Mallorca Property Partners
Moving and relocating to Mallorca
Moving to Mallorca
For many years Mallorca has been a popular place to relocate to. Over the past five years in particular relocating to Mallorca has become a life-change that more people aspire to.
There is a lot to consider in making such a move. A pipe-dream of having lots of fun running a bar on the beach in the sun is perhaps not the best foundation for a successful move here, but many people have come to Mallorca and never look back.
To make a success of it you need to be aware of the commitment you are making, to have done some preparation, be aware of the fact that you are moving to a different culture, and be prepared to take some time settling-in and getting to know your new environment. Here are some further thoughts that might help you in your move.
Location considerations when relocating to Mallorca
The considerations for finding a property when you relocate are generally different to the criteria for buying a holiday home. Closeness to your employment or Palma airport may be of greater importance, and you are less likely to want to be in one of the resort areas that are focussed on holiday makers and do not have a strong all-year-round community.
Your choice of area has to depend on your own personal objectives and what you will require to enjoy day-to-day life here. As with all aspects of this, get in touch with MPP and we can help with some initial thoughts and guidance that yo might find useful.
Types of property suitable as permanent homes
The area is always the first and most important choice. Within this you will obviously want a certain amount of space, bedrooms, possibly a nice garden or some land. Obviously it all depends on your personal requirements and what you are trying to achieve.
Once again it is well worth doing some research at an early stage to make sure you will be able to find the kind of property that you will be happy living in once you are here.
An important point to bare in mind is that most of the estate agent websites are focussed on properties in well-known holiday areas, Perhaps you are not be able to afford what you want in one of these locations. But you might be able to afford what you want in a location that is equally good, or preferable, as a place for permanent living.
Some things to have on your "Moving to Mallorca" checklist
Here are some of the main things you might want to be planning in advance of your move to Mallorca. We only have the space to cover them superficially here so if you would like more information on aspect of this please do email us and we will help out with more detail.
- Learning the language
It is courteous of course to at least know the basics of Spanish. This to one side, you will get far more out of the island far more quickly of you dedicate some serious time to learning Spanish in advance. Some might say you should learn Mallorquin but our recommendation is for this to be a next-step on for those who become fluent in Catalan Spanish (the main Spanish dialect).
Of course it is perfectly possible to get by in English. But it will restrict and frustrate you in all aspects of living here. It is far more easy learning a language when you are in the environment than remote from it, but some preparation in advance is also a good thing.
There are many language schools in Mallorca and many of the local Town Halls offer free classes too. For learning back in the UK your local college or a private tutor are the best options if you have time. As an alternative, or compliment, to one-to-one learning the following two course are highly recommended for getting a base understanding and fluency from which you should gain confidence and progress quickly. The links are to buy direct online from Amazon UK.
≈ Rosetta Stone Spanish is a compute based "immersion" course based on language-association with visuals, very much the way you learn as a child. Rosetta Stone Version 3: Spanish Level 1, 2 and 3 Set with Audio Companion
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≈ Spanish with Michel Thomas is an ideal companion to Rosetta Stone, with an audio based lesson format that will build you understanding of the structure of the language along with your fluency. Spanish with Michel Thomas, Complete Course
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- Schools
If you have children schooling is obviously of key importance. There are basically two options: the international schools that cater for children from different countries, or the local schools which have standard Spanish curriculum. Our view is that if the children are still quite young, perhaps up to the age of 10 or 12, then local schooling is best. The schools in Mallorca are generally very good and they will integrate into the community and learn Spanish very quickly.
Obviously this is a choice very much up to the parents though. The international schools are very good indeed and offer a more international context for the learning. Our advice is to research the schools well in advance and to come over to meet the head teachers as early as possible as places are limited and sought-after. The following list gives details of the main international schools in Mallorca.
- Removals companies
There are many companies that will organise removals to Mallorca. They should visit your home in the UK in advance and give you a written estimate for the task. Check they are BAR (British Association of Removers) members, and that they are not just brokers contracting the work out to another company. They will most likely offer different levels of service including a complete package whereby they do all packing, store your belongings in Mallorca, and then deliver to your new home when you are ready to move in.
There are two companies that specialise in Mallorca. Whites operate here and in other Mediterranean locations, and Webbs specialise solely in removals to Mallorca.
- Property and location research
Just to restate that you need to think about the practicalities of day-to-day living and look into the areas that might be suitable for you in this context. If your only experience of Mallorca is annual holidays you may find that the areas you know and regularly stay at are not necessarily the best place to live on a permanent basis when you move here.
The earlier you start your research the better. Why not contact MPP now and we can give you some initial thoughts and guidance. And look through our Mallorca properties area guide too, with descriptions of the main locations, and the types and prices of properties you will find there.
- Bank account
Related information
Information on our website
Mallorca property area guideLawyers and solicitors in Mallorca
Financial and tax advice, and accountants in Mallorca
The property buying process and associated purchasing costs in Mallorca
List of international schools in Mallorca
Removals companies in Mallorca
Related blog articles
Becoming a resident in Mallorca
What is an NIE number and how to obtain one
Gestorias in Mallorca - what they are and what they do
Other
Buy Spanish with Michel Thomas direct online from Amazon
Buy Rosetta Stone Version 3" direct online from Amazon
You will probably want a Spanish banks account for the same reasons you have one in the UK. This to one side you will need a Spanish bank account for regular bill payments as the public utilities, mobile phone contracts, insurance and other services tend to process payments via direct debit.
Setting up an account is easy and the Spanish banks in Mallorca tend to have a more open and helpful approach than high street banks in the UK. Please email us if you would like recommendations or any assistance with opening a bank account in Mallorca.
- Insurances including medical insurance
You should note down the various insurance policies that you have in the UK so you can get appropriate cover for all the important things when you are move to Mallorca. Home insurance for possessions and for the property is obviously important. Valuable may need to be insured separately and you are also likely to want car insurance.
Health insurance policies are not essential and if you have one in the UK you may be covered overseas too. It is likely however that you would get a more comprehensive and cheaper cover if you change to a health insurance policy that is primarily for Spain. There are many companies providing Spanish health insurance so this really needs to be researched according to your own personal details and requirements.
The best insurance broker we have found for expats living in Mallorca is Knight Insurance who are based in Portals Nous about 10 minutes drive from Palma.
- N.I.E Number
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) number is a tax identification number for foreigners living in Spain. It is required for all people carrying out any kind of financial activity, so if you own a holiday property or have already bought the property you are moving to you will already have one. An NIE number is needed for the following:
- Open a bank account
- Buy, sell or insure property
- Arrange credit terms or a mortgage
- Pay taxes
- Be paid for employment
- Apply for a business permit
- Register with social services
- Apply for a driver's license
- Should be quoted in all dealings with tax authorities
Obtaining an NIE number is a straight-forward form filling service that can be handed by your lawyer. For more details please see NIE Numbers in Mallorca.
- Resident status
As an EU citizen, there are no barriers to living and working in Spain. But if you’re going to be in Spain on a permanent basis, you’re much better off becoming a Spanish resident. Technically if you are here for more than 6 months you are liable for taxes and at that point becoming a resident is the sensible course.
New regulations came into effect on 27th March 2007 meaning that residence permits are no longer necessary. All you need do to attain resident status is visit to register at the National Police station.
- Personal financial management and taxes
You may well have an accountant in the UK and it is sensible to have this covered if you move to Mallorca. They will take care of your yearly tax returns and also advise you on any other important financial matters you wish to discuss with them.
Yearly tax returns are normally handled by a "Gestoria" or "Gestor". This is a service and position that does not exist in the UK so there is no direct translation. They are in effect administrators who will undertake most activities that involve dealing with the authorities. Their knowledge of the system and the fact that they are locals and speak the language fluently will prove a great help in getting things done. See also:
- Doctors and dentists
The medical services in Mallorca are comprehensive and very good - better than the UK in our experience. There is a wide range of services with general practitioners and specialists in all areas to be found in most large towns on the island.
There are also doctors and dentists who specialise in the expat sector, although many local doctors and dentists also speak fluent English.
There are lists of doctors and dentists online but we would recommend the best thing to do is to ask for a recommendation from a friend or neighbour in the area that you live. If you are stuck then please feel free to contact us and we will provide you with details.
- Property management
There is a wide range of property management companies in Mallorca, from individuals offering casual services to companies with a more structured service. It is best to seek recommendations from people in your area.
We can also heartily recommend NewPin Property Services. Contact Rafael or Isis on +34 660 218 331 or via their website http://www.newpinpropertyservices.eu.
