For decades, Mallorca has been seen as a place for two-week summer holidays, villa rentals, and weekend getaways. But in recent years, the island has quietly transformed into something bigger: one of Europe’s most attractive relocation destinations. Families, digital nomads, retirees, entrepreneurs, and even Americans looking for a Mediterranean lifestyle are now choosing Mallorca not for a fortnight, but for the long haul.
So, what’s driving the change? And why is Mallorca suddenly competing with Lisbon, Barcelona, and Dubai as a global hotspot for people who want more out of life? Let’s take a closer look.
Sunshine, lifestyle, and more than a holiday
It might sound obvious, but the lifestyle is the number one reason people make the move. Mallorca boasts around 300 days of sunshine per year. For anyone from Northern Europe, where winter can feel endless, that alone is a life-changer.
The island is also big enough to feel varied with mountains, beaches, rural villages, and a capital city (Palma) that has been ranked one of the best places to live in Europe. Yet it’s still small enough that nothing feels more than an hour’s drive away.
For families, that means safe neighbourhoods and access to international schools. For retirees, it means enjoying the slower pace of Mediterranean life. And for younger professionals, it offers a lively cultural scene, buzzing café culture, and fast connections to the rest of Europe.
The rise of digital nomads
Remote work has redefined where people can live. According to Spain’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, applications for the new Spanish digital nomad visa (launched in 2023) have surged, with thousands of non-EU professionals applying to base themselves in the country while working for overseas employers.
Mallorca has been one of the big winners of this shift. Unlike smaller islands, it has the infrastructure nomads need:
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Coworking hubs in Palma and beyond
- A strong expat community to connect with
- A wide choice of apartments and rural fincas to rent or buy
Add the climate and lifestyle, and it’s not hard to see why Northern Europeans, Brits, and now even Americans are choosing to set up their laptops here.
Families looking for balance
It’s not just single professionals making the move. Families are increasingly drawn to Mallorca’s mix of modern amenities and outdoor living. The island is known for its safe environment, with crime rates lower than many big cities on the mainland.
There are also over a dozen international schools offering British, German, Swedish, and American curriculums, a big draw for expats who want their children educated in their own language.
Healthcare is another factor. Spain consistently ranks in the top 10 globally for healthcare systems, and Mallorca has well-regarded public hospitals as well as a growing network of private clinics.
For parents, it’s the little things too: the chance to cycle year-round, eat outdoors, and give children more freedom to grow up surrounded by nature.
Retirees seeking the good life
According to Eurostat, around 20% of Mallorca’s foreign residents are over 65. Retirees are drawn by the warm climate, which is easier on joints and bones, and the relaxed pace of island life.
Mallorca also has excellent transport links. Palma’s airport offers direct flights to most European capitals in under three hours, making it easy for retirees to stay connected with family back home. For those from Northern Europe, it’s close enough to be practical but far enough to feel like a real escape.
Who’s moving here?
It’s a mix. The traditional influx of Germans and Brits has been joined by Scandinavians, Dutch, French, and increasingly Americans.
- Northern Europeans: Looking for a sunnier, healthier lifestyle but close enough to fly home in hours.
- Brits: Despite Brexit, they remain the second-largest foreign community in Mallorca, after Germans.
- Americans: Many are discovering Mallorca for the first time, often as an alternative to Portugal’s Algarve or Italy’s Tuscany. Direct US flights to Palma may be rare, but connections via Madrid and Barcelona make it feasible.
But it’s not always simple
According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), over 23% of Mallorca’s population is foreign-born, one of the highest rates in Spain. This creates a diverse, international community where expats feel welcome.
Of course, relocation comes with its challenges. Spanish bureaucracy has a reputation for being complex, and Mallorca is no exception. Setting up residency, registering as self-employed, or making sense of the local tax system can feel daunting, particularly for newcomers who are juggling life changes at the same time. Even something as straightforward as applying for a mortgage often works differently here than it does in Northern Europe or the US.
That’s why many expats lean on local expertise to smooth the process. Understanding accounting and tax in Mallorca, from autonomo (self-employed) setup to residency rules and cross-border obligations is often the first hurdle. Property buyers face another: comparing offers and navigating paperwork when it comes to mortgages in Mallorca, especially as a non-resident.
As Chad Harwood-Jones, MD of Baleario, explains:
“We’re seeing more families, professionals, and retirees choose Mallorca as their permanent base. The lifestyle is unmatched, but tackling tax rules and securing mortgages can be complex, with many underestimating the bureaucracy. People see the good life but you still have to adapt, earn and fulfil all your legal obligations.”
Looking ahead: Mallorca as an expat hub
The trend doesn’t look like slowing down. As more people embrace remote work, and as Europe seeks healthier, more balanced lifestyles, Mallorca has positioned itself as more than just a holiday island.
It’s now:
- A digital hub for nomads
- A safe haven for families
- A retirement destination for Europeans and beyond
- An investment opportunity for property buyers
According to a 2025 InterNations survey, 85% of expats in Spain report being satisfied with their quality of life, with Mallorca often singled out as a standout region.
Final thoughts
Mallorca is no longer just about sandy beaches and cocktails by the pool. It’s about building a future in a place that offers sunshine, security, community, and opportunity. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a young family, a retiree, or an investor, the island has something to offer.
Relocation isn’t always easy, but for many, the reward is worth it. If you’re thinking of making the move, now might be the perfect time to start planning.
