
Moving to Naples: a comprehensive guide for aspiring expats
Want to move to Naples? Here, get our tips on housing, job opportunities, and how to adapt to the local culture.
15 min read
Rich in culture, history, and traditions and known worldwide for its cuisine, Naples is an excellent choice if you want to live as an expat in Italy.
Among the main advantages are certainly the cost of living, which is lower than in other large Italian cities, and the city's closeness to the sea, which makes for plenty of beautiful, sunny days and generally good weather year-round.Still, it's not easy to get settled in a new city, especially if you don't speak Italian (yet!) and aren't familiar with real estate and employment in Naples.
Here, we’ve put together everything you need to know about moving to Naples, from accommodation and work to healthcare and the cost of living.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior updated as of January 1, 2023, Campania is home to almost 200,000 legally residing foreign citizens. Of these, over 100,000 live in Naples, which has a total population of around 1,000,000. Consequently, the expat community in the city represents about 10% of the population.
To start off on the right foot, you can join various groups and dedicated associations such as Internations or Expat.com, which organize events and gatherings so you can meet people from all over the world.
There's no shortage of festivals throughout the year, including concerts, shows, and events with an Italian flavor. Activities like these are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet other expats with similar interests.
Looking for somewhere to live in Naples can be complicated, especially with steep market prices in prime city locations. However, it’s always possible to stay in a hotel or short-term rental for the first few days or weeks. Once you figure out which areas interest you, it’s easier to look for a long-term place to live.
There are various online platforms you can use to find a rental property in Naples. These portals let you compare prices, districts, and nearby amenities.
Typically, you’ll either find a place to rent privately or engage the services of a real estate agency. While the first option may help you save on some costs, it's also the more risky choice. If you go through an agency, you might be able to find better places, and the agency can step in to help if anything goes wrong.
Looking for somewhere to live in Naples can be complicated, especially with steep market prices in prime city locations. However, it’s always possible to stay in a hotel or short-term rental for the first few days or weeks. Once you figure out which areas interest you, it’s easier to look for a long-term place to live.
There are various online platforms you can use to find a rental property in Naples. These portals let you compare prices, districts, and nearby amenities.
Typically, you’ll either find a place to rent privately or engage the services of a real estate agency. While the first option may help you save on some costs, it's also the more risky choice. If you go through an agency, you might be able to find better places, and the agency can step in to help if anything goes wrong.
If you’re looking to rent a property in Italy for the long term, you’ll generally encounter three types of contracts:
If you’re moving to Naples and want to buy a home, the same principle applies as with renting: It’s generally more secure to go through a real estate agency.
When buying property, the first things to consider are the district and its market pricing, so that you can find the most cost-effective option that’s still in line with your needs.
In 2024, the average price per square meter is around €2,500, with peaks of over €4,500 in central neighborhoods like Posillipo, Chiaia, Mergellina, and Vomero. In areas further from the center, prices start around €1,400.
To begin the purchase process, you need to have a bank account and submit a formal purchase offer. Then, the land registry (Catasto in Italian) and the urban planning office will complete some additional checks.
Once the documents are ready, a preliminary contract is drawn up and you’ll need to pay a deposit. Finally, a notary helps to prepare and register the bill of sale.As far as costs go, you should plan for the following expenses:
The expat community in Naples
Finding accommodation in Naples as an expat
Finding a place to rent in Naples: the basics
Finding accommodation in Naples as an expat
Finding a place to rent in Naples: the basics
- Freely negotiated tenancy agreement (4+4): These kinds of agreements last for four years at a rental price agreed between the two parties. They can also be automatically renewed for another four years when they expire.
- Regulated tenancy agreement (3+2): With these contracts, the tenant association sets the rental price, and the agreement lasts for three years. After that, it can be explicitly renewed for another three years or automatically extended for two years.
- Short-term lease contract: This is a contract lasting a maximum of 18 months, often used by business travelers, students, and people doing apprenticeships or professional training.
How to buy a house in Naples
- Real estate agency commission — approximately 3%
- Land registration tax — 2% of the land value for the purchase of a first home, and 9% for a second home
- Fixed mortgage tax — as of 2024, €50
- Fixed stamp duty — as of 2024, €50
- Notary fees