After the notary appointment, the practical part of buying a property begins: taking over the keys, switching contracts, organizing furniture, registering the car, and settling into everyday life on Mallorca. Those who plan the first few weeks in a structured way avoid double costs, supply gaps, and unnecessary visits to authorities.

Immediately After the Purchase: Document the Handover Cleanly

On the day of the handover, not only keys and remote controls should be handed over. Meter readings, contract numbers, and contact persons are also important. Photograph electricity, water, and if applicable gas meters, note the CUPS number for the electricity connection, water contract number, alarm system, internet router, pool technology, and access codes. Ask for existing invoices, maintenance contracts, guarantees, energy certificate, Cédula de habitabilidad, plans, and operating instructions.

Count and test keys, garage openers, mailbox keys, and community access.
Save meter readings with date and photo.
Contact the property management of the homeowners' association.
Prepare bank details for community costs, IBI, garbage fees, and utilities.
Change locks, alarm codes, and access codes promptly.

Household Goods: EU Logistics or Customs Issue

When moving from an EU country to Mallorca, the focus is usually on transport, insurance, inventory list, and scheduling. For ferry transport to the island, shipping companies should book early, especially before summer, Easter, and Christmas. In old town locations, narrow villages, or houses without direct access, parking permits, smaller vehicles, or an external lift may be necessary.

When moving from a non-EU country, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, or the USA, customs regulations apply. Personal belongings and household goods can be imported duty-free and tax-free under certain conditions when relocating to Spain. Typical requirements are: the items are for personal household use, not commercial, were in your possession before the move, and are imported within the permitted period. After duty-free import, the goods may generally not be sold, rented, lent, or pawned for twelve months without involving customs authorities.

Furniture Transport on Mallorca

Furniture usually arrives by truck and ferry via Barcelona, Valencia, or Denia to Mallorca. The critical point is often not the route, but the last mile: access, parking space, stairwell, elevator, delivery window, and noise protection. For fincas, check access width, turning options, and ground conditions. For apartments, inform the homeowners' association, especially if elevators are blocked or facade lifts are used.

A two-stage move is practical: first mattresses, work materials, kitchen basics, tools, and personal documents; then large furniture. This keeps the house habitable even if containers, customs, or ferries are delayed.

Bringing a Car: EU, Non-EU, ITV, and DGT

If you want to use your car permanently in Spain, you must clarify Spanish registration in good time. For vehicles from the EU, the DGT requires, among other things, proof of ownership, original documents, technical documents such as CoC or ficha reducida, a Spanish ITV vehicle card, and proof of taxes or exemptions. For vehicles from non-EU countries, customs clearance is required before registration. The DGT also points out that homologation and European technical requirements are decisive.

For the ITV on Mallorca, an appointment is required. The stations of the Consell de Mallorca also carry out preliminary inspections for imported vehicles. Only after passing the ITV, tax declaration or tax exemption, payment of the municipal vehicle tax, and DGT registration will you receive Spanish license plates. Until then, the vehicle may not simply be used permanently with foreign plates; for transitional phases, there are temporary Spanish license plates, provided the requirements are met.

NIE, EU Registration, and Empadronamiento

The NIE is the Spanish identification number for foreigners and is required for purchases, taxes, banks, utilities, and many contracts. Many buyers already have it before the notary appointment. If family members, co-owners, or authorized representatives follow, the NIE should be applied for early.

EU citizens staying longer than three months in Spain must register in the Registro Central de Extranjeros. Empadronamiento is the registration in the municipal register of the municipality. It is important for many practical procedures, such as local certificates, DGT matters, municipal services, or school and health issues. It does not replace tax advice: whether someone becomes tax resident in Spain depends on tax criteria, not solely on the municipal register entry.

Switching Electricity, Water, and Internet

The electricity contract should be switched or newly concluded immediately after the purchase. Providers typically require NIE or ID, address, CUPS number, bank details, proof of ownership, and desired capacity. Check whether the contracted capacity suits the house: air conditioning, pool pump, heat pump, wallbox, and electric kitchen may require an adjustment.

Water on Mallorca is organized municipally. In Palma, EMAYA is responsible; in other municipalities, there are other providers. When changing ownership, the contract is usually transferred to the new owner. For long-disconnected connections or new buildings, additional documents such as Cédula de habitabilidad or first occupancy documents may be required.

Internet should be checked not by district but by exact address. In Palma and many coastal towns, fiber optic is often available; in rural areas, radio, 4G/5G routers, or satellite may be more suitable. Before signing a contract, check installation time, minimum contract period, router return, roaming, German-language support, and network coverage in the house.

Bank Account, Insurance, and Recurring Payments

A Spanish account is not always legally mandatory, but it makes everyday life easier: electricity, water, internet, insurance, property management, taxes, and local service providers can be paid more easily by SEPA direct debit. Within the European Economic Area, an IBAN may generally not be discriminated against solely because of the country; in practice, some local bodies still work more smoothly with a Spanish IBAN.

After the purchase, building, contents, and liability insurance should be checked separately. For an apartment, there is usually a community insurance, but it does not automatically cover private fixtures, contents, or personal liability. For single-family homes, fincas, and villas, pool, garden walls, outbuildings, photovoltaics, alarm system, rental, and longer vacancy periods are also relevant.

Checklist for the First Weeks

Within 48 hours: Save meter readings, check keys, change alarm codes, contact property management.
In the first week: Switch electricity and water, book internet, provide bank details, check maintenance contracts.
In the first month: Complete empadronamiento, check EU registration or residence status, start car import and DGT matters.
In the first three months: Document household goods, monitor customs deadlines, update insurance sums, and create an emergency list.

The best move to Mallorca is not a perfect one, but a well-documented one. Those who tackle handover, authorities, car, utilities, and property management in the right order get out of project mode faster and can actually enjoy their new home.

Moving to Mallorca After Buying a Property