Moving to Mallorca full time: paperwork and tips for EU citizens

More and more buyers are not looking for a holiday home but for a place to live in Mallorca all year round, whether in retirement or working remotely. For EU citizens the move is straightforward, but a few formalities are best done in the right order.

1. Registering as an EU citizen

If you will stay more than three months, you must register in Spain's Central Register of Foreigners. You receive the EU citizen registration certificate, which includes your NIE. You will need to show income or employment and health insurance. Appointments are booked with the Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or the National Police.

2. Registering with the town hall (empadronamiento)

Peguera, Costa de la Calma and Santa Ponsa are part of the municipality of Calvià. Registering on the padrón is free and opens the door to many services: health card, schools, council procedures and the residence certificate, which gives a large discount on flights and ferries to mainland Spain and between the islands.

3. Healthcare

• If you work in Spain, employed or self-employed, you pay into Spanish social security and can use the public health system.
• If you receive a state pension from another EU country, you can usually register in the Spanish system with form S1 from your pension or health insurer.
• Otherwise you will need private health insurance or the public system's convenio especial.

4. Tax: when you become resident

If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, or your main interests are here, you become a Spanish tax resident. You are then taxed in Spain on your worldwide income, and the double taxation treaty with your home country prevents you paying twice. Foreign assets over €50,000 must be reported (form 720). Plan the change with a tax adviser before you move.

5. Car, bank and daily life

• An EU driving licence remains valid.
• If you settle permanently, you will need to register your car in Spain.
• A Spanish bank account makes it easy to pay electricity, water, internet and local taxes by direct debit.

Choosing a home with winter in mind

Winter in Mallorca is mild but damp. For year-round living, look for:

• South-facing rooms and good natural light.
• Heating: heat pump, underfloor heating or a fireplace; many holiday homes have none.
• Insulation and good windows.
• Year-round services: in Peguera some hotels and restaurants close in the low season, but supermarkets, pharmacies and the health centre stay open, and Santa Ponsa and Palma are a short drive away.

We help you settle in

Ericsus & Falk helps many families moving to south-west Mallorca and can recommend trusted lawyers, gestors and tax advisers. Browse our properties or call us on +34 656 811 145.

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Cover photo: Chixoy, public domain, Wikimedia Commons. This article is for guidance only; requirements can change and should be confirmed with a professional.