EXPAT EXPERIENCES IN VALENCIA

It was after work one late afternoon. The weather was marvellous. I was cycling to swim in the outdoor pool in Lörick. Since I lived in Oberkassel, my route took me along a scenic pathway that provided a view of the river Rhine.

The cycle path was the width of only two bikes. I was one of them. As they neared, the eyes of one cyclist widened at an impending danger. The other’s didn’t. He continued daydreaming.

Foreign residents are required to ensure they stick to the rules with their papers in good order. Identification should also be carried on their person at all times in Germany.

I was born in a country that was at the time of writing a member of a marvellous political and economic alliance known as the European Union or EU. When I decided to work permanently in Düsseldorf, I was issued with a permit of residency valid for five years.

My employers wished to know which church I belonged to. I enquired what business it was of theirs and why they were asking. To pay tax to either the Protestant or Catholic church, I’m told.

The vast majority of funds are transferred directly from source and each company is responsible to declare where those monies go. I stated that I am not prepared to pay church tax and so I was duly told the atheist box would be ticked. I protested.

Germans take registration very seriously. The law in Düsseldorf entails registering within one week of a move. If renting, the landlord can be required to confirm occupancy. Leaving for a new location means de-registering.

When we moved, I gave not one single thought to what Germany considers to be the the primary activity entailed in a change of residency. A letter arrived soon after!