The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Milan: What Expats Need to Know
Milan attracts expats with its vibrant culture, economic opportunities, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Here's what you need to know about relocating to this dynamic Italian city.
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Housing Options in Milan
There are three main types of rental agreements:
- Freely negotiated (4+4): Four-year contracts with negotiable prices and automatic four-year renewal
- Regulated (3+2): Three-year contracts with association-set prices and two-year extension option
- Short-term: Maximum 18-month contracts ideal for students and business travelers
Property Purchase Costs
- Real estate agency commission: ~3%
- Land registration tax: 2% (first home), 9% (second home)
- Fixed mortgage tax: €50
- Fixed stamp duty: €50
- Notary fees: Variable
Best Neighborhoods for Expats
- Navigli: Historic canal district with vibrant nightlife
- Tortona: Creative hub with art galleries and design spaces
- Corso Sempione/Zona Fiera: Elegant residential area near Parco Sempione
- Isola: Trendy district combining tradition with modern architecture
- Porta Nuova/Porta Garibaldi: Modern business district ideal for professionals
- Porta Romana: Well-connected residential area with excellent amenities
- Città Studi/Lambrate: University district popular with students
Education
Top institutions include:
- Politecnico di Milano: Leading technical university
- University of Milan: Prestigious public university
- Bocconi University: Renowned for business education
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart: Largest Catholic university in Europe
- NABA: Premier fine arts academy
Cultural Insights
Milan differs from other Italian cities in several ways:
- Strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit
- Merit-based professional environment
- International outlook
- Inclusive and diverse community
- Modern European lifestyle
Transportation is efficient with an extensive public network of metros, trams, and buses connecting all major areas.
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For successful integration, learning basic Italian is recommended, though English is widely used in business and tourism sectors. The city offers excellent healthcare services and maintains a high standard of living, though costs are among the highest in Italy.
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