Mallorca is affectionately known by many Germans as „17th federal state“ is referred to. In fact, the Spanish Mediterranean island has been the Germans' favourite island for decades – and this is reflected in the population figures. Around 4.5 to 5 million Germans visit the Balearic Islands every year, and more and more are deciding to move their residence there, either entirely or partially. In this post, you will find out how many Germans currently live in Mallorca, why the island is so attractive to emigrants from Germany, where they prefer to settle, and what tips there are for a successful new start under the Mallorcan sun. As market leader for luxury real estate in Mallorca, Marcel Remus Real Estate has many years of experience with German-speaking clients and shares expert knowledge here on the German community on the island.

Official Population Figures: Germans in Mallorca

Let's first look at the official statistics. According to current data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE), approximately 18,000 to 20,000 Germans registered as residents in the Balearic Islands (Source: Mallorcamagazin). The figure refers to all German citizens registered in Spain who have their main residence in Mallorca (and the small neighbouring islands). Specifically, there lived 2023 approximately 18,607 Germans on Mallorca and the neighbouring islands according to the INE. This figure has remained relatively stable remained – in 2021 there were approx. 18,222, and in 2022 around 18,979 Germans. Another survey names for 2022 about 23,932 registered Germans in Mallorca. In any case, the official figures are around 20,000 mark.

To the ComparisonMallorca's total population is just under 950,000. Officially, Germans therefore make up approximately 2–3 % of the island’s population Of these. This makes them the largest foreign population group in Mallorca. In fact, Mallorca (or the Balearic Islands) has an exceptionally high proportion of foreigners – around 18.8 % of the population are expats from all over the world. Germans form the strongest groupcirca 13 % of all foreigners living in Mallorca are from Germany. For comparison, in second place are Italians (approx. 22,000) and British (approx. 19,500) but no other nation is as numerously represented as the German residents.

Also within Mallorca German emigrants concentrate in specific regions. The island capital Palma de Mallorca alone has over 10,171 registered Germans. (Source: Mallorca Magazin), making Germany the third-largest foreign nationality there (after Morocco and Italy). In the popular residential areas in the southwest of the island – in municipalities such as Calvià (with places like Santa Ponsa, Paguera, Illetas or Portals Nous) and in the exclusive location Port d'Andratx – a particularly large number of Germans have settled. But also in the rural interior of the island (e.g. around Llucmajor, Sineu or Santanyíand in the picturesque Tramuntana Mountains (Region Sóller, Deià, ValldemossaGerman-speaking communities can be found. In short: Germans live in all 53 municipalities of Mallorca – from the vibrant metropolis of Palma to the quiet village in the hinterland.

High dark figure: More Germans than officially recorded

Interestingly, the actual Number of Germans in Mallorca presumably significantly higher lies as the population registers show. Experts estimate that over 60,000 Germans live on the island or spend several months there regularly each year. This unreported number arises because many Germans, while spending a large part of the year in Mallorca, officially remain registered in Germany and do not have permanent resident status on the island. According to estimates, around 60,000 Germans own property in Mallorca – an impressive number. Two-thirds of these are wealthy individuals with multiple residences who actually spend the majority of their lives in Mallorca, but not all of them are registered as residents in Spain.

Why do so many not register officially? One reason lay in Spain's previous fiscal policy: until recently, there was the controversial „Model 720“, which obliged foreign residents to declare all their foreign assets to the Spanish tax authorities – with draconian penalties for failure to do so. Many Germans, who actually lived predominantly in Mallorca, registered themselves out of Germany at that time, to evade this regulation. As a result, the official number of German residents fell drastically. Around 15 years ago, there were still nearly 40,000 German people registered in Mallorca; today it's less than half. However, the law was repealed in 2022, so that more Germans might now dare to officially register on Mallorca without fearing tax disadvantages.

In addition to Germans permanently living on the island, there is also a large group of Part-time residentsEstimated More than 60,000 German citizens spend at least three months a year in Mallorca. (often the summer or winter). Long-term resident contribute significantly to the German-speaking presence on the island, even if they don't appear in population statistics. The trend is increasing – even during the Corona pandemic, Majorca has lost none of its attractiveness. On the contrary, many Germans moved during or directly after the lockdowns to the island to experience the time there more safely and pleasantly. For some, a temporary retreat became a permanent place of residence.

Why do so many Germans flock to Mallorca?

The The popularity of Mallorca among German emigrants and second-home owners is not without reason. The island combines numerous factors that are particularly attractive for a Cosmopolitan, discerning clientele are extremely attractive from Germany. Here the most important reasons, Why so many Germans want to live in Mallorca:

Sunny climate and natural paradise

 Mallorca pampers its residents with an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year. The subtropical-mild climate allows for pleasant temperatures all year round – ideal for escaping the grey German winter. At the same time, the island offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes: dreamlike Beaches (over 30 awarded the Blue Flag), picturesque Bookings, jagged mountains, green valleys, and idyllic finca landscapes. These Natural beauty enthusiastic as ever – the composer Frédéric Chopin 19th-century writer George Sand raved about Mallorca's magic. Even long-term residents are still amazed by new facets of the island to this day.

Easy Accessibility & Infrastructure

 Almost every German airport offers direct flights to Palma – often daily. In just about 2-hour flight time you are in the sun, and tickets are available from around €50. This proximity makes spontaneous trips, commuting, and of course moving house enormously easier. At the same time, Mallorca has a modern Infrastructureexcellent medical care (with some German-speaking doctors), shopping facilities, motorways, fast internet and everything that makes a comfortable upscale lifestyle possible. Important for Expat FamiliesThere is International and German schools, kindergartens and clubs, so that children also receive good care and education.

High quality of life & safety

 Life in Mallorca is of a quality that surpasses that of many German major cities. The Crime rate is relatively low, and one lives in safe, clean places. There is hardly any industrial pollution because they are no heavy industrial plants located on the island. For this, you will find numerous organic products from local markets (olive oil, vegetables, wine, etc.), fresh fish, and Mediterranean cuisine of the highest quality. The density of Good restaurants – including Michelin-starred restaurants – is very high. German residents also appreciate the well-functioning services: From artisans to lawyers, one can find support, often in German or English. In short: Life on Mallorca feels like home for many. slowed down, healthy and enjoyable or.

Leisure, luxury and lifestyle

 The island offers countless Leisure activities For every taste. Water sports enthusiasts enjoy sailing, yachting and diving in the turquoise sea. Golf lovers will find some of the best courses in the world here. Best golf courses in Europe crowded. Hikers and cyclists explore the Tramuntana Mountains. Those seeking glamour will find an exclusive scene in beach clubs or yacht harbours. Numerous Prominent (Actors, athletes, entrepreneurs) own houses in Mallorca – this creates a certain celebrity atmosphere and attracts others who want to share this lifestyle. At the same time, one can also enjoy peace and privacy away from the hustle and bustle. This Balance between tranquility and the jetset This is what makes Mallorca so appealing. For many, the island has long since become a “home away from home”, where one doesn’t feel a bit foreign.

More attractive real estate market

 Not least, many financially powerful Germans see Mallorca as a an investment-friendly location. The island's real estate market is considered lucrative and relatively stable in value – an important point for investors who want to diversify their assets. Luxury properties in top locations in Mallorca are in high demand, but they retain their value even in times of crisis. The New Balearic government It has also recently taken measures to relieve wealthy newcomers (e.g., the complete abolition of the wealth tax and inheritance tax for close relatives). Such conditions of the market increase the attractiveness for wealthy individuals seeking a second residence or retirement location. The possibility of, tax-friendly under the southern sun Living there is appealing to many – especially since real estate in Mallorca is also considered a status symbol.

Where do most Germans live on Mallorca?

In Mallorca there are some hotspots, where you encounter especially many German residents. Basically, Germans – whether Pensioners, expatriates, second-home owners or investors – spread throughout the island, but certain places have emerged as Centers of the German community established:

Palma de Mallorca

The capital city of Palma attracts people of all nationalities and is home to largest German population In numbers. About 10,000 Germans Palma naturally also offers the most jobs, cultural offerings, and urban life as a metropolis. Many Germans live in neighborhoods like Son Vida (excluding the villa area above the city) or in trendy neighborhoods and enjoy the urban flair combined with sea views. Spanish-speaking doctors, law firms and shops are easy to find in Palma, which makes the adjustment easier.

Southwest (Calvià and Andratx region)

The southwest of Mallorca is considered the most popular region for foreign residents, especially wealthy ones – and Germans are particularly well represented here. Places like Santa Ponsa, Paguera, Costa de la Calma and Palmanova have experienced a veritable influx of German (and British) emigrants since the 1980s. In some urbanizations, you can hear more German than Spanish on the street. German-language shops, restaurants and services are not an exception there – there are German bakeries, hairdressers, craftsmen and even taverns. Paguera is often jokingly called „Little Germany“ thanks to its many German-language signs and establishments. Portals Nous/Bendinat (luxury yacht marina Puerto Portals) also attracts wealthy Germans, as do Costa d’en Blanes and Cala Vinyas. In the neighboring Port d’Andratx and Camp de Mar, numerous German celebrities and entrepreneurs have established their holiday homes – these elegant coastal towns offer villas with sea views and an exclusive neighborhood.

North-east and East

There is also a beach on the east coast and in the northeast of Mallorca. German municipality. In Cala Millor and Cala Ratjada, for example, which were originally tourist centers, many Germans have settled permanently. The region around Artà and Cala d’Or is popular for those who seek some seclusion and an authentic island atmosphere, but still want good infrastructure. German expat enclaves are springing up in the countryside here. Even smaller places like Santanyí or Portocolom in the southeast attract Germans thanks to their picturesque surroundings – Marcel Remus Real Estate, for example, has numerous clients in the Santanyí area who enjoy the charm of the more original Mallorca.

Central Mallorca (the island center)

 An inappreciable part of the German Mallorca lovers seeks peace and quiet in the countryside. The Island center with municipalities such as Llucmajor, Sineu, Santa María, Alaró or Sencelles offers Fincas and country houses away from the tourist crowds. Many wealthy retirees People from Germany buy a property here, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. They appreciate the authentic country life combined with the option of being in Palma or on the beach in 30–40 minutes. There is also networking among expatriates here – you meet up at weekly markets, at the wine cellar or at the golf club. The German presence may not be as visible as in coastal towns, but it is certainly present.

West (Tramuntana Mountains)

 In the romantic mountain villages of Serra de Tramuntana – approximately Sóller, Deià or Valldemossa – there are also some Germans, often artists, authors or individuals who prefer the alternative island life. These places are small, but attract an international audience (Robert Graves comes to mind). Here, you usually integrate more fully into the local Mallorcan community, since the expat community is smaller. Nevertheless: the breathtaking landscape and tranquility have also found supporters from Germany.

Connected throughout the island

 No matter where – German residents are also in Mallorca own networks and meeting places. There are German clubs and social clubs, Facebook groups, church services in German, October festivals, Christmas bazaars and much more. This creates a sense of community throughout the island. Many German immigrants report that they feel more at home here than in their home countries. never lonely It feels like you can quickly connect with the existing community. The island is large enough for anonymity, but small enough to meet like-minded people.

Germans as important property buyers on the island

For the real estate industry in Mallorca, German customers are of central importance. No other foreign group invests so heavily in Mallorca real estate like the Germans. In 2022, for example 60% of % all real estate purchases by foreign buyers were made by Germans – an absolute record. Put differently: Of all foreigners who buy a property in the Balearic Islands, Germany by far accounts for the largest share. Overall, there were 34.4% of % all property buyers in the Balearic Islands that were foreigners that year, and among them, Germans made up the majority. German investors and homeowners primarily invest in Luxury segment Strong demand for: Exclusive villas, penthouses with sea views or historic fincas in prime locations are in demand. According to estimates, this is already the case. Every fifth to sixth house sold in Mallorca goes to a German buyer – The trend is increasing.

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