Jobs in Mallorca: How People Really Earn a Living Here
“What do you do for work?” is one of the questions I get most on Instagram. The honest answer for most people who move here: not what they’d expect. Me? I run my own business doing SEO, content and social media for clients, and I work with brands on my Instagram.
Here’s how people actually make a living on the island, and what to plan for before you move.
Most jobs in Mallorca are in tourism and hospitality, and many are seasonal. Wages are often lower than in Germany or the UK while rents are high, so many people who move here bring their income with them: remote jobs, freelance work or their own business. Speaking Spanish opens far more doors.
The Main Industries
Tourism and Hospitality
Hotels, restaurants, beach clubs, tour operators. This is where most jobs are, and where most of them are seasonal, roughly from spring to autumn. Hiring for the summer often starts early in the year.
The Yachting Industry
Palma is one of the Mediterranean’s big yachting hubs. Crew, maintenance, refits and the businesses around them employ a lot of internationals.
Real Estate and Construction
Agencies, property management, architects and trades. German- and English-speaking staff are often in demand because so many buyers come from abroad.
International Schools and Healthcare
International schools hire teachers who are native English or German speakers. Private clinics with international patients look for multilingual staff.
The Reality Check
Seasons
A summer contract can mean six very busy months and then a quiet winter. Plan your budget for the whole year, not just the high season.
Wages and Rent
Salaries in many local jobs don’t keep up with rent, especially in Palma and on the coast. Do the math with real rents before you accept an offer. Is Mallorca expensive? Try my cost calculator.
Language
Spanish is expected in most local jobs. Public sector jobs often ask for Catalan, too. International companies, yachting and tourism are more open to English or German speakers.
Work Permits
EU citizens can work here without a permit. Everyone else needs the right visa or work permit before starting a job.
Bringing Your Work with You
Many people who move to Mallorca keep working for employers or clients abroad. That works well, but it changes your tax and social security situation once you live here. Sort that out with a tax advisor before you move, not after.
Freelancers register as autónomo, and some people set up their own company. Each route has different costs and paperwork. I was self-employed for years before I set up my own Spanish company, an S.L., in 2026.
Where to Look for Jobs
- SOIB, the Balearic Islands’ public employment service
- Job portals like InfoJobs, Indeed and LinkedIn
- Facebook groups for your town or for the expat community
- Walking in: for hospitality, handing in your CV in person still works
- Your network: tell everyone you’re looking. On an island, word travels fast
If you can, arrive with income already in place. Finding a local job is much easier once you live here, speak some Spanish and know people.
FAQ
Is It Easy to Find a Job in Mallorca?
Finding a job in Mallorca is easiest in tourism and hospitality, especially from spring to autumn. Year-round jobs with good pay are harder to find, and Spanish helps a lot.
Can I Work in Mallorca Without Speaking Spanish?
You can work in Mallorca without speaking Spanish in some international businesses, yachting and tourism. For most local jobs, Spanish is expected.
Can I Work Remotely from Mallorca?
Yes, you can work remotely from Mallorca, and many people do. Once you live here, check with a tax advisor how your income is taxed and how social security works.