Insights
By: Doris Sommavilla
The value of networks and on-the-ground advice
With 50 years of experience, Stonehage Fleming have helped clients relocate worldwide, spanning multiple generations and jurisdictions.
Emmanuelle Sartor has been an expatriate for 15 years and has lived in several locations in the US, Europe, and Asia. Here, she shares with Doris Sommavilla, a Director in our Family Office division, some of her most valuable lessons from her most recent relocation to Italy.
What inspired your move to Milan?
Italy is a place we have always wanted to experience. Before our move, we’d initially had our heart set on Rome. When we started looking more closely, we were persuaded to take a second look at Milan and we are glad we did. Milan is such an amazing city that has so many things to offer in terms of culture, fashion, art and general quality of life.
What is the most difficult thing about relocating with a family?
Living in Italy offers diverse lifestyle options, set against the backdrop of stunning historic landscapes. Ensuring your expectations are realistic before entering the country is vital. Relocating takes so much energy and is a time of great uncertainty for you and your family. Be prepared for that. Moving to Italy specifically, it takes time to understand the local laws, tax requirements, bureaucracy, the lot. It is even more difficult when trying to find the right kind property in a city like Milan. Advice from a Family Office with a specialist focus in relocations can make a huge difference.
Once here, what was the biggest challenge in re-making your life in Italy?
Once the admin is underway, the practicalities of daily life hit you. For instance, unexpected expenses can often drive up the cost of living, prompting the need for careful planning and assistance in uncovering hidden fees and additional costs (which is why teams like Stonehage Fleming are vital).
For us, the most important thing was to get our heads around the small differences between the life we were leaving and the one we were moving to. For instance, the search for a new home posed its own challenges including adjusting our cultural expectations, particularly moving from Japan, as we were. These aspects can make a significant impact your overall experience.
How important have personal networks been to your move to Milan?
All moves are stressful, but I have always found having a good network on the ground can help to remove some of the pain points. Relocation can feel a little bit lonely at the beginning. Dealing with the complexities of property bureaucracy and finding the perfect home can be overwhelming. Having a well-developed local network of other international families (including local families) makes things easier. Working with experts like Stonehage Fleming is invaluable. It means you have an ally, someone who can be completely honest and authentic at your side. It is a vital part of helping you find your feet.
Find out more about Stonehage Fleming's Family Office
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