Relocating to PP - What documents ?

We are visiting PP next week to look for a 2 or 3 bed apartment to buy. While we are in PP we plan to take a good look around the town to find things like the local school, supermarket, police station etc.

Is it worth us beginning the process of obtaining any permits while we are in town...and which ones can we apply for, what documents do we need to have (passport photo's etc). Can we apply for our residents permit and maybe even open a bank account ???

Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
NickandSue

Nick and Sue. Good luck hunting for an apartment. With regards to permissions - the best thing you can do is make an appointment with a `gestoria´or adminstrator who is used to working with english and they should be able to advise you accordingly. The problem is that the rules change so often but I think that it is actually no longer necessary to apply for a residence permit due to EEC regulations etc. However, most of us who live here know that life is much easier with it. If you are purchasing through an estate agent they should be able to put you in touch with someone who knows the answers to all your questions. I think it depends on whether you intend to work here or whether you intend to be self emplyoyed which is different paperwork etc. etc. All permits have to be applied for in Palma, joining a very long queue, dealing with very unhelpful people and then waiting for several months or maybe even a full year for the permit to come through!! The gestoria can take the headache away from you and apply for you once you know what you need. I also think that you can open a non residents bank account with your passport with no difficulty. I think that you need a form from Social Security Overseas Dept. to allow you to apply for social security Drs here in Mallorca and this form is taken to Inca where a Dr. will be assigned to you. If your children are under 5 then the Monjas (Nuns) are excellent with school 0830 to 1330. The school in the Sq. is for up to 12yrs and is ok but has had some problems. Some people prefer Pollensa Town but sometimes no places available. You may wish to investigate a couple of schools in Inca which have a school bus, kids leave 0800 and return at 1800 or 1900hrs, wear a uniform and the standard of education and discipline is high. Also difficult to get into these schools but you may be lucky. Thats naturally a personal choice but thought I would let you know some of the options open to you. In all schools they will make lots of friends of mixed nationalities very quick and then they help you with the spanish and catalan!!! Good luck and have fun. Maybe we will meet one day at school gates or meetings. :rolleyes

Just wanted to say thank you for your response....it was most helpful.
We are going to be very busy next week but we can't wait ?
Nick and Sue