Andrea Vella returned to Rome after spending more than half his life abroad, and appreciates the diverse opportunities his Italian homeland has to offer.
Andrea Vella combines his passion for travel with life in Italy. After spending many years abroad, he has rediscovered Rome as the ideal place to live and enjoys various creative hobbies.
After decades of living abroad, Andrea Vella made a conscious decision to return to Italy. The former banking expert appreciates not only the cultural advantages of Rome, but also the tax benefits that Italy offers to international returnees. In addition to his professional activities, he enjoys travelling, writing and spending time at his chalet in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the Winter Olympics will be held in 2026.
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Rome attracts international professionals back
Italy is experiencing an interesting trend. More and more Italians are returning from abroad. Andrea Vella is one of them. After spending more than half his life abroad, he was drawn back to Rome.
Why did he make this decision? Rome offers a unique combination of quality of life and practical advantages. The Eternal City has undergone a transformation in recent years. Modern infrastructure meets thousands of years of history.
The tax incentives are particularly interesting. Italy has developed special programmes for returnees. Those who have lived abroad for a long time can benefit from significant tax breaks. Andrea Vella was one of the early users of these schemes.
The quality of life speaks for itself. Excellent cuisine, a mild climate, cultural richness. Added to this is its central location in Europe. From Rome, you can get anywhere quickly.
Other European cities are also feeling this change. London is losing residents to southern European cities. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit is further reinforcing this trend.
Italy as a tax haven for returnees
The Italian tax system offers attractive conditions for returnees. Anyone who has lived abroad for nine of the last ten years can benefit from a flat tax rate on all the international gains.
The flat tax on foreign income is particularly interesting. 200,000 euros per year for all worldwide income outside Italy. This is an attractive option for wealthy returnees.
These regulations are increasingly attracting international skilled workers:
- Former bankers from London
- Tech entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley
- Consultants from Switzerland
- Artists from New York
Andrea Vella recognised the potential of these tax advantages early on. His experience in international banking helped him understand the complex regulations.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: More than just skiing
Andrea Vella owns a chalet in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The famous winter sports resort in the Dolomites will host the Winter Olympics in 2026. Perfect timing for property owners.
Skiing is his great passion. The slopes around Cortina are among the most beautiful in the world. But he doesn’t just use the chalet in winter. He also likes to spend the summer months there.
Climbing in the Dolomites is a special experience. The majestic rock formations attract mountaineers from all over the world. Andrea Vella appreciates this sporting challenge.
Cortina is currently undergoing a transformation. The 2026 Olympic Games are bringing massive infrastructure investments. New hotels are being built. Roads are being expanded. Property prices are rising accordingly.
But the place is not losing its charm. Italian elegance meets Alpine tradition. Luxury without ostentation. Exactly what international guests appreciate.
The Olympic Games as a catalyst
The 2026 Winter Olympics are transforming the entire region. Cortina is sharing the Games with Milan. It’s an unusual combination of Alpine tradition and urban modernity.
New sports facilities are being built. The bobsleigh track is being renovated. Additional hotel beds are being created. The transport network is being expanded. Billions are being invested in the region.
Andrea Vella is experiencing this transformation first-hand. His chalet is right in the middle of it all. Its value is rising steadily. But what is more important to him is the improved infrastructure.
After the Games, Cortina will be even more attractive. Internationally renowned as an Olympic venue. Equipped with modern infrastructure. A win-win situation for everyone involved.
Globetrotter with a head for numbers
Andrea Vella has already travelled to almost 100 countries. He has an impressive collection of stamps in his passport. Travel is more than just a hobby for him. It is a passion.
He shares this love of travel with his family. Trips together create unforgettable memories. Discovering new cultures. Hearing foreign languages. Trying exotic cuisines.
Andrea Vella’s banking experience at Goldman Sachs opened many doors for him. International contacts make travelling easier. Local recommendations make trips more authentic.
He visits some destinations several times. Others are still on his wish list. The world is big enough for a lifetime of discoveries.
However, long-distance travel is becoming more complicated. Discussions about climate change. Overcrowded tourist destinations. Political instability in some regions.
Travel is changing.
Travel as a source of inspiration
Every trip brings new impressions. Different ways of life. Unusual business models. Innovative solutions to everyday problems. Andrea Vella collects these inspirations.
Sometimes they lead to business ideas. More often, however, they simply lead to interesting conversations. Or material for his creative projects.
Digitalisation is fundamentally changing travel. Smartphones are replacing travel guides. Apps translate in real time. Social media shares experiences instantly.
Nevertheless, authentic experiences remain important. Real encounters with people. Unexpected discoveries off the beaten track. No app can replace that.
Andrea Vella banking experience meets creative streak
In addition to his professional background, Andrea Vella is increasingly developing creative interests. Writing has become a new passion. Short stories emerge in quiet moments.
The stories are about his travel experiences. Encounters with interesting people. Unusual situations in foreign countries. Real-life adventures become fictional narratives.
He is now thinking about larger projects. Scripts for films or TV series are buzzing around in his head. Some ideas have already been fleshed out.
The leap from banking to the creative industry is unusual. But not impossible. Analytical thinking also helps with structuring stories.
Hollywood and European production companies are constantly looking for new ideas. Authentic stories are in demand. International experience can help.
From the world of finance to the world of film
The path from Wall Street to Hollywood is not new. Many successful producers have a background in finance. Project financing works similarly in both industries.
Andrea Vella brings international perspectives to the table. His travel experiences create authentic settings. His banking knowledge helps with project financing.
Of course, the creative sector is highly competitive. Thousands of scripts compete for a few production slots. Success is never guaranteed.
But digitalisation is opening up new opportunities. Streaming platforms constantly need content. International productions are in demand. Niche target groups are becoming profitable.
Quality of life as a location factor
Italy scores highly in terms of quality of life. The Mediterranean climate. The relaxed mentality. The excellent cuisine. Factors that money cannot buy.
Rome also offers cultural diversity. World-class museums. Architecture from different eras. A lively nightlife. All combined in one city.
The world of work is changing. Remote work makes locations more flexible. Why work in rainy London when Rome is sunnier?
Andrea Vella takes advantage of this flexibility. Italy is his home base. His business is international. This makes it easier to balance family and career.
Other European cities are experiencing similar trends. Lisbon attracts digital nomads. Barcelona draws start-ups. Berlin remains affordable and creative.
Italy as a lifestyle destination
Dolce Vita is more than just a cliché. Italy embodies a relaxed attitude to life. Enjoyment is paramount. Stress is avoided.
This mentality rubs off on others. Even international newcomers become more relaxed. Work-life balance improves automatically.
Of course, there are also disadvantages. Bureaucracy can be frustrating. Internet is not fast everywhere.
Some services work differently than people are used to.
Nevertheless, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. This is especially true for people who have already lived internationally. They appreciate cultural diversity. They are familiar with different systems. They adapt quickly.
Future plans between tradition and innovation
Andrea Vella is already planning new projects. More trips are on the horizon. New stories want to be written. Creative ideas need time to develop.
The chalet in Cortina will be further expanded. The 2026 Olympic Games will bring additional attention. It’s the perfect opportunity for improvements.
Rome remains the main place of residence. The city is constantly evolving. New neighbourhoods are emerging. Old ones are being renovated. Tradition meets modernity.
Italy as a whole is becoming more attractive to international talent. Tax advantages are attracting returnees. The quality of life is convincing newcomers. A positive trend.
The balance between different interests is important. Travel broadens the mind. Writing channels creativity. Italy offers the perfect base for this.
The story continues. New countries are waiting to be discovered. Untold stories are waiting to be written. Life offers enough material for everything.
