Buyers from the German-speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland and Austria, the DACH region) are the largest group of foreign buyers in Mallorca. But "Germans buy everywhere" is not quite true. Where you will feel most at home depends a lot on whether you want city life, prestige by the sea, or a familiar German-speaking setting. Here is our honest overview of where Swiss, German and Austrian buyers actually end up.
If you are still working out which kind of area suits you at all, start with our main guide on where to live in Mallorca. This article focuses specifically on the DACH perspective.
Palma and around: city life all year
If you want urban, younger or year-round living, Palma is the draw. Santa Catalina is especially popular with international buyers, along with the old town around La Lonja and maritime Portixol. The advantage: real life even in winter, short distances, and the airport minutes away.
The south-west: prestige and sea views
For many Swiss and Austrian buyers focused on a second home in an upscale setting, the road leads to the south-west. Bendinat, Portals Nous, Illetas and, farther west, Port d'Andratx and Camp de Mar stand for sea views, marinas and calm.
German-speaking towns: the soft landing
If you value a familiar setting with an established German-speaking community, Paguera and Santa Ponsa are a comfortable choice. You will find German-speaking doctors, restaurants and neighbours, good year-round infrastructure and an easy start. Popular with anyone who does not want to jump in at the deep end.
A quick word on residency and tax
One important point for DACH buyers: whether you become a tax resident hinges mainly on the 183-day rule (more than half the year in Spain means you are tax resident). That has real consequences, including on a later sale or on rental income, where Swiss owners as non-EU residents are sometimes treated differently from Germans and Austrians. This is only the framework, always check your specific case with a tax adviser in Mallorca. The steps around the NIE, a bank account and the purchase are covered in our guide to buying property as a foreigner.
Which area suits you?
As a rough orientation:
- City, year-round, younger → Palma (Santa Catalina, old town, Portixol)
- Prestige, sea views, second home → south-west (Bendinat, Portals, Port d'Andratx)
- Familiar, German-speaking, easy start → Paguera, Santa Ponsa
We guide DACH buyers looking for apartments in the urban corridor from Playa de Palma through the city to Portals. Starting points include Santa Catalina, Portixol, Bendinat and Portals Nous.