Where clients get caught out
Confusing these steps leads to costly mistakes: a non-EU citizen who stays beyond 90 days on a tourist entry, or an EU citizen who never registers and then cannot prove their residence for a permanent card or for tax purposes.
Three different steps
The NIE is your foreigner number; see how to get a NIE. The empadronamiento (padrón) is registration on the municipal register of the town where you live, done at the town hall with your passport and a rental contract or deed. And residence is your legal right to live in Spain, proved with a registration certificate or a residence card.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
If you stay more than three months, register at the immigration office or police and obtain the registration certificate. You must prove that you work, have sufficient resources and health insurance, or study. After five years you can obtain permanent residence. Non-EU family members apply for the EU family card.
Non-EU citizens
You need a residence permit. The most common routes for international clients in Mallorca are the non-lucrative residence, the digital nomad visa, residence as the family member of a Spanish citizen or of an EU citizen, and work or study permits. Most are applied for at the Spanish consulate in your country.
Residence and tax residence
Spending more than 183 days a year in Spain usually makes you tax resident, with tax on your worldwide income. See residence and tax.
How we help
We choose the right route, prepare the file and handle the appointments in Mallorca. See our immigration lawyers.
Castell.law is the English and German-speaking practice of Castell Abogados, a law firm in Palma de Mallorca. This page is general information, not advice on a specific case: laws and procedures change, so check your situation with us before acting.
Not sure where you stand? Ask before you sign
Tell us about your matter or send us the documents you have. A lawyer will explain the risks, the options and the cost before you commit to anything.
Questions about residency in Mallorca
Is the NIE the same as residency?
No. The NIE is an identification number; residency is the right to live in Spain, proved by a registration certificate or a TIE card.
What is the empadronamiento?
Registration on the municipal register of the town where you live, needed for many procedures.
How can a non-EU citizen live in Mallorca?
With a residence permit such as non-lucrative residence, digital nomad, family of an EU or Spanish citizen, work or study.