Long-Term Rental in Palma

Long-term rental in Palma

Considering a long-term rental in Palma? The town is popular with international buyers who want to live in Spain for an extended period — either as a trial run before a potential purchase, or as a permanent base. Palma is one of Spain's most sought-after cities for both short- and long-term rentals. Demand from digital nomads and affluent expats keeps rents high, particularly in Santa Catalina and the Old Town.

Long-term rentals (typically over 6-12 months) are governed by the Spanish tenancy law (LAU) and give you, as a tenant, solid rights: you can generally stay for up to 5 years, even if the contract was originally shorter, and the landlord cannot raise the rent arbitrarily during the contract period.

Long-term rental prices in Palma

Monthly rent for a long-term let in Palma typically lands at 1,200-3,500 EUR or more per month for a 2-bedroom apartment. The deposit is usually one to two months' rent and must be refunded when you move out, provided the property is left in the same condition as at move-in.

On top of the rent itself, budget for ongoing costs for electricity, water and internet, plus any community fees (comunidad de propietarios) if the property is in an apartment complex or urbanisation with shared facilities.

How to find and sign a long-term lease in Palma

Book a viewing, go through the contract carefully, and always ask for a check-in report documenting the property's condition at handover — that's your protection if a dispute over the deposit or maintenance arises later. The contract should include your NIE number or passport details, clear deposit terms and a notice period.

As an EU citizen you can rent freely in Palma without special permits — you simply need to document your finances, typically via payslips, a bank statement or an employment contract. Also ask for a copy of the property's energy certificate, and make sure the lease is registered correctly.

Who chooses long-term rental in Palma?

Long-term rental in Palma is particularly popular among international buyers considering a permanent move to Spain who want to "test the town" in practice before committing to a purchase. It also appeals to retirees, digital nomads and families on a sabbatical year. What typically attracts long-term tenants to Palma is the la seu cathedral and a world-class old town and europe's busiest marinas and maritime life.

Life and culture in Palma

Palma's old town is built around the enormous Gothic cathedral La Seu, which stands directly facing the harbour — its interior was restored in part by Antoni Gaudí. The city celebrates Sant Sebastià, its patron saint, in January with concerts and street parties across the old town, and the modern art museum Es Baluard is housed in a former fortress wall overlooking the harbour.

Nightlife centres on the Santa Catalina district, where old market halls have been converted into trendy tapas bars and cocktail spots with a young, international crowd. The historic old town (Casco Antiguo) has a quieter, more authentic bar and restaurant scene, while Playa de Palma further east is known for more mass-tourism-oriented nightlife.

Location and infrastructure

Palma Airport (Son Sant Joan) is one of Spain's busiest, with direct flights to almost all of Europe, including Copenhagen. The airport is only 8km from the city centre.

Mallorca has limited rail service — a modern commuter line connects Palma with Inca and other inland towns, while the historic wooden train to Sóller is more a tourist attraction than genuine transport. Within the city there is a well-run bus network and easy access to taxis and Uber/Cabify.

Tourism & leisure

Palma has no long sandy beaches right in the city centre — the nearest proper beaches are Ca'n Pere Antoni close to town and the long stretches at Playa de Palma/S'Arenal to the east. The island's golf courses and scenic bays are only a short drive away.

Santa Catalina and the old town can be noisy in the evenings thanks to the lively restaurant and bar scene, while residential districts like Son Vida and Genova are much quieter. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and milder, wetter winters than the Spanish mainland.

Everyday costs & what to know before you rent in Palma

Eating out in Palma is among the most expensive in Spain, particularly in the old town and Santa Catalina, where a dinner can easily cost 40-70 EUR per person. Rents are correspondingly high compared with mainland coastal towns.

Before you buy: Palma's ban on new short-term rental licences for flats means only properties with an existing, valid licence can be let short-term — always verify this carefully with the seller if letting is part of your plan.