Relocating to Mallorca

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your foreign ID number — you need it for almost everything. Book an appointment at the Comisaría de Policía or via the Cita Previa website. Slots fill up weeks in advance.

Bring your passport (original + 2 copies), a filled EX-15 form, proof of reason for residence (work contract, financial means, or study enrollment), and two passport photos. Non-EU nationals need additional supporting documents.

Many landlords and utility companies require a Spanish bank account. N26, Wise or Revolut work as bridges — but a traditional account (CaixaBank, Sabadell) is often required for direct debits. Some banks allow online pre-registration.

The Padrón is the municipal register — you register at your local Ajuntament (town hall). You'll need your passport and proof of address (rental contract or homeowner permission). It's required to access healthcare, schools, and to apply for residency.

EU citizens apply for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano UE. Non-EU residents apply for the TIE card. Both done at Extranjería or via a gestor. The TIE is a physical card and takes 4–6 weeks to arrive.

Go to your nearest CAP (Centre d'Atenció Primària) with your Padrón certificate and passport. You'll be assigned a GP. If you have private health insurance (Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa), this step is optional — but the public system is solid.

A local number makes everything easier — banking, appointments, landlords. Orange, Movistar, and Yoigo have good coverage island-wide. Digi is cheapest for data. Many require your NIE to register officially.

Long-term rentals (1 year+) are regulated differently from tourist rentals. Make sure your contract is a proper Contrato de Arrendamiento de Vivienda (LAU). A deposit of 1–2 months is standard. Budget €700–€1,400/month for a flat outside Palma.

Electricity (endesa, iberdrola) and water (EMAYA in Palma) need to be transferred to your name or set up fresh. You'll need your NIE, bank details, and the property's CUPS code. Allow 2–5 working days. Gas is not available everywhere — many homes use butane.

If you're freelancing or self-employed, you need to register as autónomo with the AEAT (tax office) and Social Security within 60 days of starting work. A gestor is worth every cent here — expect €50–€100/month for their service.

A gestor is a licensed administrative consultant who handles tax filings, NIE renewals, residency paperwork, and more. Not legally required but almost universally recommended. English-speaking gestores are available across Palma.