Living in Lugano: The Complete Guide for Expats Moving to Ticino

When most people imagine relocating to Switzerland, their thoughts immediately go to Zurich, Geneva, or Basel. Yet in recent years, more and more international families, entrepreneurs, and professionals are choosing Lugano as their new home. Nestled in the southern part of the country, in the Canton of Ticino, Lugano offers a rare combination: the efficiency, safety, and financial stability of Switzerland on one side, and the culture, food, and Mediterranean lifestyle of Italy on the other. For anyone who values both professional opportunity and quality of life, moving to Lugano has become an increasingly attractive choice.

Quality of Life in Lugano

Perhaps the single most compelling reason why expats decide to settle in Lugano is the exceptional quality of life. The city is consistently ranked among the safest in Europe, with crime rates significantly lower than the European average. This sense of safety, combined with clean streets, efficient services, and a compact layout, creates an environment where daily life feels both secure and comfortable. Families appreciate the calm atmosphere, while professionals benefit from a place where they can focus on work without unnecessary stress.

Healthcare is another important factor. Lugano has modern hospitals and clinics that meet the highest international standards, with many doctors fluent in English, Italian, German, and French. Public transport is equally reliable, with trains and buses connecting Lugano to the rest of Switzerland and Northern Italy in a way that is both punctual and convenient. Everyday comfort is part of the local lifestyle: shops, restaurants, cultural centers, and sports facilities are always within easy reach, and the city is compact enough to be enjoyed without the chaos of larger metropolitan areas. For many expats, this balance is what makes Lugano truly unique — not too big, not too small, but perfectly designed for a fulfilling life.

A Lifestyle That Blends Swiss Efficiency and Mediterranean Charm

Lugano is also appealing because it blends two very different but complementary worlds. On one hand, the city provides all the hallmarks of Switzerland: political stability, a strong economy, and an education system that is among the best in the world. On the other, it carries a distinct Italian influence. From the language spoken in the streets to the food in local markets and the leisurely pace of café life along Lake Lugano, there is a Mediterranean charm that softens the edges of Swiss precision.

The climate plays a key role in this lifestyle. Thanks to its southern location, Lugano enjoys more than 2,300 hours of sunshine each year, with winters that are mild and summers that are warm but not extreme. This makes it possible to live a very active outdoor life. Residents often spend weekends hiking in the surrounding mountains, swimming or sailing on the lake, or simply enjoying the many parks and gardens scattered across the city. For those coming from colder or more stressful environments, this mix of sunshine, nature, and culture is one of Lugano’s greatest assets.

Housing and Real Estate in Ticino

For newcomers, one of the first and most important steps is finding the right place to live. Lugano’s real estate market is dynamic and offers solutions for a variety of lifestyles. Some expats prefer modern apartments in the city center, close to offices, shops, and cultural venues. Others are drawn to the hillside, where spacious villas enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the mountains. Families often look for residential neighborhoods with houses surrounded by greenery, ideal for children and long-term living.

Foreigners are allowed to buy property in Switzerland under certain conditions, and the rules can sometimes be complex for those unfamiliar with Swiss legislation. This is why understanding the legal framework for buying real estate in Ticino is so important before making a decision. At Knotted.ch, we specialize in guiding expats step by step, helping them navigate everything from short-term rentals to long-term purchases. Our role is to make sure that housing decisions are not just practical, but also aligned with long-term relocation plans.

Education and Schools for Expat Families

For families, education is often the decisive factor when choosing a relocation destination. In this respect, Lugano stands out. The city is home to some of the most reputable international schools in Switzerland, including TASIS – The American School in Switzerland, widely considered one of the most prestigious schools in Europe, and Franklin University Switzerland, which combines US and Swiss accreditation. Beyond these institutions, there is also a wide choice of bilingual schools and strong local schools that maintain high academic standards.

The presence of such a rich educational ecosystem means that children of expats can continue their studies in an international environment while benefiting from the safety and stability of Switzerland. For parents, knowing that their children are in schools with strong academic programs and diverse communities is often the final reassurance they need to commit to living in Lugano.

Work, Business, and Professional Opportunities

While lifestyle is a powerful draw, Lugano also offers real professional opportunities. The city is an established hub for finance, wealth management, and asset management, and has recently expanded into digital innovation and fintech. Thanks to its geographic location, Lugano also plays a key role in cross-border trade with Italy, making it an ideal base for professionals who need access to both Swiss and European markets.

For entrepreneurs, Ticino provides a particularly business-friendly environment, with relatively low corporate taxes compared to other Swiss regions and streamlined procedures for setting up a company. The proximity to Milan, less than an hour away by train, means that many expats can enjoy the quiet life of Lugano while remaining close to one of Europe’s main business hubs. This unique combination is hard to find elsewhere and explains why the expat community in Lugano continues to grow.

Relocation and Practical Aspects

Moving to Switzerland requires dealing with a number of practical details: obtaining the right residence permit, registering for healthcare, finding suitable housing, arranging school enrollment for children, and in some cases relocating an entire company. While the process is generally efficient, it can still feel overwhelming for newcomers unfamiliar with Swiss bureaucracy.

This is why many families and professionals turn to relocation specialists. At Knotted.ch, we provide personalized support in every step of the journey, from permit applications and real estate advice to tax planning and connections with trusted local professionals such as lawyers, notaries, and accountants. Our mission is to make the transition as smooth as possible, allowing newcomers to focus on settling in and enjoying their new life.

Why Expats Choose Lugano

When all these elements are combined, it becomes clear why Lugano has become one of the most desirable destinations for expats in Switzerland. It offers the safety, stability, and efficiency of Switzerland, the lifestyle, food, and culture of Italy, and an international community that is growing year after year. Its strategic location, with Zurich to the north and Milan just across the border, makes it a natural hub for both personal and professional life. Add to this excellent schools, world-class healthcare, and a dynamic real estate market, and the reasons why so many people choose Lugano become undeniable.

Thinking About Moving to Lugano?

If you are considering relocating to Switzerland, our team at Knotted.ch specializes in helping expats with relocation, real estate, tax planning, and lifestyle solutions in Ticino. We make sure every aspect of the move is managed with precision, care, and a deep understanding of the needs of international families and professionals.

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📧 Email: info@knotted.ch

At Knotted.ch, we make your move to Lugano smooth, stress-free, and tailored to your needs.