Santa Fe A/S : Expat Guide To Moving To Milan

Planning to move to Milan soon? The prosperous heart of northern Italy has a lot on offer for expats, from the business-like atmosphere to the plentiful number of cultural treasures to experience. Here at Santa Fe Relocation, we've configured a guide on moving to Milan to provide new arrivals, with an idea of the city, advice on common administrative issues, tips for finding a new home and mistakes to avoid.

Milan vs. Rome

When you decide to start life as an expat in Milan, you will be settling in Italy's second largest city - beaten only by Rome. However, unlike Rome, Milan is located in the very north of Italy, approximately 50 km from Ticino, the twilight zone between Italy and the rest of Europe, and fewer than 200 km from the Austrian border. Although moving to Milan doesn't necessarily guarantee sunny climates and calming Mediterranean ambience, summers in the River Po Basin can reach heights of 30°C!

Even if moving to Milan doesn't promise you relaxing waterfront vacations under the Italian sun, it will, however, promise you a hub of Italy's economic and financial industry. Since Rome is the nation's political heart, it is only fair for Milan to be the commercial one, acting as one of Italy's many cultural trendsetters.

Milan's Past to the Present Day

The city of Milan has witnessed the intellectual development of early Christianity, the splendour of Renaissance prices and polymaths, and even the rise of Mussolini's black shirts. In the late 20 century, the post-war economic boom was sadly overshadowed by political extremism and street violence, but since then, Milan has developed into a peaceful metropolis loved by all. Despite having been affected by the general downturn of the Italian economy, which still dominates the business world today, Milan is holding strong.

Milan: The City, Province & Metro Area

Moving to Milan can take you to one of two places; the metropolis itself or the region known as the Greater Milan area. The stunning city of Milan forms the centre of the populous province with the same name. However, what makes it stand out is the metropolitan region which extends beyond the provincial borders into other areas of Lombardy. So although Grande Milano is said to include other cities including Bergamo, Lodi, Como, the Province of Monza and Brianza, and Varese, this wider metro area is home to more than 7 million people - making it even more widespread than the metropolitan regions of Rome and Naples!

The metropolitan city of Milan is highly populated and urbanized, and is just one of twelve provinces in Lombardy. It is home to more than 3 million residents, as well as an additional 133 municipalities - many of which are satellite towns of Milan. The population boomed when migrant labourers from the South of Italy or from overseas moved to Milan to work in the manufacturing industry. They settled in expanding suburbs, towns and dormitory districts alike, all in the search of low-cost accommodation.

The Diversity Of Milan's Population

It is no surprise that Milan has a vast foreign population, having formerly found themselves in need of a huge manufacturing labour force. Not only did Milan attract Italian workers from the agricultural Mezzogiorno, but immigrants moving to Milan from countries all over Europe and beyond.

According to a case study conducted by Divercities, a governing urban diversity corporation, in 2013, approximately 360,000 residents in the Metropolitan City of Milan were of non-Italian origin. Although the largest population groups include residents from the likes of Albania, China, Bangladesh, Egypt, Morocco, Peru, Romania, Sri Lanka, Ecuador and Ukraine, there are smaller expatriate communities from France, Spain, The UK and The United States too.

Although the City of Milan is well-accustomed to welcoming foreign visitors from across the world through being a popular destination for business and leisure tourism alike, some Italian language skills will be useful when moving to Milan. However, don't be disappointed if your competent knowledge of Italian is still little use. Some residents of Lombardy speak alternative northern languages, such as Milanese.

Living Costs In Milan

Although the cost of living in the City of Milan is higher than other Italian cities, it is still significantly less than the UK. Rents can be almost half the cost of London, and utilities can be up to 30% less! Essentials such as milk, bread, eggs and rice are even less too, so you can spend money on what you want, rather than what you have to.

Business Opportunities

One of the first things to consider when moving to the City of Milan is your employment prospects. Since Milan is the place to go if you are looking for work in Italy, you will find job opportunities with ease in the business, banking, trade, commerce, and design and fashion industries. Despite the endless professional opportunities, Milan is home to a large number of expats who moved to the city with their own successful UK-based company, so this option shouldn't be entirely ruled out.

If you're considering relocating abroad to Milan, and want to discuss how we can help you obtain an Italian visa, find an apartment or a local school, get in touch with a member of our expert team today!