Moving to Milan: A Complete Guide for Finding Housing, Jobs and Adapting to Italian Life

Moving to Milan: A Complete Guide for Finding Housing, Jobs and Adapting to Italian Life

By Michael Thornton

March 4, 2025 at 08:20 PM

Milan's expat guide focuses on the essential aspects of relocating to this vibrant Italian city, from housing and employment to daily life and cultural adaptation.

Finding Housing in Milan

Rental contracts in Milan come in three main types:

  • Free-market rental (4+4): Four-year contract with automatic four-year renewal
  • Conventional rental (3+2): Three-year contract with possible two-year extension
  • Transitory contract: Maximum 18-month duration, ideal for temporary stays

Best Areas for Expats:

  • Navigli: Historic canal district with vibrant nightlife
  • Tortona: Creative hub with art galleries and design showrooms
  • Corso Sempione/Zona Fiera: Elegant residential area near Sempione Park
  • Isola: Traditional neighborhood with modern developments
  • Porta Nuova/Porta Garibaldi: Modern business district ideal for professionals
  • Porta Romana: Residential area with excellent amenities
  • Città Studi/Lambrate: University district perfect for students

Education

Top institutions include:

  • Politecnico di Milano: Leading technical university
  • University of Milan: Prestigious public university
  • Bocconi University: Renowned for business studies
  • Catholic University of the Sacred Heart: Largest Catholic university in Europe
  • NABA: Specialized in arts and design

Healthcare and Transportation

Milan offers comprehensive healthcare services through both public and private facilities. The city boasts an efficient public transportation network including metro, trams, and buses.

Cultural Aspects

Milan's unique characteristics:

  • Goal-oriented business culture
  • Merit-based professional environment
  • European rather than traditionally Italian atmosphere
  • Inclusive and welcoming to international residents

Working in Milan

The city offers numerous opportunities for professionals, especially in:

  • Fashion and design
  • Finance and banking
  • Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Education

Language and Integration

While English is widely used in business settings, learning Italian is recommended for better integration. The city has a large expat community and numerous international networks to help newcomers adjust.

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