10-year validity: the rule in the Balearic Islands
Regardless of the type of certificate — first occupation, renewal or cédula por carencia — the official habitation certificate issued by the Consell Insular de Mallorca is valid for exactly 10 years from the date of issue. After 10 years, the certificate expires and can no longer be used for any official purpose (sale, rental, utilities, tourist licence).
This 10-year rule applies to all properties throughout the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, as they all operate under the same regional legislation.
How to find out when your certificate expires
The habitation certificate (cédula de habitabilidad) includes the date of issue on the face of the document. The expiry date is exactly 10 years after the issue date. If you have the certificate, look for the date of the Consell Insular resolution and add 10 years.
If you don't have the physical document, we can check the Consell Insular de Mallorca archive. Contact us and we'll find out whether your property has a certificate on record and when it was issued.
Comparison with other Spanish regions
Validity periods for habitation certificates vary across Spain. In Mallorca and the Balearic Islands the period is 10 years (all types). Some other regions have different periods or have abolished the certificate entirely. If you have properties in different regions, check the specific rules for each.
What to do if your certificate has expired
If your certificate has expired or is close to expiry, the process is the same regardless of how long ago it lapsed:
- Contact us — we confirm whether a prior certificate is on record and which procedure applies (renewal or carencia).
- We carry out the technical inspection and issue the technical certificate.
- We submit the application to the Consell Insular de Mallorca and pay the fees (included).
- You receive the new official certificate valid for a further 10 years.