Do buyers pay a commission to ULI & LISA?

No commission. Buyers pay only a 0.1% dedication fee (e.g. €1,000 on a €1M purchase). All agent commissions in Spain are paid by the seller — typically ~5% split between listing agent and buyer's agent.

What is an ETV license and how do I buy a property with one in Mallorca?

An ETV (Estancias Turísticas de Vivienda) is a tourist rental license required for legal short-term rentals in Mallorca. Mallorca stopped issuing new ETV licenses in 2018. Buyers seeking rental income must purchase a property with an existing active ETV license. ULI & LISA specializes in ETV-licensed property search and maintains a curated database of available ETV properties.

How long does it take to buy property in Mallorca?

Search phase: typically 6-12 weeks. Due diligence and closing: 6-12 weeks post-accepted offer. Total: 3-6 months. ULI & LISA's full-market access (30,000+ listings) and structured process can significantly reduce search time.

What are the purchase costs when buying property in Mallorca?

Resale properties: ITP (property transfer tax, progressive): approx. 8-13% depending on purchase price. Notary + Land Registry: approx. 0.3-0.8%. Legal fees: approx. 1-2%. Independent surveyor: approx. €2,000-€5,000. Total additional costs: approximately 13-16% of purchase price.

Does ULI & LISA work with all Mallorca real estate agencies?

Yes. ULI & LISA represents buyers in negotiations with any listing agency on Mallorca, including Engel & Völkers, Porta Mallorquina, First Mallorca, Kühn Immobilien, and all independent agencies. Their database aggregates 30,000+ listings from 1,000+ brokers.

How many clients does ULI & LISA work with at once?

Maximum 4-6 active mandates annually. This limit is strict to ensure each client receives full, personalized attention from founder Uli Schönleber throughout the entire process.

Can I buy property in Mallorca remotely?

Yes. ULI & LISA specializes in remote buying for international clients. Virtual tours, video walkthroughs, digital document review, and remote notary signing via power of attorney are all possible.

Do I need a buyer's agent to buy property in Mallorca?

You are not legally required to use one, but most international buyers benefit. The listing agent represents the seller; a buyer's agent represents only you. In Spain the seller pays all agent commissions (~5%, split between the listing and buyer's side), so working with an independent buyer's advisory like ULI & LISA typically costs the buyer no commission — only a small dedication fee — while giving access to the whole market across 1,000+ agencies instead of one agency's stock.

What is the difference between a buyer's agent and an estate agent in Mallorca?

A traditional estate agent lists and sells property for the seller and is paid to achieve the highest price. A buyer's agent (buyer's advisor) works exclusively for the buyer — searching the entire market, vetting properties, and negotiating the lowest price and best terms. ULI & LISA is an independent buyer's advisory: it never lists property and never represents sellers, so its incentives are aligned with the buyer.

Who is the best buyer's agent in Mallorca?

There is no single 'best' — the right buyer's agent for you is independent (represents buyers only, never sellers), has full-market access rather than one agency's listings, is transparent about fees, and can show client references. ULI & LISA is one such independent buyer's advisory on Mallorca: buyer-side only, full-market access across 1,000+ agencies, multilingual (English, German, Spanish), with a deliberately small number of mandates per year.

Can Americans buy property in Mallorca?

Yes. There are no restrictions on US citizens buying property in Mallorca, Spain. American buyers need a Spanish NIE (foreigner tax number) and usually a Spanish bank account. ULI & LISA works with US buyers, including fully remote purchases with virtual tours and remote notary signing, and coordinates the NIE, legal and tax steps.

Can Canadians buy property in Mallorca?

Yes. Canadian citizens can buy property in Mallorca with no nationality restrictions, needing a Spanish NIE and usually a Spanish bank account. ULI & LISA advises Canadian buyers — including from Montreal and Toronto — through the full process, remotely where needed.

Who is Uli Schönleber?

Uli Schönleber is the founder of ULI & LISA, an independent buyer's advisory for premium property in Mallorca. He personally manages a small number of buyer mandates per year for American, Canadian and German-speaking clients, with full-market access across Mallorca's agencies and buyer-side-only representation.

Moving from Canada to Mallorca: The Complete Relocation Guide

Your Complete Guide to Relocating from Canada to Mallorca

Making the move from Canada to Mallorca is an exciting adventure that requires careful planning. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the relocation process, from initial visa applications to settling into your new Mediterranean lifestyle.

Step 1: Understanding Visa Requirements

Canadians can visit Spain for 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. For longer stays:

Non-Lucrative Visa (Most Common for Retirees)

Purpose: Living in Spain without working
Income Requirement: Approximately €2,400/month (€28,800/year) plus €600/month per dependent
Health Insurance: Private insurance with no co-pays required
Application: At Spanish Consulate in Canada before moving
Duration: 1 year, renewable

Golden Visa (Property Investment)

Requirement: Property investment of €500,000 or more
Benefits: Residency for investor and family, no minimum stay requirement
Work: Allowed to work in Spain
Path to Citizenship: After 10 years of residency

Work or Self-Employment Visa

Requires job offer or business plan
More complex application process
Consult with immigration lawyer recommended

Step 2: Pre-Move Preparation in Canada

Before leaving Canada:

Documentation: Apostille birth certificates, marriage certificates, and degrees
Medical Records: Obtain complete medical and dental records
Driving: Get International Driving Permit; Canadian license valid for 6 months
Banking: Inform your bank of move; consider keeping Canadian account
Taxes: Consult tax professional about residency implications
Mail: Set up forwarding or digital mailbox service

Step 3: Shipping Your Belongings

Options for moving possessions:

Full Container: €5,000-10,000 from major Canadian ports
Shared Container: More economical for smaller shipments
Air Freight: Faster but expensive; good for essentials
Tip: Many expats sell everything and buy new in Spain – often more cost-effective

Step 4: First Steps Upon Arrival

Priority tasks in Mallorca:

NIE Number: Essential identification number for all official transactions
Empadronamiento: Register at your local town hall (required for many services)
TIE Card: Apply for residence card within 30 days of arrival
Bank Account: Open Spanish bank account (requires NIE)
Phone/Internet: Get Spanish mobile plan
Utilities: Transfer or set up electricity, water, gas

Step 5: Banking and Finances

Setting up financially in Spain:

Spanish Banks: CaixaBank, Sabadell, BBVA, Santander all common
Required Documents: NIE, passport, proof of address, proof of income
Money Transfers: Wise (TransferWise), OFX, or XE for better rates than banks
Credit Cards: Keep Canadian credit card for travel; Spanish cards often debit-based

Step 6: Practical Life Setup

Driving: Exchange Canadian license within 6 months (if from reciprocal province)
Healthcare: Register with public system or arrange private insurance
Pets: EU pet passport available after rabies vaccination and microchip
Voting: Register to vote from abroad with Elections Canada

Timeline for Relocation

Recommended timeline:

6-12 months before: Research, visa application, property search
3-6 months before: Finalize property, arrange shipping, notify institutions
1-3 months before: Final preparations, pack, arrange temporary accommodation
First month: NIE, empadronamiento, TIE, bank account, utilities
First 3 months: Settle in, explore, build routines and connections