LIVING IN MALLORCA

Here we have listed a few things that may help with your new life and business in Mallorca.

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM
It is mandatory for everyone owning a business in Mallorca to contribute to the Social Security system. As a self employed business owner (Autonomo) the approximate cost is 240 Euros per month.

If you employ staff on contracts then you will also be responsible for their Social Security payments as well. The amount varies depending on the type of contract they are on. This will be handled by your Gestoria.

HEALTH SERVICES
The Spanish National Health Service is very good and is free for foreign residents, the business owners and to their families who pay into the social security system.

There are also many private health care schemes, as in the UK, and the cost of these varies according to age.

Pharmacies here in Mallorca tend to be used more than the Doctor's, there is no prescription charge and you pay for medication as you need it. The cost is minimal compared to charges in the UK. Most prescription drugs in the UK are available over the counter from a pharmacy in Mallorca.

Dentists in Majorca are always private but the cost of the treatment is normally a lot cheaper than the UK. Most Dentists have the most modern treatments available and can offer dental payment plans.

Opticians again are all private but the cost of glasses and contact lenses is a fraction of the cost of the same style in the UK. The testing equipment is normally more advanced than the UK High Street opticians.


EDUCATION
The state schools in Majorca are of high standards and again like health care, education too is free. The only thing that you may have to pay for is for the exercise books etc. and this charge is nominal. Young children are very adaptable. They will quickly learn the language and easily make new friends. It is likely that the class in which your child is enrolled will already have several British children.

If you have older children already in GCSE, you may choose one from the many private British schools here that use the very same syllabus used in the UK or choose to integrate them into a Spanish school.

Importantly, the levels of passing and entrance to university are above the national UK average.

LANGUAGE
Although Spanish is widely spoken in Mallorca the national language is Mallorquin, a dialect of Catalan and is not very similar to Castellano Spanish which is the main language of Mainland Spain. However, Spanish is understood by everyone so if you have been practising your Uno, Dos, Tres and Cerveza por favor, don't worry it will be understood.

The majority of your suppliers and, in fact, most people involved in the tourist side of business will speak English to some degree.

It really is worth learning some Spanish, its appreciated by the locals. Normally a local school will hold Spanish lessons for English speaking residents.

You will find some pages of Spanish words and phrases on our link “Spanish Language”
If you register your interest through our “Register” page then we will also send you this guide in an ebook format via email.