Legal
Privacy Policy
How we handle your data when you use ExpatDesk.
Last updated: 9 August 2026
1. Who we are
ExpatDesk (Syed Haider Ali Zaidi) operates expatdesk.de, an English-language guide site for expats navigating German bureaucracy. For questions about this policy, contact us at expatdeskde@gmail.com.
2. What data we collect
Depending on how you use the site, we may process:
- Usage data — pages visited, referrer, device type, and approximate location (city/country level), collected via Vercel Web Analytics when you accept all cookies.
- Advertising data — if we display Google AdSense ads and you accept all cookies, Google may collect data to serve and measure ads. See Google's Privacy Policy.
- Checklist progress — saved locally in your browser (localStorage) when you use interactive checklists. This data never leaves your device.
- Cookie consent choice — stored in your browser so we remember your preference.
We do not operate user accounts, collect payment data, or ask for your name or address through the site.
3. Legal basis (GDPR)
- Consent — analytics and advertising (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), which you can withdraw at any time by clearing site data or contacting us.
- Legitimate interest — operating a functional website and storing your consent preference (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
4. Cookies and local storage
| Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Consent preference | Remembers your cookie choice | Until cleared |
| Checklist progress | Saves checklist state on your device | Until cleared |
| Analytics (Vercel) | Anonymous page-view statistics | Session / short-term |
| Advertising (Google AdSense) | Ad delivery and measurement, if enabled | Varies — see Google |
Vercel Web Analytics does not use third-party cookies. Google AdSense may set cookies when ads are shown and you have accepted all cookies.
5. Third-party services
- Vercel — hosting and, with consent, privacy-friendly analytics. Vercel Privacy Policy
- Google AdSense — advertising, loaded only after consent when enabled. How Google uses data in advertising
6. Your rights
If you are in the EU/EEA (including Germany), you have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, or object to processing of your personal data, and to data portability where applicable. You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
To exercise your rights, email expatdeskde@gmail.com.
7. Data retention
Analytics data is retained by Vercel according to their policies. Consent and checklist data remain in your browser until you clear site data. Server logs on Vercel are retained for a limited period for security and operations.
8. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when we add features (such as advertising) or when legal requirements change. The “Last updated” date at the top will reflect the latest version.
9. Contact
Questions about privacy? Email expatdeskde@gmail.com or visit our About page.