Join InterNations

The world's largest expat community

Your Expat Community in Lugano

  • Connect with fellow expats in Lugano

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Lugano

  • Andrey Vasilyev

    I was able to connect with other expats in Zurich who enjoy cycling as much as I do and organize weekly rides.

Meet Our Community of Expats in Lugano and Get Connected!

Buongiorno, and welcome to Lugano, Switzerland's largest Italian-speaking city! Moving to an entirely new region may seem intimidating, but at InterNations we're here to guide you through the process of relocating to this beautiful city near Switzerland's southern border. Our platform is home to many expats living and working in Lugano — some recent arrivals, and some long-time residents — and they're all happy to help you adapt to your new surroundings with some first-hand advice and recommendations. Simply join InterNations to find the answer to a range of common questions, such as the cost of living in the city, where to find the best shopping districts, and public transportation links to the rest of Switzerland and nearby Milan. A stylish and affluent city with a strong Italian influence, Lugano is an attractive and cosmopolitan destination with plenty of local activities and excellent connections, making it an appealing prospect for enterprising expats.

With InterNations, you never stand alone. Whether you are moving to another country or going on a business trip somewhere — our communities around the world are there to make you feel at home wherever you are. Feel free to also check out our other vibrant InterNations Communities like the ones in Singapore or Dakar.

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Join Our Exciting Events in Lugano

Attend our monthly events and activities for Lugano expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

Apr 9, 2024, 10:00 AM
3 attendees
Have you always wanted to do Yoga but never gotten around to it? Or you have been inconsistent in this practice and would like to jumpstart it? Well, now you can do it together with your friends at
Apr 13, 2024, 3:00 PM
2 attendees
Lang ist es her ! Es ist wieder Zeit für ein Kaffee trinken und Kuchen essen auf Deutsch und Englisch. Wir sind wieder in einem sympathischen und bekannten Lokal in Cassarate/ Lugano. Dieses Mal gilt
Apr 21, 2024, 10:00 AM
9 attendees
Un momento eccezionale per una piacevole pedalata tra Locarno e Bellinzona, fruendo dell'eccellente organizzazione di SlowUp che controlla l'intero percorso limitandone l'accesso. Fattorie e punti di

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Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Lugano

  • Community Member
    From United Kingdom, living in Lugano
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    From Argentina, living in Lugano
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    From Poland, living in Lugano
  • Community Member
    From Germany, living in Lugano
  • Community Member
    From Australia, living in Lugano
  • Community Member
    From Sweden, living in Lugano
  • Community Member
    From India, living in Lugano
  • Community Member
    From Portugal, living in Lugano
  • Community Member
    From Serbia, living in Lugano
  • Community Member
    From Serbia, living in Lugano

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An Introduction to Lugano Expat Life

A glamorous Italian-speaking city frequented by international movie stars, athletes, and entertainers, Lugano has earned the nickname, "The Monte Carlo of Switzerland". From the upmarket Italian-style piazzas with their high-end boutiques and five-star restaurants, to the natural wonders of Lake Lugano and the Lugano Prealps, it's not difficult to see why so many people are attracted to the city. Predictably, tourism plays a major role in Lugano's economy, although banking, financial services, and urban development are also key industries. Some expats also choose to settle in Lugano to commute to Milan, which is just over an hour's drive from the city. Whatever your reasons for moving to Lugano, this glittering jewel of the Swiss south is sure to win a place in your heart.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Bali or London, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Network for Expatriates in Lugano

At InterNations, we understand that settling into a new city can be challenging. That's why we're committed to easing the transition by providing a safe, secure, and respectful community where you can find the answers to a host of questions about living and working in Lugano. Our members will be happy to offer first-hand advice on practicalities such as which districts offer the best and most affordable flats to buy or rent, how to take out Swiss health insurance, and what you need to apply for Swiss residency. You can also use our network for social purposes, such as forming a hiking club to take advantage of the beautiful Swiss countryside, joining a local sports or fitness club and meeting fellow expats for coffee in the city. You might also like to attend one of InterNations' special networking events, where you can mingle with fellow expat Lugano residents in an appealing local venue.