As a pensioner living on the island of Mallorca as an emigrant

Lots of sunshine, culturally interesting and / or picturesque towns, numerous leisure activities and beautiful beaches are just a few reasons why more and more retirees are coming to Mallorca. Snow and frost can only be expected in the mountains. Many seniors dream of retiring under palm trees after a long professional life. The following article provides information on what emigrants have to consider.

reasons to emigrate to Mallorca

Approximately 4.5 million people spend their vacation on the island. That is why the island is one of the most popular emigration destinations for retirees. The sun shines around 300 days a year. Most seniors know that sunshine has a positive effect on physical and mental wellbeing.

The water temperatures reach 20 and 27 degrees in the months from May to October. Bathing is therefore possible almost all year round.

The local islanders give emigrants a completely new way of life. The people in Spain are not so particular about working hours. Mallorcans also prefer to spend the evening in good company with friends in a restaurant rather than in front of the TV. This is not only more entertaining, but also much healthier because the Mediterranean cuisine is particularly digestible.

Another reason is the presence of many compatriots. This is especially true at the beginning when the national language is not yet mastered. They are a committed community and support each other. This support is particularly advantageous for seniors who want to emigrate alone.

Factors to consider when emigrating

The most important aspect is a sufficiently long lead time. It must be taken into account that moving abroad is linked to official pitfalls. Since authorities work slowly, sufficient time must be planned. It is also advisable to spend several weeks at the new location before moving to get to know the surroundings. Moving abroad can be very expensive. A planned approach helps to save money.

Despite many compatriots on site, at least the basic knowledge of the national language must be learned. The official language, Spanish, should not be learned first, but the Mallorcan language.

Sufficient savings must be available. The amount depends, among other things, on how high the monthly pension payment is.

To get a registration address, an apartment is required. If you want to emigrate, you should already look for an apartment from home and terminate the previous apartment on time. To save your own savings, you should make sure that the accommodation is cheap and furnished. Of course, houses, condominiums, villas, fincas and other real estate in Mallorca can also be rented or bought cheaply.

Small regulatory hurdles

Citizens from an EU country are free to emigrate and work in Mallorca. A residence and work permit is not required. Retired emigrants are allowed to live in Spain and must be treated like Spaniards in terms of social benefits and taxes. The law stipulates that senior citizens who do not work in their target country must have sufficient health insurance and financial resources.

Pension payments are taxable in Spain

The rumor that the amount of monthly pension payments will be cut in the event of emigration is persistent in this country. The claim is wrong because the pension insurance is not tied to one place, but to the person. Seniors who emigrate continue to receive full pension payments.

Nevertheless, financial disadvantages can arise from transfer costs abroad. These can be avoided by opening two bank accounts, one in the home country and one in the target country. In order to prevent the monthly pension from not being transferred to the country of emigration, the pension insurance should be informed of the move abroad at least three months before the emigration. If you emigrate before reaching retirement age, prior advice from the pension insurance is recommended.

The only disadvantage is that pensioners who live in Spain for more than 183 days a year are taxable. This does not apply to retired civil servants. Since pensioners are not insured through the Spanish “Seguridad Social” due to the lack of a job, health insurance coverage remains after the emigration.

Emigration with a dog

It is easy for emigrants to take their beloved four-legged friend with them. In the interest of the animal, however, the significantly higher temperatures must be taken into account. Some dog breeds, for example Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards and Newfoundland Dogs, can hardly cope with them.

Regardless of the country of origin, the Spanish government stipulates that every dog ​​must be chipped and vaccinated against rabies before entering the country. If you want to take a so-called list dog with you, you have to prove that your four-legged friend is not aggressive.

It is generally forbidden to take dogs to Spanish beaches. Dogs are also not welcome in restaurants.

There is no dog tax, so keeping them is cheaper than here.