Many of you might recognize the name Elisa Stella, the super active and supportive woman who often answers all your questions on the Expat Facebook pages. Well, today, I asked Elisa a little bit more about her business, ELP-Expat, so that you can learn more about her services and how she might be able to help you get settled in Düsseldorf.

Elisa has also written featured posts on Life in Düsseldorf including: where to donate your used goods, making the choice between international and national schools, what to do if your bike is stollen, and many more!

ELP-Expat

 

What is ELP-Expat all about?

ELP-Expat supports expatriates and their employers in the Düsseldorf Area to facilitate their integration process: e.g. public authorities, translation, relocation, etc.

 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 

My name is Elisa Pugliese, trilingual (German, Italian, English). I was born in Italy but moved abroad in 1984, first to China, then to Italy, then to the UK, and since 2007, I live in Germany.

I have earned a BA degree in Communications, and after many years of working for international companies, I attended a German Master’s program in Social Management. I am a language mediator at the BAMF-Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, and a volunteer at DRK. I have attended several training programs related to migration topics and migration psychology.

 

What can you help expats with? 

I will make your new life in Düsseldorf easier! I will speed up the integration process for you, your family, and your profession. Therefore, you will have the utmost enjoyment of your relocation at its best.

For employers, I can manage information and bureaucracy related to work permission, work contracts, and relocation packages.

Why me?

Because of my strong affinity with intercultural relations, my experience in dealing with German institutions, my confidential attitude and understanding of complex situations, and my extensive network of German professionals, I can support you in all issues.

 

Can you tell us exactly what services you offer?

Housing & Family

  • Select the perfect neighborhood for your needs
  • Home Search
  • Translation and review of the rental contract
  • Explanation of law and local habits
  • Contracting of utilities, internet, and landline
  • Childcare, enrollment in kindergarten and school
  • Kindergeld and family support
  • Filling out tax forms and tax return preparation (in cooperation with German experts)

 

Bureaucracy & Administration

  • Residence permit and general procedures
  • Health insurance – public or private
  • Information about taxes and income declaration (in cooperation with German experts and advisors)
  • Personal liability insurance. Legal cost insurance. Household insurance and many others, which are usual in Germany (in cooperation with German experts)
  • Changing of driving license, registration of vehicles

 

Job Search

  • Resume and applications “the German way”
  • Introduction to the Labor Contract Forms in Germany
  • Review of employment contracts
  • Setup of your own business in Germany, legal forms, freelance business regulations, and business specifications for the German market

 

Translation & Interpreting

  • Translation of professional documents, contracts, and paperwork
  • Interpreting services, Language training, Language exchange

AND MORE…

I am a natural-born problem solver and lateral thinker. I will find a way to help you out. Translated: my services can be truly personalized.

Have any questions? Visit my website, Facebook page, or simply send me an email

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👋 Hey, I’m Jenna!

The voice behind Life in Düsseldorf

I’m a German Canadian who moved to Düsseldorf over a decade ago, and like many of you, I had a million questions when I arrived. From trying to figure out how health insurance works in Germany to wondering where the best bakery is (spoiler: it’s Bülle 🍞), I’ve been through it all.

So I created Life in Düsseldorf to help make your transition smoother — whether you’re moving to Germany, already living here, or just curious about life abroad. My mission? To make you feel a little less overwhelmed and a lot more at home.

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Discover the heartfelt experiences shared by our community members about living in Düsseldorf.
Honestly, I think you're absolutely nailing it! A great mix of info for all ages and preferences as well as for locals and those just visiting for a short while. I'm so glad I came across Life in Düsseldorf! You're an absolute treasure!
BLACKBOURN
Jenna - I just wanted to say I downloaded your Life in Germany Checklist and read it over for about 20 minutes. I had heard about preparing for each of those things on your list before, but never in such perfect, simple, laid-out detail. I really appreciate that from you!
NICHOLAS HOHWART
Your website and YouTube videos have been very helpful for us when it came to preparing our mindset to adjust to Germany. Getting in the right mindset was very important for us, and following you has allowed us to get a sense of what might come. Thank you!
JOSE MUCK
LOVE IT!! You make adjusting much easier! You are kind and you share a great perspective!
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LOTTA
This is the best channel! Thanks 4 your work and 4 thinking of people like me (expats) too!
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Always great recommendations! I like to read all your articles even though I've been living in Düsseldorf for quite a while already. Lovely and high-value content!
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It's the ONLY channel I use for DUS tips. Please keep sharing all the positive energy!
IRMAK B.
I love your channel! It's playful and informative. Living in Bayern now, I still find it helpful for overall tips in Germany!
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Your page gives me a chance to know something interesting about Düsseldorf, every time. I love this city, and I love the way you present it through videos, pics, and articles on your website. Thank you for that!
MERAKI
I've been in Düsseldorf for almost a year and greatly appreciate you speaking English to help my family and my transition to life here. My expat friends and I love your social media accounts.❤️
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FLEUR W.
Thank you soo much for what you do. As a newcomer and English speaker, it helped my family and me a lot to integrate into the city. Cheers, and a HUGE thanks!
MIKAYEL G.
Thank you so much for all the effort you're putting into this account and into helping people integrate and get to know the city of Düsseldorf! I'm a huge fan of your account and have been living in Düsseldorf for a year and a half now.
MOHAMED ABDELAZIM
I just moved to Düsseldorf and your channel has been incredibly useful, it's also the only one in English. Keep up the good work!
EMILIO MARTINS
I am a Düsseldorf born local and love exploring the nature of your content! I love the "things to do in..." features a lot.
SVEN HENDRIK
You are simply authentic. That for me is the most important thing on social media nowadays! You are doing perfectly at just being yourself!
JULIA S.
I wanted to thank you! I plan all my weekend trips based on your advice! You also helped me a lot even before moving to Germany, and I know I'm not the only one.
DENIZ FESLEGEN
BEST CHANNEL FOR DÜSSELDORF! I am even German, but I still follow you and still learn a lot about Düsseldorf! Thank you!
MAXIMILIAN F.
Your channel has been my salvation. I always felt like no one spoke English here and I never used to find any useful information in English, until I found you. It has always felt like you are a woman with the same story and the same problems that I have. Thank you for that! ♥️
LINDA H.
WE LOVE YOU! We used to live in Düsseldorf, and are SO happy that we get to live vicariously through your continuous adventures! Thank you!
JASON T.
You are a great inspiration! Your website has helped me a lot in the past. It's allowed me to get information quickly and effectively - saving me to do the research (in German!). I love your creativity and the way you show people how much Düsseldorf has to offer!
Luisa F.
Jenna! I love your channels! Thank you for all the wonderful information and your lovely warm persona that we get to know and support!
SHILPA ANNA
Life in Düsseldorf is always my GoTo place when it comes to exploring the city. Being an expat here, I really appreciate the extensive and relevant information you provide on the site!
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