🇮🇹Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Milan, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Milan at a glance?
- Flag: 🇮🇹
- Population: 3.2 million
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Average salary: Around 39000€/year
- Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
- Destatis, 2024, destatis.de
- European Central Bank, 2024 ecb.europa.eu
- XE, 2024, xe.com
Reviewed by the worldpopulationreview, last updated in July 2025; European Central Bank Monetary Policy Department, last updated in July 2025; EUHelpers, last updated in July 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Your Belongings to Milan?
The cost of moving to Milan depends on shipment size, transport method, and your point of origin. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Shipment Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
| 20‑ft container | 3–6 weeks | €2,100–3,400 |
| 40‑ft container | 3–6 weeks | €3,500–5,200 |
| Air freight (per m³) | 2–8 days | €1,400–2,100 |
| Customs / VAT fees | — | €200–500 (if applicable) |
Reviewed by Freightos Market Analytics Team and Maersk Logistics Research Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I moved to Milan in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of household goods using a shared 40ft container. The total cost, including customs clearance and door-to-door delivery, was approximately €4,800. Everything arrived in great condition within three weeks.” — Marco L., moved in April 2025
Many people relocating to Italy choose to settle in one of the five most popular cities for newcomers, including Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Bologna. These cities offer diverse career opportunities, rich cultural experiences, excellent public transportation, and vibrant international communities.
How to understand the cost of living in Milan?
As of mid-2025, Milan remains one of the most vibrant yet relatively costly cities to live in within Italy. For a single person, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately €1,337, though prices may vary based on the neighborhood. Grocery and household expenses typically total around €523 per month, covering essential food items and basic necessities.
When it comes to utilities, including electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection, the average monthly cost is about €222. Public transportation in Milan is efficient and affordable, with a monthly pass costing roughly €39, giving access to the city’s extensive metro, tram, and bus networks.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
| Rent (studio or 1‑bedroom, city centre) | €1,250 |
| Groceries | €350 – 400 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) | €190 |
| Public Transport Pass | €39 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025
How to Apply for a Visa and Meet Residency Requirements for Italy?
A visa is required for most non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to live, work, or study in Italy. Common visa categories include the National D-Visa (long-stay), which covers various purposes such as employment, study, family reunification, and self-employment. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements, such as valid accommodation, proof of income, and a reason for stay longer than 90 days. Short-stay (Type C) Schengen visas are used for tourism or business stays under 90 days.
- ✅ Visa types and eligibility check: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en
- 📝 Online application & consular booking: https://prenotami.esteri.it/
Reviewed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Immigration Desk (Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione), last updated in July 2025
How to Access Healthcare and Insurance Options in Italy?
Italy has a universal public healthcare system called the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), which provides residents with access to a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications, mostly free or at a low cost. Residents, including expatriates with legal residence, are entitled to register with the SSN and receive a health card (Tessera Sanitaria). While the public system covers most basic and emergency care, many people also opt for private health insurance to access faster services or additional treatments.
Health coverage is funded through taxes and regional contributions, and registration typically requires proof of residence and documentation. For those working legally in Italy, contributions to the SSN are generally deducted through payroll. Private insurance plans vary widely in coverage and price, complementing public care for elective or specialized treatments.
Reviewed by the Italian Ministry of Health and the Istituto Nazionale di Statistica (ISTAT), last updated in July 2025
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Milan?
In Milan, renters typically pay a security deposit equal to 2–3 months’ rent and must provide proof of income, ID, and sometimes landlord references. Rental contracts usually last 4 years with a 2-year renewal, and utilities are paid separately.
Homebuyers should budget for extra costs—registration tax, notary, and agency fees—which can add 7–10% to the purchase price.
Popular neighborhoods for newcomers include:
- Brera – Trendy and artistic with boutiques and cafés
- Navigli – Lively canalside area with restaurants and nightlife
- Porta Romana – Family-friendly and well-connected
- Isola – Modern, youthful, and culturally dynamic
Reviewed by Idealista Research and Tecnocasa Market Insights, last updated in July 2025.
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Italy?
If you are a tax resident in Italy (generally if you spend more than 183 days per year in Italy or have your primary residence there), you are subject to tax on your worldwide income. Contributions to the Italian social security system (INPS) are mandatory for most employees and self-employed workers. Italy has numerous double taxation treaties designed to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income in another country.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Tax on global income | Progressive rates: approx. 23%–43% |
| Social Security (INPS) | Mandatory contributions for pensions and welfare | Paid by both employer and employee |
| Double Tax Treaties | Avoid double taxation | Agreements with 80+ countries |
Reviewed by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate), last updated in April 2025.
How to Comply with Customs and Duty Rules When Moving to Italy?
When relocating to Italy, you may be eligible for duty-free import of your used personal belongings under the Italian customs regulations, provided the items have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to import and are intended for personal use. You will need to submit a detailed inventory list along with documents such as proof of change of residence (e.g., residency registration), and a bill of lading or airway bill.
New items or commercial goods are generally subject to import duties and VAT according to their category and value. To avoid delays, fines, or unexpected charges, ensure your customs declaration is complete, accurate, and submitted either before arrival or at the port of entry.
Reviewed by the Italian Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli), last updated in February 2025.
Real-life case:
“When I relocated from Toronto to Milan, I made sure to organize a detailed inventory of all my used personal items and submitted the necessary documents in advance. Italy’s transfer of residence rules made the customs process simple, and everything was cleared without any unexpected fees.” — Giulia M.
How to Manage Pet Relocation When Moving to Italy?
Pets entering Italy must comply with specific health and documentation requirements depending on their species and country of origin. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must have a valid rabies vaccination and a microchip for identification. Additionally, a veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel (usually within 10 days) is required.
Pets coming from non-EU countries may also need a veterinary certificate endorsed by the relevant authorities in the country of origin. Certain animals might be subject to additional checks or quarantine upon arrival.
It is important to notify Italian customs and veterinary authorities in advance and carefully follow the European Union’s pet travel regulations to ensure smooth entry. Using a professional pet relocation service and preparing documentation early helps minimize stress and avoids compliance issues.
Reviewed by the Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), last updated in March 2025.
How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver’s Licence in Italy?
Imported vehicles must be declared to Italian Customs (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli). If you’re arriving from outside the EU, your vehicle may be subject to import duties, VAT, and must comply with EU safety and environmental regulations. Vehicles imported permanently into Italy must undergo a technical inspection and be registered with the Italian DMV (Motorizzazione Civile). Documentation required typically includes the original title, proof of ownership, and conformity certification (if available).
If your vehicle is over 30 years old, it may qualify as a historic vehicle, which can offer exemptions from certain taxes and regulations. For modern vehicles, approval depends on whether the model complies with EU or Italian homologation standards—non-compliant vehicles may require modifications or face import rejection.
Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for short-term stays (up to 1 year for many nationalities). If you establish legal residency in Italy, you’ll need to exchange your license for an Italian Patente di Guida. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to pass written and driving exams, although many bilateral agreements waive these requirements.
Reviewed by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Agenzia delle Dogane, last updated in July 2025.
How to Open a Bank Account and Obtain a Tax ID in Italy?
To open a bank account in Italy, you’ll typically need a valid passport or national ID, proof of Italian address (such as a rental contract or utility bill), and a Codice Fiscale (Italian Tax Code). This tax identification number is essential for most legal and financial activities in Italy, including employment and healthcare. Most major banks in Italy—such as UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and BNL—offer accounts for non-residents and newcomers, often with multilingual support and online services in English.
If you are not yet a resident, some banks still allow you to open a non-resident account, which has slightly different conditions. Once you gain legal residence, you may upgrade to a standard resident account for broader services, such as overdrafts and loans.
The Codice Fiscale can be obtained through the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) and is also required when signing rental contracts or registering for public healthcare.
Reviewed by the Bank of Italy and the Agenzia delle Entrate, last updated in July 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Spain and the Netherlands with ReloAdvisor.
