Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Milan

What is special or unique about your city?

Milan is the finance and fashion capital of Italy. Because it is the center of the country's economy, most major multinational companies in Italy have a base in Milan. With two international airports, train lines and a motorway it is easy to get to. Once there, it offers convenient access to mountains, lakes and the seaside.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Typical first impressions of Milan are that it is a chaotic city, filled with many people at work who are rushing from place to place. Some are surprised to see how few public parks and playgrounds there are for children. Many newcomers also comment that it is difficult to find ideal housing within their expected budget.

Are these impressions likely to change?

No. Unless you decide to live in the outside of the city, these initial impressions are fairly accurate.

What is the local language?

The local language is Italian but people - especially younger people - understand English. Futhermore, Italian people are generally helpful and will go out of their way to help foreigners who do not speak Italian.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

You could manage fairly easily without knowing Italian, as people will try to help you out. However, when dealing with bureaucratic tasks involving the Italian Government such as immigration, knowledge of Italian is absolutely necessary. In addition, many day-to-day documents, such as banking forms, are usually available in Italian only.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

Italian people are friendly and easygoing. But avoid making stereotypically references, for example, about all Italian people being associated with the mafia, or eating pizza and macaroni everyday.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

Summers can be very hot and humid, so when walking around the city it is a good idea to bring a bottle of water, and wear a hat. Autumn and winter are quite rainy, and therefore it is a good idea to carry a small umbrella in your bag.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

People in Milan work quite long hours, especially compared to the southern parts of Italy, and are very proud of this work ethic.

Useful Links

Official site of the province of Milan in both Italian and English - includes information on local government, transport and Italian search engines www.provincia.milano.it/english/welcome.htm Milano Musei - lists Milan's many museums including their their locations and calendars of events, in both Italian and English www.rcs.it/mimu/english/index.htm Milano online - Milan's official city website, covering many aspects of the city in Italian. www.comune.milano.it/hp.html

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

This depends on whether you are a EU citizen or not. If you are not a EU citizen without a work permit, you cannot work in Italy but may stay in Italy as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days. You can only work in Italy if your employer has obtained a work visa for you prior to your arrival to Italy. After getting a work visa, you may obtain a Permit of Stay, which is a document for non-EU foreign residents that specifies the length of time you may stay in Italy. If you are a EU citizen, in order to work you need only to obtain a Permit of Stay within eight days of arrival in Italy. To obtain this permit EU citizens need written proof (normally a letter with stamp and signature) from their Italian employer.

What kinds of visas are available?

The following are the different types of visas available in Milan: 1. Short-stay visas for tourism (valid for eight to 90 days) - This is only necessary for non-EU citizens. 2. Visas for study/research - This is only necessary for non-EU citizens. 3. Work visas for non-EU citizens - There are two main types of these visas: distacco visa, which is ashort-term, non-renewable visa, valid for two to three years. This visa is applicable if you are paid by a non-Italian company; quota visa, which is applicable if you are directly employed by your Italian company. This number of these visas awarded is limited and controlled by the Italian Government. A limited number are given to each nationality and job category. 4. Spouse and accompanying family visa (Visto per familiare al seguito) for non-EU citizens - This is a non-working visa.

What is required to obtain these visas?

All information and documentation related to a work visa and Permit of Stay must be obtained from the Central Police Station (Questura Centrale). For non-EU citizens, the hiring company should first go to the Ufficio Provinciale del Lavor to obtain all necessary documents. The process for securing a work visa for a non-EU citizen is generally quite lengthy, as the various government offices may request additional documents at any time. If you plan to come to Italy with your family, bring a marriage certificate (the certificate can not be more than six months old), preferably translated into Italian by an Italian Consulate) and birth certificates for your children.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

If the spouse is a EU citizen, he or she will have a Permit of Stay which allows the spouse to work. If the spouse is not a EU citizen he or she will probably have a non-working visa (Visto per familiari al seguito) and will not be able to work. If eligible, a spouse's ability to find a job will depend on his or her Italian language skills, level of education and degree -- if it is even recognized in Italy. Related work experience of three to five years is preferred for most positions.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

Codice Fiscale - a unique identification number, necessary for clearing your shipment through Customs, renting a house, opening a bank account and buying a car. You should apply for it at the local tax office (Ufficio delle Imposte). Permit of Stay - a document stating your status in Italy. You will need it in order to obtain residence document (Certificato di residenza) which is a document that registers you with the Town Hall (Comune) and may be requested when opening a bank account. You can obtain it at the Central Police Station (Questura Centrale) of the town where you intend to live. Identity Card (Carta d'identita) - you can obtain it at the Town Hall (Comune) of the town where you are living. To obtain the Identity Card you need to have the Permit of Stay.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

Once you have decided where you will be living you will have to register at the Town Hall (Comune).

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Shotguns and rifles Flammable goods Ivory Hides of protected species Live plants (from outside EU) Food (Generally this is just for people travelling from outside of the EU, but some restrictions apply between EU countries, for example during the Mad Cow disease outbreak)

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

Always carry an identification document (e.g., Permit of Stay, Identity Card) with you and remember to renew all documents on time (i.e., at least 30 days before expiry date).

Useful Links

Visa and immigration information - in Italian www.stanierinitalia.com

 

What is the local currency?

The local currency is the euro. The Italian lira is no longer accepted.

What denominations does it come in?

Coins:1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros

What is the best way to exchange currency?

Currency can be exchanged at post offices, banks and exchange offices. The Post Office offers the best (i.e. lowest) exchange fees.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Commonly-used forms of payment are cash, debit cards and major credit cards.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

You will need cash when shopping in small shops, grocery stores and bars.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Bills are normally paid with cash, checks or automatic bank transfers.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

Once you have a Codice Fiscale and Permit of Stay you are allowed to open a bank account.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

This is fairly difficult. All bank documents and contracts are in Italian.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

With most banks you will need to wait for one or two months before you are given an ATM or credit card. This is the case, whether you are a foreigner or Italian, but varies depending on the bank.

What are typical banking hours?

Typical banking hours are from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

ATM machines sometimes run out of cash over the weekends, so it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in advance.

Useful Links

Currency converters, showing exchange rates with the Euro it.finance.yahoo.com/m5 www.xe.com

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Generally, the main factors when looking for a residence in Milan: commuting time to your place of work and/or children's schools budget, since newcomers are often surprised at the high housing costs in Milan

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Expat communities are mainly in the outer suburbs of Milan, close to the international schools. Typical housing in these areas includes terraced or detached villas in small residential communities, generally protected by a fence and a security guard. Many of these residential communities have common amenities, such as tennis courts and swimming pools. Apartment buildings are also typical in these areas. Many expats find the housing in Milan small by their standards. Living downtown is generally more suited to single people who want to enjoy the city life to its fullest. Popular residential areas of the city are San Siro, Fiera, Citta' Studi and Naviglio, which is located on the river.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Expats usually rent their homes. Unless they are on a short-term assignment and seeking short-term accommodation, they usually bring belongings and furniture with them to Italy.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Landlords commonly ask for three months' rent as a security deposit. This deposit will be returned to you at the end of your lease, after you move out and a final check shows that the residence was left in good condition. This deposit is due at the time of lease signing. It is sometimes requested earlier, in order to secure the apartment during lease negotiation, so that it is not shown to other potential tenants. Also, at the time of lease signing you may be required to pay the first month of rent, in addition to or instead of this security deposit.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities like electricity, telephone and gas are not included in rents. If you live in a condominium, heating and water expenses may sometimes be included in condominium fees. A condominium is a type of ownership structure rather than a style of residence.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

As all big cities, it is best to avoid walking around alone at night, especially on deserted streets or in the suburbs.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Voltage is 220, and plug shape may be either round or flat. If you are coming from a non-EU country, you will need adaptors and/or transformers. Even with an transformer, 110 volt appliances may not work properly. Furnished and most partly-furnished accommodations, are rented with only basic electrical appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, televisions and irons. Many furnished accommodations do not have clothes dryers.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Housing in Italy is quite small. You can rarely find an apartment with more than four bedrooms, and often villas are on three floors with only a very small garden. Apartments in town do not usually come with a garage. You will have to look for and rent a place to park your car separately. Most city dwellers rent a space in a public garage.

Useful Links

For more information about accommodations, contact Crown Milan.

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

The majority of expats chose private international schools for their children. This is because most parents want their children to continue in their home country's curriculum, instead of adopting the Italian one.

What are some examples of these schools?

The following are some typical schools where expats enroll their children: Sir James Henderson School - British curriculum school in northeastern Milan International School of Milan - British and American curriculum school to the west of Milan The American School of Milan - American curriculum school in the southern suburbs of Milan Lycee Stendhal de Milan - French curriculum school in western Milan

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

It depends on the school grade and on the area of the city. According to the new Italian schooling system, parents have to pre-enroll their children to public school very early, especially for pre-school and elementary school. Early enrollment is also recommended for private international schools, where possible.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Italian pre-schools are usually fully booked. In some areas, there are private international pre-schools conducted in English or in both languages, with English spoken in the morning and Italian spoken in the afternoon. This offers a good way for expat children to learn Italian.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Most schools offer a bus service. If you live beyond the bus route, however, you will have to drive your children to school.

When does the typical school year start and end?

Schools start in mid-September and end in mid-June.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Some schools ask for many vaccinations before enrollment and proof of valid vaccinations must be presented at the time of enrollment.

Useful Links

Sir James Henderson School www.cobisec.org/sjhbsom.htm International School Milan - includes "Living in Milan" section with practical details about living in the city www.ism-ac.it The American School of Milan www.asmilan.org

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.