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Sunshine, safety, international schools and direct flights make Mallorca one of the most attractive places in Europe to live. For British and American citizens, however, the island is outside their automatic right of residence. If you want to move to Mallorca, you need the right residency permit. This guide compares the main options.
Why you need a permit
UK and US citizens can stay in Spain without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Beyond that, you need a visa or residence permit. Owning a home in Mallorca does not change this, and the golden visa for property investors no longer exists.
Option 1: Non-lucrative visa
Best for: retirees and people living from savings, pensions or investments.
- You must prove sufficient financial resources and have private health insurance.
- You cannot work in Spain.
- Initially valid for one year, renewable for two-year periods.
It is the most common route for British and American retirees. Learn more in our guide to getting your visa in Spain.
Option 2: Digital nomad visa
Best for: remote employees and freelancers working for companies or clients outside Spain.
- Requires work income of at least twice the Spanish minimum wage.
- Allows limited work for Spanish clients.
- Can be combined with the special tax regime for impatriates.
Option 3: Work permits
Best for: people with a job offer from a Spanish or Balearic company, or professionals in highly qualified positions.
- Highly qualified professional permit or EU Blue Card for skilled roles.
- General work permits for other roles, subject to conditions.
Option 4: Entrepreneur visa
Best for: founders launching an innovative business in Spain.
- Requires a favourable report on the business plan from ENISA.
Option 5: Family routes
Best for: people married to or partnered with EU or Spanish citizens.
- The EU family member residence card allows residence and work for five years.
Practical steps after arrival
- Empadronamiento: register at the town hall in your municipality.
- TIE: collect your foreigner identity card.
- Healthcare: private insurance or, where applicable, access to the public system.
- Tax residency: from 183 days per year you are likely to be tax resident in Spain.
- Driving licence: US and UK licences must be exchanged or replaced within a set period after becoming resident, depending on bilateral agreements.
- Schools: international or Spanish schools, with registration deadlines.
Choosing where to live
Palma offers city life and services; the southwest (Calvià, Andratx) is popular with international families; the north (Pollença, Alcúdia) and the east offer quieter coastal living; the Tramuntana villages offer mountain views. Our Mallorca lawyers also help clients with the purchase or rental of their new home.
A realistic timeline
For most families, the process takes three to six months from the first consultation to settling on the island. Gathering documents such as criminal records, bank statements and insurance certificates usually takes the longest. Many clients rent a home for the first year while they get to know different areas, and buy once their residency is secured.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for residency from Mallorca?
Some permits, such as the digital nomad visa, can be applied for from Spain. Others, like the non-lucrative visa, are generally requested at the consulate in your home country.
How long does it take?
Typically one to three months, depending on the permit and the consulate.
Will I pay tax in Spain?
If you become resident, yes, on your worldwide income, subject to double taxation treaties.
Conclusion
The right residency route depends on whether you will work, where your income comes from and who is moving with you. Castell.law helps British and American families relocate to Mallorca with a clear plan for residency, taxes and property.
