Tips and advice for a successful move in Mallorca

With a move to Mallorca, many Germans fulfill a lifelong dream year after year. When the center of life is moved to the Balearic Island, many details have to be taken into account. In order to avoid most of the cliffs on the way to relocation and make a successful restart on Mallorca, we have put together a number of tips and tricks.

Finca or rented apartment: Living in Mallorca

Whether you spend only part of the year in Majorca or permanently move to the Balearic Island, finding the right place to stay is one of the most important steps in preparing a move. Rent or buy? This question is asked by many emigrants who plan to move to Mallorca. Before you decide hastily for the purchase of a condominium or a Mallorcan Finca by the sea, it is worth thinking about a temporary rental of a residential accommodation. In particular, settlers who do not know Mallorca well, can use the time to go on an expedition and find a suitable residential area.

Not every place is suitable for settling permanently. Anyone who emigrates to Majorca with a school-age child has different needs and demands than an independent single. In principle, the existing infrastructure should be checked before renting or buying a property. These include, among other things, the distance to schools, hospitals and Mallorca Shopping as well as access to public transport. Private apartment advertisements are published in the Mallorcan local press and on various Internet in Mallorca portals. In addition, there are a number of real estate agents who can help you find suitable accommodation. Of course, this service is chargeable.

Important step: apply for a NIE number

Among the most important steps in the context of a move to Mallorca is applying for the so-called NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros). It is a tax code issued by the Spanish Government and without which there is practically nothing at all for foreign residents on the Balearic Island. You can not open a bank account, do not have access to the state health care system, and can not purchase real estate. You can apply for the NIE number in the Oficina de Extranjería in the island's capital, Palma de Mallorca. In advance, you should make an appointment. EU citizens need the passport and two passport photos, which must be given to the responsible clerk. If you do not speak Spanish, you should take along a person who is a powerful language translator on the appointed date.

Open a Bank Account

Once you have the NIE number, you can open a checking account at the local branch of a bank. You may be required to provide proof of residence in Mallorca and the profession you are pursuing. In addition, you must not forget the registration certificate (empadronamiento) of the registration office and a document such as identity card or passport. An account with a local bank is required if you are considering Mallorca Property Buying Guide. Despite the EU-wide "SEPA" system, some brokers and real estate sellers insist on settling the financial transfer through a Majorcan or another Spanish bank.

No real estate purchase without legal advice

Lawyers are referred to as "abogados" in Spain. If you want to buy a condominium or a finca as a residence in Mallorca, you should definitely consult a lawyer who will advise you on this and negotiate with the seller on your behalf. When choosing a lawyer you should not follow the advice of a real estate agency or developer. You are better off with an independent, Property Purchasing Law in Mallorca who is a member of the local legal association. This is called Colegio de Abogados. The notarization of the purchase process including all financial transactions is carried out by a notary. He ensures that the property is properly entered in the land register. When this step is completed, you will need to deposit a Spanish will immediately. This estate document regulates the whereabouts of land and property.

Moving to Mallorca with or without household

A move to Mallorca with the complete household including home furnishings is a costly affair. Depending on the individual calculation of each removal company costs arise in the amount of 80 to 150 euros per cubic meter. Basically, a lump sum should be agreed with the transport company, which is valid regardless of additional services and the time actually spent. Under certain circumstances, the move to the entire household will be cheaper if you rent a van and good friends back home to Germany alone.

Another option is to move to the Balearic Island without the existing home furnishings. Many rental apartments and fincas are offered furnished in Mallorca, so that the existing household is not required or only to a limited extent. Here it is important to weigh up costs and benefits. It may be better to sell furniture and other furnishings in Germany. With the income you can finance new purchases in Mallorca.

Allow cars in Mallorca

Anyone who permanently relocates to Mallorca and has their own vehicle must re-register the vehicle at the latest after a six-month stay in the country. After this time has elapsed, you will be taxed as a "resident". If registration with the local registration office is required earlier, the vehicle must be rerecorded at this time.

The first step in the car re-registration is an appointment with the Spanish TÜV (ITV). Only when the vehicle has passed the inspection without any complaints, you will receive a Spanish vehicle registration. For vehicles older than four years, the procedure is repeated at an annual rate. Also every year the vehicle tax has to be paid. The fee can be paid online or in cash. In addition to a copy of the vehicle registration, the personal tax number (NIE) is required for this procedure.

Help with the procession through the Gestoria

The Spanish bureaucracy has already made some emigrants despair. This is all the more true if knowledge of the Spanish language is only rudimentary. Most locals hire an outside service provider to handle the burdensome administrative procedures. The companies bear the name "Gestoria" and offer their services to residents who want to permanently move their center of life to Majorca.

A glance at the Palma de Mallorca telephone directory reveals the great need for such services, as there are just under 100 Gestorias registered in the island's capital alone. The use of the service is chargeable, but it saves you a lot of time and trouble. While you concentrate on settling on the island, the Gestoria employees take over all the administrative procedures that are essential when moving to Mallorca.