South Tyrol as a place to work: what professionals from Germany should know
Published on 14 October 2026 · 5 min read
For almost five years I have been commuting between Munich and Trento. I feel at home in Trentino, and South Tyrol is on the way every time. In my conversations with professionals from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg I keep hearing the same thing: South Tyrol appeals to many. What is missing is rarely interest – it is orientation. That is why I am writing a short LinkedIn series about South Tyrol as a place to work and live. Here is a summary.
1. Why South Tyrol?
Nature, quality of life, German in everyday life and companies that succeed worldwide. That attracts people.
To be honest: if you want to stay, you should learn Italian. In many jobs it is needed sooner than you think. And the housing market is tight. Both are part of the truth.
2. Purchasing power, not gross salary
The most common objection: “The salary isn't the same.” What matters, however, is not the gross figure but what remains after taxes, contributions and living costs.
South Tyrol is not cheap. Nobody gains purchasing power there through prices. But Italy encourages professionals to move or return with tax incentives (“Rientro Cervelli”). Whether the conditions are met in an individual case should definitely be checked in advance by a tax adviser.
3. The first weeks after the move
– **Tax code (codice fiscale):** almost nothing works without it – employment contract, rental contract, mobile phone or bank account.
– **Register your residence:** with the municipality within 20 days of moving in.
– **Bank account:** salaries are not paid in cash in Italy.
– **SPID:** the digital identity, e.g. for nursery and school enrolment. Available, among others, from the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce.
– **Car and driving licence:** Italian number plates within three months of registering your residence; the EU driving licence must be converted after two years.
– **Housing:** plan a temporary solution for the first weeks.
4. South Tyrol's companies reach out to talent
With the [Talente Aperitivo](https://www.workinsuedtirol.com/news-veranstaltungen/talente-aperitivo-2026/), South Tyrolean companies meet students directly at universities:
– 19 November 2026, Graz – focus on technical degree programmes
– 25 November 2026, Innsbruck – focus on business and business informatics
I find that impressive. Many young South Tyroleans study in Austria and Germany. The question is not whether they want to come back, but whether they see in time what opportunities await them at home.
5. Who helps you settle in
South Tyrol does a lot to attract and retain professionals:
– **[Work in South Tyrol](https://www.workinsuedtirol.com/) / Welcome Service of the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce:** information and orientation on entry, housing, health, taxes, schools and more. For employers there is the “Good Work” service on employer attractiveness.
– **[IDM South Tyrol](https://www.idm-suedtirol.com/):** strengthens the South Tyrol brand and supports South Tyrolean companies in internationalisation and innovation.
I follow this work with great interest and would be glad to contribute my part.
6. My role: the bridge
I don't consult – I build. Over 20 years of international leadership at Siemens, Bayer, BMW and Infineon – today your personal advisor, from the first conversation to the final placement. I connect Germany and Italy, companies and professionals. For companies and organisations I offer external internationalisation consulting – from market entry to building teams on site.
*Note: Personnel placement in Italy is carried out exclusively through an authorised agency.*
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Sources
- 01Work in Südtirol (Handelskammer Bozen)workinsuedtirol.com
- 02Ankommen in Südtirolworkinsuedtirol.com
- 03Arbeiten in Südtirol (u. a. Steueranreize)workinsuedtirol.com
- 04Talente Aperitivo 2026workinsuedtirol.com
- 05IDM Südtirolidm-suedtirol.com
All statements are backed by publicly available sources (see article date). Not legal or tax advice.
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