lower. The north (Pollença, Alcúdia) falls in between. Plan for 2–3 months' rent as a deposit.
Long-term rentals (alquiler de larga duración) are scarce on Mallorca because many owners prefer renting to tourists. Use local agents, Idealista.com and Facebook groups. Searching on-site is almost always more successful than remote research. Plan an exploratory trip of at least two weeks.
Those staying long-term often consider buying. Purchase costs amount to approximately 10–13% of the purchase price (property transfer tax, notary, registry, lawyer). No purchase is possible without a NIE number. An independent lawyer is strongly recommended for property purchases in Spain.
When emigrating, you typically take your household goods with you – from furniture to clothing to the kitchen. The logistics of an island pose special requirements: everything must be shipped to Mallorca by ferry or container.
Sort realistically. Many pieces of furniture can be bought more cheaply on Mallorca than they cost to transport. Sentimentally valuable pieces, high-quality furnishings and personal belongings should come along.
An experienced transport company knows the ferry routes, customs exemptions within the EU and the logistical particularities of the island. We transport your household goods directly from your doorstep in Germany to your new home on Mallorca – with our own staff and fleet.
Your own car can be taken by ferry. Within 30 days of registering your residence, the vehicle must be re-registered in Spain (Matrícula). For this you need: MOT equivalent (ITV), re-registration fees and your NIE.
Planning your move to Mallorca?
Learn all about our removals to Mallorca here →The first period after the move is crucial. Those who take care of the most important everyday matters early settle in faster.
Mallorca is more expensive than mainland Spain but cheaper than many large German cities. Supermarket prices are similar to Germany, restaurants are often cheaper. Electricity, water and internet total approximately €150–250 monthly. A family should budget €2,000–2,500 per month excluding rent.
Spanish (Castellano) and Catalan (Mallorquín) are spoken on Mallorca. In daily life, you can get by with Spanish, and in tourist areas also with English or German. However, for administrative matters and deeper integration, Spanish skills are virtually essential. There are numerous language schools and adult education offerings.
After deregistering in Germany and registering in Spain, you become tax-resident in Spain. Income tax (IRPF) is progressive: 19–47%. Self-employed (autónomos) pay monthly social security contributions, with a discount in the first year (cuota reducida). A tax advisor with experience in German-Spanish tax law is recommended.
Your German driving licence is valid in Spain indefinitely. No conversion is necessary. However, if you bring your vehicle to Spain, it must be re-registered within 30 days of registering your residence.
We help you with the most important step: getting your household goods safely and reliably to the island. Request your free quote now – no obligation, personal service.