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@524dmm Another advert for SmartMove.  Do you work for them or do they just pay you to go on all the forums and write this? 

Not affiliated with Smart Move Italy at all.  We are seeking information about the effectiveness of the company.  We are having difficulty finding reviews, so we seek information from someone who has used their services.  That is the sole purpose of our post.  If someone on this forum has productive information to share, we would be grateful.

This is my second time responding to an inquiry about SMI and the first time I received the same type of unhelpful comment. I appreciate your honest effort to get some advice, as the process is not easy.  We had a very positive experience using SMI to secure an apartment rental in Puglia.  For our immigration needs (ERV) we used Lexidy and, while pricey, they have been extremely helpful and user friendly. Best of luck with your immigration journey. We just arrived back in Italy with our visas, and get the keys to our apartment today.  Very exciting and well worth the effort and cost for us.

If I may refer to the law firm damianianddamiani they are very good at ius sanguinis citizenship practices

@robertoconigliaro Thank you for the recommendation, please write it wih spaces so that the site does not delete the contact information. We appreciate the advice.

@robertoconigliaro Thank you!

@524dmm I have started my process with SMI too. So far they've been very helpful. They were the first company I inquired with so I have nothing to compare it to. I don't know how their prices compare, etc. I'd be interested to hear from others who have used them.

We had a consultation with a different firm and they quoted us close to $12,000 US dollars to complete the process in Italy!!  It was $8000 if we went through the consulate. Is this typical and would SMI or other firms be more reasonable?

I got a quote from SMI for their full package - collecting documents through Fast Track applying in Italy and it was $7500  Every situation is slightly different but so far they seem  very knowledgable and responsive 

@Celestinoanna

Thanks, that's a substantial difference.

A friend used SMI and had a good, professional experience. Transparent and clear fee structure.

@524dmm

I’ve read these posts about SMI. My biggest question is why would you not get an attorney in Italy, in the comune you plan to reside in?

Most of the advertised companies want to push you south. Is that really your goal? That is to live south? How many times have you been to Italy? I’d suggest making a 3 month field trip…get a lawyer, bring your docs all completed, apostle etc…the attorney will direct you to a translator in Italy for that segment, or find a translator via Italian Consulate in your US area of residence.

Be aware Italy has new legislation that may impact your success at getting dual citizenship. I don’t see anyone talking about that! Ask everyone you talk to about the Supreme Court legislation re: Italian ancestor who naturalized when children were minors. Italy is making the process harder and ruling people out of claiming citizenship! You have to look into this.

As for the ERV why would not read the instructions and do it yourself. We did it in Miami. No problem. Buy a binder, have a good printer at home or go to Fed Ex:) ( buy tabs, a marker, highlighter, plastic sheet covers). Write a 3 paragraph letter about why you want to live in Italy. The instructions on the Italian Consulate webpage are actually clear. Tax docs, bank statements which you can print out from online account, or ask the bank…proof of your passive income, statement, pension, SS letter. Stuff you have…

Decide where you want to live in Italy at least for the process/NOW.

Pick a realtor, make sure they understand you need the property registered for you VISA.

We did have our lease in Florence tied down. My husband made the trip in October and we applied in Miami in November. Get your appointment scheduled online. You can see the open dates.

Beware of anybody telling you they have a relationship with a clerk in a comune, where they have a relationship with rental property agents?!

Hope this helps. Bottom line you are a walking dollar bill and people are happy to have you pay, and they know you will for your Italian dream. Be smart, learn, read and understand there are something’s you need a lawyer for and something’s you are capable of doing yourself!

@Celestinoanna

There is NO fast track applying. Check new legislation by Italian Supreme Court…Collect your own documents. Don’t be comfortable with staying in the apartment they may suggest. Beware when you’re told they have contacts in various comune!

@8bucksagallon

How long ago?

@coopinboulder

By the time you add everything up it’s between 8-12K.

i would not use a company!!!!

@sprez76 this was very insightful! I have visited Italy for the first time and am looking into retiring there. I have little or no information about how to do this. Can I ask you where I would start? I have taken some books out of the library. Thank you for any information.