So now that I’ve set up a trading account at my bank and traded successfully for nearly a year, Sparkasse wants me to fill out this form declaring my tax status as a foreigner. As usual, the form lacks clarity and sense (it doesn’t even feature instructions - you have to look for those elsewhere), so I’ve found a page online with tips for Canadians on how to fill it out.

Interestingly enough, it all seems to be mostly U.S. tax law for the IRS, so I’m a little puzzled about why it involves me… I’ll fill out only as little as required and send it back to my bank. For most of you who have read this blog, you know that I hate tax (tax is theft imposed on you via coercion by a handful of illegitimate ‘elected’ individuals), but I’ll play along until I naturalise…

Thanks to Juna for the link support:

somehowjewish.blogspot.com

Toda raba!

My new project:

canadiansinberlin.com

Yes!!!

I finally got it after nearly 4 months of waiting (!). I’ll scan it in and post an image just so everyone can see how cool it is, and also just to prove that it’s possible. Now I just need to buy myself a stylin’ car!

I’m happy to report that last month was a record for me - I wrote almost four thousand euros worth of invoices. It was a hell of a lot of work, but it was worth it and necessary. Apparently my tax consultant (the best tax consultant in the city - if you need one, then ask me and I’ll give you his contact info) found my invoices flawed, but nonetheless.

This private translation thing really seems to be working out. I must be good

Well, no sign of that driver’s license yet. I went in to the office to check it out and get some answers, but like all government agencies here, it was packed to the teeth with irate idiots, so I just 180′d. I’ll let you know if I get any info when I call or if I actually get the stupid thing in the mail like they promised (going on what, 10 weeks now?)

I did it, and so can you! I just read the other day that it’s possible for many foreigners to have their driver’s license transferred, which is a much more sensible (and cheaper) alternative to getting one done in Germany. A couple of catches:

a) You have to prove that you lived in the country where your license is from for at least six months after it was provided to you,

b) You have to apply before three years is up after you started to live in Germany.

I never had to prove the six months condition, and since I’m Canadian, I didn’t have to bother with any other fuss like getting it translated, etc. I recommend looking into it… I’ll provide the link as soon as I find it again.

I have finally developed my translation business to the point where I am completely self-sufficient, i.e. I’m moving out of my Wohngemeinschaft (can’t stand my roommate any longer), and into a much larger, prettier apartment in Wedding. Wedding itself is an interesting place, and I’m looking forward to the independence and freedom. As a good friend of mine put it, you just can’t put a price on being able to walk around naked in your own place!

The details: 70 square meters at 427 euros per month, large bedroom, large living room, bathroom, kitchen, and ample storage (large Abstellkammer, etc.), central heating via radiators, cable TV, and more. I had to install my own kitchen cabinets and provide my own fridge, but that’s fairly normal. Plus, I inherited the kitchen stuff from my girlfriend’s mom’s boyfriend, so it was free of charge! Not bad…

I also rented a small moving van from Robben & Wientjes, and they are by far the cheapest rental moving vehicle outfit in Berlin. I paid a total of around 20 euros for three hours.

Well, it went off without a hitch. I went in, showed them my documents, explained my situation, and I got my residency and work permits extended two years!

Time to celebrate!

Part of what I need to renew my visa is a Bescheinigung (document) which certifies that I am not receiving any social services… I found this page

It has information for every Kiez in the city and a handy map which you can click on to locate the local office which is responsible for your PLZ (Postleitzahl - post code).