Best Places in Italy to Relocate as a Wealthy Expat

Choosing to relocate isn’t just about taxes or lifestyle. For many high net worth individuals and families, it’s about finding a place where personal values, cultural richness, and long-term vision intersect. Italy offers all of this — and more.

With one of the most generous relocation tax regimes in Europe (including the €100k flat tax), world-class real estate, and a lifestyle that needs no introduction, Italy is attracting a growing number of wealthy expats from around the globe. But where you move matters as much as how you move.

This article explores five of the most attractive locations for HNWIs considering a move to Italy — each with its own character, strengths, and strategic appeal.

1. Milan – Italy’s Financial and International Hub

If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan environment, business opportunities, and seamless connectivity, Milan is the obvious choice. It’s Italy’s economic capital — home to private banks, family offices, luxury brands, and international schools.

The city blends modernity and tradition: from rooftop aperitivos in the Brera district to the serene gardens of the Quadrilatero.For expats, Milan offers:

• Excellent private healthcare and international schools

• Quick access to Switzerland, France and other European hubs

• A vibrant real estate market, especially in Brera, Magenta, and CityLife

• A dynamic community of professionals, artists, and investors

If you're planning to combine residence with business activity, Milan provides the infrastructure and ecosystem to make that transition smooth.

2. Lake Como – Timeless Elegance and Strategic Proximity

Just 45 minutes from Milan and a stone’s throw from the Swiss border, Lake Como offers the kind of discreet luxury that HNWIs often seek.

Historic villas, lush gardens, and panoramic views are only part of the appeal. The area offers:

• Proximity to Lugano and Milan Malpensa Airport

• A rich property market, from waterfront palaces to modern villas

• A high level of privacy and security

• Access to cross-border structuring, particularly for those with Swiss interests

For families seeking both beauty and flexibility, Como is a powerful mix of quality of life and strategic location.

3. Florence & Tuscany – Living History, Refined Lifestyle

For those drawn to history, art, and a slower pace, Florence and the Tuscan countryside offer an unmatched experience. Florence is compact yet sophisticated, while nearby towns like Siena, Lucca, and Arezzo provide enchanting alternatives for those seeking even more privacy.

This region is ideal for:

• Art lovers, wine connoisseurs, and heritage enthusiasts

• Families looking for exclusive countryside estates or villas

• Clients seeking access to Italian culture while maintaining a quieter life

• Foreigners interested in boutique hospitality or restoration projects

Many wealthy expats also choose Tuscany as a location for secondary residence or part-year living, combining it with a primary base in Milan or Rome.

4. Rome – Timeless Grandeur and Diplomatic Gravity

Italy’s capital is more than a museum — it's a living city with global influence, international schools, embassies, and a surprisingly diverse economy. For those with an appreciation for the grandeur of history and a desire to live in a culturally significant setting, Rome offers something unique.

Benefits include:

• Direct access to government and legal resources (helpful for certain visa or tax applications)

• A growing luxury real estate market, especially in Parioli, Trastevere, and Monteverde Vecchio

• International connectivity through Rome Fiumicino Airport

• An expanding expat community, particularly from the U.S., France, and the Middle East

While Rome can feel chaotic at times, many of our clients appreciate its depth and dignity, especially those with cultural, philanthropic, or artistic interests.

5. The South – Emerging Opportunities and Hidden Gems

Southern Italy — from Puglia to Sicily — is becoming increasingly attractive to investors and lifestyle buyers. While less known for financial services, it offers excellent real estate value, access to special tax zones, and a true Mediterranean lifestyle.

For example:

• Puglia’s baroque towns and Adriatic beaches offer a perfect retreat

• Sicily provides 10-year tax incentives for pensioners and professionals

• Calabria and Campania have small towns eager to welcome foreign investment

• Many areas now have fast broadband, making remote work viable

We often work with clients looking to restore properties or create luxury hospitality projects in these regions. For some, it’s a way to blend personal dreams with long-term investment.

How to Choose the Right Location for You

The right location depends on more than your taste. You should consider:

• Your sources of income (and whether they are taxed locally or abroad)

• Family needs, including school options and healthcare

• Proximity to other key locations (e.g., Switzerland, France, London)

• Real estate liquidity in case you want to exit or rent

• Visa and residency options available in each region

At Knotted, we help clients make this decision with full awareness — combining financial, legal, and lifestyle inputs. We don’t sell properties or services — we help you ask the right questions before committing.

Let’s Build Your Italian Life — Together

Relocating to Italy under the flat tax regime is a powerful opportunity — but where you choose to live will shape your daily experience, your children's future, and your long-term happiness.

We’ve helped clients from Switzerland, the UK, the US, and the Middle East relocate to Italy with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re still in the exploration phase or ready to act, our team is ready to guide you.

📩 Contact us at info@knotted.ch or

📲 on WhatsApp at +41 76 771 30 22 — and let’s find your place in Italy.