I received my EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Daueraufenthalt-EU). In this post, I share the documents I submitted, why I applied even after getting my Niederlassungserlaubnis, and a few reflections on what this milestone means to me.
Category Archives: Paths to Freedom – This is not financial advice!
German Driving Theory Exam: Tips to Pass First Time
According to recent data, almost half of all candidates fail the German theory exam on their first attempt. I didn’t want to be one of them :)))
Getting a driving license in Germany: Preparation, Costs & Theory Classes
Getting a driving license in Germany is not only expensive, but also time-consuming. In this post, I share my preparation phase as an international, from choosing a driving school to city registration, first-aid course, eye test, theory classes, and the real cost before even starting practical lessons.
How I got Permanent Residence in Germany
Sometimes I cannot believe how fast time flies. After almost 6 years of living in Germany, I finally received my permanent residence. In this post, I share my journey from Master’s student to job-seeking visa, Blue Card, and Niederlassungserlaubnis — including the documents I prepared, the mistake that delayed me by 6 months, and the tips I wish I had known earlier.
On a beautiful day when stocks are doing well…
On a beautiful day when my portfolio is doing well, I look back at why I continued investing during uncertain times and how I once decided to buy Nvidia before fully understanding the company. This post is not financial advice, but a personal reflection on curiosity, long-term thinking, market chaos, CEOs, AI, and the importance of doing your own research before investing.
The 1st stock I bought
In 2021, I bought my first stock: Apple. Just two shares. I chose Apple because I had used its products for years and trusted the quality. This post shares my first investing principle: start small, choose something you believe may still exist in the next 10 years, think long term, and only invest money you are willing to lose.
Living in Germany: Set up these bank accounts
If you live in Germany and want to start investing, the first step is to set up the right accounts: a Girokonto, a savings account, and an investment account. This post shares my simple rule of thumb, how to think about bank fees, when switching banks might make sense, and why managing money well starts with reviewing the systems you already use.
Everyday is a chance to get your scholarship…
I got rejected by DAAD, then rejected again, before finally being accepted into a Master’s program in Germany. This is the story of how I prepared for my applications, worked long days in Vietnam, chose Leipzig over Berlin, met the mentor who changed my life, and learned that scholarships can sometimes be created through everyday effort, kindness, and unexpected opportunities.