An interview with relocation specialist, Diana, who partners with us to help internationals make Spain their home
Moving to a new country is one of life’s biggest adventures—and challenges. For one Estonian entrepreneur, her own journey from the Nordics to Brazil, then to the Canary Islands, and finally to Mallorca, has become the foundation for helping others navigate the complex world of Spanish residency. Through her business gottaLoveSpain and partnership with La Isla Bonita Social Club, she’s turning relocation dreams into reality.
What’s your personal story – how did you end up in Spain, and what drew you specifically to Mallorca?
I used to live in Brazil from 2014 to 2017, and later moved back to my country of origin, Estonia, where I worked for the Brazilian Embassy for six years. Meanwhile, I was slowly considering where to move next. I knew it had to be a warm place, within the European Union, and safer and more logistically compact than Brazil — ideally an island. That’s how I first moved to Gran Canaria, where I joined my friend and now also my business partner, Jonna, at gottaLoveSpain. With my extensive experience in tourism, travel, bureaucracy, and paperwork, it felt like the business of my dreams. Later, when the idea came to expand from the Canary Islands to the Balearics, I went on a test trip to Mallorca. From day one, I knew this was the place where I wanted to settle down permanently.
Can you walk us through your journey from being an international yourself to helping others make the same transition?
Indeed, my journey started as an international myself. Born in the wrong part of the world, I never felt at home in the cold and reserved climate, so I decided to make a life where warmth, connection, and sun were part of every day. Over the years, I traveled extensively, visiting 50 countries before settling in Gran Canaria and later in Mallorca.
With a previous career in tourism and business administration, fluency in five languages, and a passion for helping people feel welcome, I combine personal experience with professional expertise to guide clients through the practical and emotional aspects of moving to Spain. I’m a non-conformist and free spirit who loves dancing, modeling, and acting, yet I’m also a control freak who thrives on paperwork — and that combination allows me to make relocations as smooth and supportive as possible. Today, I’m honored to help others turn their dream of living in Spain into a reality.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your own settling-in process, and how do these experiences shape the way you help clients today?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating the bureaucracy and paperwork — even simple things like registering officially or understanding local regulations felt daunting at first. On top of that, finding a sense of belonging in a new culture and community took time. These experiences taught me how important it is to have guidance, support, and connections in place from the start. Today, I use those lessons to help my clients avoid the same frustrations, providing practical solutions and emotional support so their transition to life in Spain feels smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
What specific skills and experience do you bring to helping internationals navigate Spanish residency requirements?
I’ve been through many relocation journeys myself, so I know firsthand how confusing and overwhelming residency requirements can feel. I’ve also experienced it from the other side — working for a foreign embassy and assisting in its consular sector. These experiences gave me valuable insight into how official systems work, what’s expected, and how to approach bureaucracy effectively. Combined with years of supporting others, this means I can guide clients not only with practical know-how but also with empathy — because I’ve lived it too.
What drives your passion for helping people make this life-changing move to Spain?
I was born in the Nordics, but I never truly felt at home there. Deep down, I’ve always been Southern in spirit, drawn to warmth, openness, and connection. That’s why helping others make the move to Spain is so meaningful to me. I know what it feels like not to belong where you are, and I feel inspired and honored to support people in going after their dreams, finding their place, and creating a life they have been longing for.
From your experience, what are the most common misconceptions internationals have about moving to Spain?
One of the most common misconceptions is that moving to Spain is simple because it’s such a relaxed, welcoming country. In reality, the bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming, especially if you don’t speak Spanish or aren’t familiar with the system. Another misconception is that “holiday Spain” and “living in Spain” are the same thing — while the lifestyle is wonderful, day-to-day life also comes with responsibilities, paperwork, and cultural differences to adapt to.
How does your partnership with La Isla Bonita create a more comprehensive support system for people settling in Mallorca?
Our partnership with La Isla Bonita allows us to join forces and create a complete support system. Together, we make sure that every need is covered: the practical, the emotional, and the social. Our newcomers don’t move to Mallorca — they come home.
What does a typical client journey look like when someone works with both our services?
A typical client journey usually starts with gottaLoveSpain taking care of the official bureaucracy aspect of relocation, and then La Isla Bonita Social Club steps in with its concierge services. On the bureaucracy aspect, EU citizens normally start their bureaucratic procedures on arrival in Spain, while non-EU citizens’ path normally begins in their country of origin with a visa application.
Apart from the practical aspects, both gottaLoveSpain and La Isla Bonita Social Club will make our contributions to help clients integrate, build social connections, and discover the island’s lifestyle.
Can you share a success story (anonymously) of someone you’ve helped transition from international visitor to Spanish resident?
I had a family of clients whose dream was to relocate to sunny Spain from the rainy UK and open their business here. There were many obstacles along the way, and the authorities added even more by rejecting their initial application. Together, we found a way out of the bureaucracy loop, filed an appeal, and after another month of waiting, it was approved! During this journey, we became friends, and now, whenever I have to stay in their town, I rent a room at their bungalow and call them my adopted family 🙂
What do you think makes Mallorca particularly appealing for internationals looking to relocate?
Mallorca has a truly unique balance that makes it so appealing for internationals considering relocation. On one hand, it offers the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle — stunning beaches, picturesque mountains, endless sunshine, and that slower pace of life that so many people dream of. On the other hand, it’s extremely well connected and cosmopolitan. The island attracts a diverse international community, so newcomers often find it easy to build both professional networks and friendships.
What advice would you give to someone who’s considering making the move but feels overwhelmed by the process?
My advice is: don’t try to do everything yourself. Relocating comes with a lot of logistics, paperwork, and decisions – delegate the tasks you don’t want to handle so you can focus on the exciting parts of your move. And most importantly, don’t let overwhelm stop you — feel it, and do it anyway. This is your dream, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Looking ahead, how do you see the landscape for international relocation to Spain evolving, and how are you adapting your services accordingly?
With more people working remotely, prioritizing balanced lifestyle, and seeking authentic cultural experiences, Spain — and places like Mallorca — will continue to attract talent, families, and entrepreneurs from all over the world.
These days, people don’t just want to “move,” they want a smooth transition and a sense of belonging from day one. At gottaLoveSpain we’re constantly adapting as well — offering personalized relocation support, guiding clients through bureaucracy, and connecting them with local communities so they feel at home faster.
For more information about relocation services to Spain and Mallorca, contact La Isla Bonita Social Club
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