Living in Italy as an Expat: the best cities and tips for renting a house

An overview by Spacest.com

Italy is one of the most fascinating destinations for expats, thanks to its rich culture, mild climate and quality of life.

However, choosing the right city to live in is essential for making sure you have a positive experience.

In this article, we will explore the best Italian cities for expats and you will offer useful advice on how to rent a house, with a focus on what each city has to offer.

Find out more in our special guide The best cities to live in Italy.

Living in Italy as an Expat: Milan, the economic capital of Italy

Milan is the Italian city par excellence for those seeking job opportunities, especially in the fashion, design and finance sectors.

As an expat, Milan offers a cosmopolitan environment, an excellent public transport network and a wide variety of housing options.

Among the neighborhoods recommended for live in Milan as an expat we find:

• Brera: an elegant and artistic neighborhood, perfect for those looking for a cultural environment;
• CityLife: modern and sustainable, ideal for those who want to live in an innovative and well-served area;
• Porta Romana: a mix of tradition and modernity, with excellent connections and services.

Rental tips: in Milan, the rental market is competitive, so it’s important to move quickly.

Use online platforms such as Spacest.com to find the best rental offers in the neighborhood you prefer.

To make the rental process smoother, make sure you have all documents ready, including your employment contract or proof of income, to prove your solvency.

Milan offers a cosmopolitan environment and a dynamic job market. Discover the best rental listings in Milan for expats on Spacest.com.

Also, check out our special guides on Milan within our blog.

Living in Italy as an Expat: Rome, history and culture in the capital

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city rich in history and culture, perfect for expats looking for an immersive experience.

With its mix of antiquity and modernity, Rome offers lively and well-connected neighborhoods, ideal for those who work or study in the city.

Among the neighborhoods we feel we can recommend for living in Rome as an expat There are:

• Trastevere: a picturesque neighborhood, known for its cobbled streets and bohemian atmosphere;
• Prati: close to the Vatican, it offers an elegant environment with excellent services and connections;
• EUR: a residential area in the southern area of ​​Rome, perfect for families with all the necessary services and well connected.

Tips for rentals: Rome has a varied rental market, with options for every budget and need.

Make sure the rental agreement is registered with the Revenue Agency to avoid legal problems. Furthermore, if you don’t speak Italian, ask that the contract also be drawn up in English.

Search for a house in Rome by Spacest.com to find housing solutions that combine history and comfort; and don’t forget to consult the guides on Rome within our blog.

Living in Italy as an Expat: Florence, art and quality of life

Florence is famous for its Renaissance art and breathtaking architecture. It is an ideal city for expats who love culture, history and natural beauty.

Florence is also known for its high quality of life and its welcome towards foreigners.

Florence offers a wide range of housing options, from historic houses to modern apartments: discover it and its wonders in the special guide Living in Florence: a guide to the Tuscan capital.

Recommended neighborhoods:

• Oltrarno: a historic and artistic neighborhood, perfect for those who love art and culture;
• Campo di Marte: a quiet residential area, ideal for families.
• Santo Spirito: with a vibrant atmosphere, it is the ideal neighborhood for young professionals and artists;
• Novoli: recently redeveloped, a residential area well connected to the center, with more accessible prices and many services.

Florence has a growing expat community, so finding multilingual assistance with bureaucratic issues is not difficult. Make sure you register your contract and comply with local regulations.

Florence combines art and quality of life, making it perfect for expats. Discover the best rental offers in Florence on Spacest.com.

Living in Italy as an Expat: Turin, innovation and elegance

Turin is a city that blends innovation and tradition. Known for its automotive industry, Turin it’s also a cultural hub with world-class museums and a vibrant food scene.

It is ideal for expats looking for a dynamic but less chaotic city than Milan or Rome; furthermore, the city has a unique elegance of its kind.

You discover Turin and its secrets in Living in Turin: the complete guide.

Among the recommended neighborhoods, the Team of Spacest.com recommends Historic Center, perfect for those who love living immersed in history.

Crocetta is an elegant neighborhood, known for its tree-lined streets and refined architecture; while San Salvario is lively and multi-ethnic, with a young and dynamic atmosphere.

Check that your rental contract includes all the necessary clauses, such as those relating to condominium fees and utilities.

Turin offers excellent rental opportunities at more accessible prices than other large Italian cities: explore the best accommodation options for rent in Turin for expats.

Living in Italy as an Expat: Bologna, the city of arcades and the university

Bologna is known for its ancient University, one of the oldest in the world, and for its iconic arcades (portici).

It is a welcoming and lively city, perfect for expats looking for an intellectually stimulating environment and an active social life: explore Bologna in our dedicated guide  Living in Bologna: the complete guide.

Suggested neighborhoods:

• Historic Center: rich in culture and history, with a lively and student atmosphere;
• Colli Bolognesi: ideal for those looking for a solution surrounded by nature, slightly away from the centre. The neighborhood is famous for its tranquility;
• Costa-Saragozza neighborhood: neighborhood close to the center known for its tranquility has become today an important residential area.

Bologna It has a diverse rental market, with options for every type of expat. Search for the best offers of rooms and apartments for rent in Bologna.

Bologna is a very academically active city, so if you are a university-related expat, you may have access to services and discounts on accommodation managed by the university itself.

Living in Italy as an Expat: bureaucratic aspects

Before renting a house in Italy, it is important that expats understand the bureaucratic steps necessary to legally reside and rent a property.

Here are the main documents and steps you will need to consider:

1. Residence permit: If you are not a citizen of the European Union, you will need a residence permit to live legally in Italy. This must be requested within 8 days of arrival.

2. Tax code: the tax code (or Fiscal Code = codice fiscale) is a personal tax identifier issued by the Revenue Agency. It is necessary to rent an apartment, open a bank account and access numerous services. You can obtain it by going to an office of the Revenue Agency or the Italian Consulate in your country.

3. Registered rental contract: in Italy, all rental contracts must be registered with the Revenue Agency. This procedure is mandatory and guarantees the legal validity of the contract. Furthermore, registering the contract protects both the owner and the tenant from possible legal disputes.

4. Security deposit and sureties: Many landlords require a security deposit (usually equal to two or three months’ rent) as security. In some cases, a bank guarantee may be required, especially if you have no credit history in Italy.

In conclusion

Italy offers a variety of cities ideal for expats, each with its own unique characteristics.

May you choose Milan for job opportunities, Rome for culture, Florence for art, Turin for innovation or Bologna for its vibrant social life, it is important to find the right apartment for your needs.

Using online platforms such as Spacest.com, you can explore the best rental options and find your ideal home in one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.