Basics
Working in Mallorca
What you need to work in Mallorca: registration certificate, social security number, the 2026 minimum wage, and how the season shapes the labour market.
Mallorca has a labour market that largely lives off the season. Between April and October, hotels, restaurants, beach bars and service companies need considerably more staff than in winter. Understanding that means applying at the right moment — and knowing what to look for in the contract.
This text describes the formal groundwork. It is not legal advice, but it names the official source for every figure so you can check it yourself.
Are you allowed to work in Mallorca?
Anyone holding the nationality of an EU state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland may work in Spain without a work permit. Freedom of movement for workers applies — no visa is needed.
Registration: from three months of residence
Anyone staying in Spain longer than three months must be entered in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals. The application is made in person, within three months of arrival, at the Oficina de Extranjería or a Comisaría de Policía in the province where you will live. The certificate is issued on the spot.
- Valid national ID card or passport
- Evidence that you meet the requirements of Article 7 of Real Decreto 240/2007 — for employees usually the employment contract or an employer's certificate
- Fee via form Modelo 790, Código 012
Appointments are scarce, especially in Palma. Deal with it early, ideally as soon as the contract is signed.
Social security number
Registration with social security is compulsory for everyone working in Spain. The number is called the NUSS and is valid for life — changing jobs does not mean a new one.
For a first job the employer usually applies for it on your behalf. You can also apply yourself at the relevant office of the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social, or online if you hold a digital certificate.
What is the minimum you earn?
Statutory minimum wage 2026
€1,221 gross per month
across 14 payments, equal to €17,094 gross per year
The minimum wage was agreed on 17 February 2026 and published on 18 February in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (Real Decreto 126/2026). Against 2025 that is a rise of 3.1 per cent; the increase applies retroactively from January.
The minimum wage is the floor. Many sectors are additionally covered by a collective agreement (convenio colectivo) setting higher rates — in the Balearics for instance in hospitality. Ask at interview which convenio applies to the role.
The rhythm of the season
- January to March: hotels plan the season, many roles are advertised and filled now
- April to June: ramp-up, short-notice demand, high willingness to hire
- July and August: high season, replacements for drop-outs
- September to October: wind-down, contracts expire
- November to December: year-round roles, administration, trades, care
If you want to work the summer season, apply in winter. If you are after a year-round role, you will more likely find it away from tourism.
Do I need Spanish to work in Mallorca?
Not everywhere. In areas with many German-speaking guests, German and English often matter more than Spanish. For administration, dealings with authorities and many year-round roles, however, there is no way around Spanish.
How quickly do I get the registration certificate?
It is issued on the spot at the appointment. The bottleneck is getting the appointment, not the processing.
What is the difference between the NIE and the registration certificate?
The NIE is an identification number for foreign nationals. The registration certificate is the document EU citizens receive for stays longer than three months — the NIE number appears on it.
Does a seasonal contract count towards a pension?
Yes. Working with social security registration in Spain builds entitlements. Within the EU, insurance periods are added together for pension purposes.
Sources
- La Moncloa: Salario Mínimo Interprofesional 2026 (Real Decreto 126/2026)(official)
- Policía Nacional: Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión(official)
- Seguridad Social: Número de la Seguridad Social (NUSS)(official)
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