Expanding Your Horizons: How Expats Connect in Ticino

Ticino, the Italian-speaking gem of Switzerland, is far more than glittering lakes, sunlit palm trees, and hillsides draped in vineyards. For many international residents, entrepreneurs, and families, this canton offers a rare balance—serenity without isolation, sophistication without pretension. Life here flows at a pace that invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and connect with both nature and people.

Relocating to Ticino is not just about finding a beautiful home or navigating residency requirements. It’s about stepping into a lifestyle where privacy, cultural richness, and opportunity are intertwined. Days might begin with a coffee on a sun-drenched piazza, followed by a lakeside meeting or a mountain walk, and end with an evening aperitivo in good company.

Beyond its postcard-perfect scenery and one of Europe’s most attractive tax systems, what truly makes Ticino special is its vibrant and diverse international community. Here, networking isn’t just a professional tool—it’s a natural extension of daily life. A chance encounter by the lake can turn into an inspiring conversation, a cultural event into a lasting friendship, and a mountain hike into a new chapter of your personal story.

A Natural Starting Point: Expats in Ticino

Many newcomers begin their journey through Expats in Ticino, one of the region’s most dynamic and welcoming communities. What started as a small WhatsApp chat during the pandemic has evolved into a trusted hub for integration and connection.

From elegant dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants to guided hikes above Lake Lugano, to the constant exchange of tips and recommendations in the group chat, the tone is always warm, open, and subtly refined.

This is not a formal business club—it’s something more genuine. Private bankers, architects, entrepreneurs, consultants, and international families come together to share advice: a trusted doctor, a hidden trattoria, the quietest beach, the easiest way to handle local bureaucracy. It’s a soft landing for anyone eager to feel at home without compromising on the quality of their relationships.

InterNations: Global Spirit, Local Charm

For those looking for a broader international platform, InterNations Lugano is a reliable choice. With thousands of members and a well-curated calendar, it offers events ranging from informal aperitivi and scenic hikes to discussions on entrepreneurship, investing in Switzerland, and cultural diversity.

The real value of this network isn’t only in expanding your contact list—it’s in finding a group of people who, like you, have chosen Ticino for its unique mix of lifestyle, opportunity, and calm. From financial executives to tech founders, the community offers both diversity and quality.

For the Discerning Few: Private Clubs and Passion Circles

Those who prefer more curated environments will find no shortage of private clubs and interest-based circles in Ticino. The yacht clubs of Lugano and Locarno grant not only access to the sparkling waters of Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore but also provide a relaxed setting for meeting others who share a passion for sailing, leisure, and elegance.

Golf courses in Ascona and near Monte San Salvatore combine sport with social opportunity, where a round of golf can end with a promising new business lead or friendship.

If your passion leans toward the arts, you’ll find private gallery previews, exclusive art societies, and classical music salons where culture and conversation naturally intertwine. Often invitation-only, these gatherings offer a discreet yet meaningful entry into the heart of Ticino’s cultured elite.

Where Families Meet: The International Schools Network

For expat families, international schools provide one of the most natural gateways to building lasting relationships. Institutions like TASIS in Montagnola, the International School of Ticino, and the American School of Lugano offer more than world-class education and bilingual programs—they create thriving social ecosystems.

School events, fundraisers, and cultural celebrations become opportunities for parents to connect, exchange valuable information, and form trusted friendships. For many newcomers, this is where their real sense of community begins to take shape.

The Hidden Fabric: Informal Groups, Local Culture, and Lifestyle Events

Beyond the official networks and curated gatherings, Ticino offers a more spontaneous and authentic layer of integration. Vineyard walks, pop-up wine tastings, and festivals like Estival Jazz or the Locarno Film Festival draw people together in a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

Joining informal WhatsApp or Facebook groups—such as “Expats in Lugano”—can lead to last-minute invitations to boat trips, barbecue afternoons, or private concerts. These moments often form the basis of genuine friendships, built on shared experiences rather than professional alignment.

For those passionate about wellness and the outdoors, Ticino offers everything from lakeside yoga retreats to mountain biking weekends, and even alpine spa escapes in the Mendrisiotto. Here, lifestyle and leisure blend effortlessly.

Final Reflections: Belonging in Ticino

Finding your place in a new country is more than handling logistics—it’s about embracing the rhythm and energy of your surroundings. Ticino has a refined calm and subtle charm that appeals to those who seek meaning alongside beauty.

Whether you connect over dinner with Expats in Ticino, join a curated event via InterNations, take part in a golf tournament, or share a moment at a school event, each interaction becomes a building block in your life here. Once those roots take hold, the rewards are twofold: quality of life and quality of connection.

Ready to make Ticino your home?

At Knotted, we support expats at every stage of their journey—whether you are planning your relocation, searching for a property, navigating residence permits, or simply looking for ways to connect with the right community.

📩 Write to info@knotted.ch

📱 Or send us a WhatsApp message at +41 76 771 30 22

We’ll be glad to help you settle in and start building your life in this extraordinary region