At last, you did it! Finally, you have relocated in Italy. With the help of your Relocation Assistant, you have signed the lease contract for your new home, all utilities are transferred to you, the residency process has started or is completed, and everything is going as planned.
All this might have seemed easy, but have you ever wondered what is behind Relocation and how many different skills are required? Let’s discover it together by asking the experts!
Gianluca D’Anna, CEO of Principal Relocation Company
Q: Could you describe what Relocation is in one sentence?
A: Relocation is the coordinated process of supporting individuals or families in moving to a new country or city by managing housing, immigration, logistics, and local integration to ensure a smooth transition.
Q: What are the most essential aspects of an excellent Relocation Company?
A: An excellent Relocation Company combines deep local expertise, clear and proactive communication, strong coordination of services, compliance with regulations, and a highly client-centric approach that anticipates needs and reduces stress throughout the move.
Patrizia Massaro, Operational Director of Principal Relocation Company
Q: You are the first contact for all Clients addressing Principal for Relocation Services. How would you rate the importance of Customer Service in this job?
A: Principal takes to heart customer service. In fact, every year, since 2019, we complete our certification and recertification of ISO 9001, which is protocol for quality management. We do it specifically because we both care about the experiences of our customers and the maintenance of a high level of customer service in everything we do.
Antonio Logiacco, Relocation Associate
Q: Since Relocation & Immigration are strictly connected, in your experience, how does Relocation impact the Immigration process?
A: Relocation and Immigration are strictly intertwined. You can think of it as: Relocation, the logistic part of the move, while Immigration can be seen as the bureaucratic part of the move. Given this, the Relocation process and its logistics can impact not only on the timing of the process, but also on the emotions that the Transferee will go through. When relocating, it is crucial to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Clara Soffientini, Senior Relocation & Immigration Associate
Q: All non-Europeans Clients must go through an Immigration process for obtaining the required visa and work permit/permit of stay in Italy. What does the Client must expect from this process and how much time is required for obtaining the necessary documents?
A: The immigration process for obtaining the required visa and work permit/permit of stay in Italy typically includes the application for a work permit (“nulla osta”), followed by the issuance of a long-term work visa by the competent Italian Consulate on the country of origin of the client, and subsequently the application for a permit of stay (“permesso di soggiorno”) once in Italy.
The work permit application and approval usually take from several weeks to a few months, depending on the authorities involved and the specific case. Once the work permit is issued, the Consulate appointment and visa approval may require additional time. After arrival in Italy, the permit of stay process generally takes a few more months to be finalized; however, the non-European citizen will receive a receipt confirming that the application has been duly submitted. Overall, clients should expect the entire process to take a few months, so appropriate planning is essential.
Now you can see that Relocation implies much more than just moving in another Country; it involves different skills and knowledge, from Italian housing market survey to Immigration laws and regulations, and from Town Halls bureaucracy to the main offers from utilities providers. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about anything of this because Principal Relocation will do it for you!
