The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Turin: Everything Expats Need to Know

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March 1, 2025 at 03:23 AM

Turin, nestled in northern Italy's Piedmont region, offers expats a rich cultural experience combined with modern urban living. Here's what you need to know about making Turin your new home.

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Rental Accommodation Options Three main types of rental agreements exist in Turin:

Freely negotiated tenancy (4+4): Four-year contracts with negotiable prices, renewable for another four years
Regulated tenancy (3+2): Three-year contracts with association-set prices, extendable for two years
Short-term lease: Up to 18 months, ideal for students and temporary residents

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 vary

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Best Neighborhoods for Expats

Vanchiglia/Vanchiglietta: Affordable, vibrant, student-friendly
Crocetta: Popular among professionals, central location
Cenisia: Budget-friendly alternative to Crocetta
Pozzo Strada: Quiet area with green spaces
Lingotto: Well-connected commercial district

Education Options

University of Turin (UNITO): Historic institution, excellent medical faculty
Polytechnic University of Turin: Top-ranked globally for engineering
University of Gastronomic Sciences: Specialized in culinary arts
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University: Private medical institution

Cultural Insights

Food culture: Local specialties include bagna cauda, vitello tonnato, and Fassona beef
Sweet specialties: Gianduja is a local favorite
Local dialect: Common phrases include "solo più," "va bin," "piciu"
Social customs: Locals may seem formal initially but are generally welcoming

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Key Considerations for Expats

Learning Italian is highly recommended for daily life
EU passport holders can live and work freely
Healthcare system access requires registration
Public transportation is efficient and well-connected
Cost of living is generally lower than Milan or Rome

Turin offers expats a high quality of life, combining historical charm with modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to experience authentic Italian culture while maintaining access to urban conveniences.