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Recommended Reviews - Red Tape Translation UG
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4 months ago
I have used Red Tape Translation for multiple services, including certified translations English/German, German/English, and French/German, as well as help booking bureaucratic appointments, and every time the work was punctual and impeccable. They work with you to review your translations before posting the official certified copies, and communicate in a timely manner. Every person I've worked with at RTT is respectful and professional while still approachable and human. Highly recommended! read more
1 year ago
I first used Red Tape Translation in 2012, and learned recently I was one of their first customers ever. Back then, they were thorough, conscientious and knowledgeable. They were adaptable, easy to work and it was a straight forward situation as they had clearly defined services available. 12 years later, I had a rather emergency situation which I couldn't complete on my own, despite my German improving through the years, and my first thought is ALWAYS of Red Tape. Why? I recall also they have continued to supply great articles and helpful information, such as during Covid-19 Corona Pandemie, when many were scrambling trying to understand what to do as foreigners and freelancers, especially. When I contacted them again this month, I saw their website and services are widely expanded. When i searched the terms I knew before, I still couldn't find the service I remembered before. Despite being in an ER situation, I wrote a query and they responded within a timely way. Since I had given precise descriptions of what I needed, they were able to direct me to the booking type I needed. I can't say I would have found it on my own, but that was my limited terminology I believe. If someone is desperate and expect miracle workers, Germany especially, and any service is just not like that. I was not success in completing the task I needed, but not due to Red Tape, it was just the German system. Red Tape offered to and refunded my payment. Individual circumstances vary, time, date, schedules, offices, bureaucracy vary. Wholesale total lack of objectivity because someone didn't read all the information they needed to, and lack of recognition they are not the only customer is not Red Tape's fault. Red Tape has always been reliable, honest and upfront with me even when situations weren't successful. I would recommend it first and foremost beyond any comparable service center. read more
3 years ago
I booked the Take a Translator service for my visa appointment. The booking process was easy and I received a confirmation with further details of my service ahead of my appointment. Angela met me 15 min early at my appointment as it was right when the office opened. She was so kind, patient and helpful throughout the entire process. I highly recommend using their services for any translator/translation needs. read more
2 years ago
They scammed us with a very well implemented system. We booked an interpretor for a registry office appointment on the 16th of October 2024 via the only possible booking on the website. We paid immediately upfront. We got a payment confirmation and invoice on the day after, which made us believe that we can rely on the service. A huge mistake, obviously! We have been asked to confirm that we do not need a sworn interpretor out of the blue today (21st of October 2024), which is five days after the booking and less than 24 hours to the appointment at the registry office! On our reply that we booked for a sworn interpretor, they responded that they need to search for one available on additional cost and that it's on short notice. Excuse me? They offer only one possible booking on the website, which do not specify that you are not booking for a sworn interpretor. Plus, sworn interpretors are required in any legal and administrative case in Germany and it does not matter weather the registry office controls the interpretor or not. They waited to the last minute to pressure us on paying higher fees. They do not answer calls and send only petty mails instead, blaming everybody else for their own behaviour. Instead of getting to us immediately after the booking and being honest, they tried to pressure us to pay additional 116,00 € less then 24 h to the appointment, because they know that it's nearly impossible to find an sworn interpretor within this time. They know exactly what they are doing. I got my money back only thanks to PayPal. People stay away from this company and save your nerves! read more
4 years ago
I was very happy with the services I received from Red Tape Translation. I needed a translator for my freelancers visa interview and Liz couldn't have been better! She not only made everything run smoothly in the meeting but she kept me calm with friendly conversation beforehand...something I really needed, as I was pretty nervous. Thank you Liz and Red Tape Translation! read more
4 years ago
I needed someone that would be able to help me navigate the bureaucracy of obtaining a visa in Germany. Everyone at Red Tape has been great to work with. They are quick to respond to any questions or issues. I used the services for both a coaching session to determine I had all the correct paperwork in order for my visa appointment, and the take a translator service. I am very grateful for Kathleen and everyone else at Red Tape for helping me through this process! I will definitely use the services again when I need a translator. read more
9 years ago
Incredibly helpful, responsive, informed, easy to work with and affordable. I got my visa after the first visit to the Ausländerbehörde. There were several things I had no idea about that Kathleen guided me through. There is no question, I would NOT have got the visa in the first trip without the initial guidance from Kathleen... very worthwhile 60 minute conversation over Skype. Next, I scheduled to have a translator meet me for the interview. Again... priceless. My Deutsch is OK but not great. I'm somewhere between A2 & B1 level. Having the translator there made the process very smooth. Also, I got some "post-interview" directions from the person I had the interview with regarding my insurance the things I need to have done for the renewal next year... I never would have understood. Then having to pay after the interview, it would have been incredibly confusing and awful. Bottom line, do yourself a really big favor. Setup a call and make your life easier. Then organize to have a translator there. Not just for translation, but also for a guide through the kafkaesque process. GOOD LUCK!!! read more
12 years ago
Where would be without Kathleen?! She has been a lifesaver helping us to translate all of our German documents, including saving us loads of money by helping me break my fitness contract in our move. We have utilized many hours of her services and she is so detailed oriented and efficient, that I never have to worry about anything falling through the cracks. I'm really detailed-oriented myself and as such, I have high expectations in this regard and Kathleen not only meets, but exceeds my expectations! She's excellent with follow thru too and will help you meet your deadlines by being super fast and very responsive. She's also very reasonably priced and gets alot of work done in a short amount of time, saving her customers money. My only wish is that she also spoke Dutch so that she could help us in Holland. read more
9 years ago
Red Tape Translation was an incredible resource throughout what is often an extremely daunting visa preparation process. Kathleen and her staff were well-informed, professional, and immensely helpful as I prepared to apply for a freelance artist visa over the last month. German bureaucracy is famously difficult to navigate, and Red Tape helped me to gather the information in a way that made the process as straight-forward as possible. I would highly recommend this wonderful service! read more
8 years ago
Outstanding service! They took care of an official/sworn document translation for a better price than any other service offered. What really impressed me was that they had promised it would be done quickly and it was done faster than expected. A+ service and skills, I'll definitely be returning for future business. read more
7 years ago
I have had some horrible experiences at the Auslanderbehorde, even with all my paperwork! So I am always nervous to go there. I asked Red Tape for help and they sent Liz G. And though my case worker ended up being friendly and spoke a bit if English, Liz helped me tremendously. She was extremely calming, professional, not intimidated by the Auslanderbehorde but still very friendly and extremely knowledgeable! It was worth every euro spent and will definitely use Red Tape again!! read more
12 years ago
Kathleen assisted us with an appointment we had at an amt in Berlin and was great! I had to call her last minute and she was so wonderful, coming to meet us early the next morning, assisting us with a very complicated issue, and asking all the questions we had on our behalf. Her knowledge of the German unemployment system was so helpful and we would have been lost without her! read more
13 years ago
I hired Kathleen to come to the Ausländerbehörde to translate for my work visa interview. Everything went just fine, in large part thanks to Kathleen's guidance and translating. She is a fantastic translator, and also professional and responsive. She is absolutely worth it and I highly recommend her. read more
11 years ago
Meticulous, thoughtful, personal and very reasonably-priced translation services. Kathleen was very communicative when I first inquried about her services, and followed up diligently. They charge by the hour, (first hour is mandatory) and after the first hour, in blocks of 15 mins. I met with one of her translator (Lucas) and he was punctual for our appointment at the Auslanderborhode. Took charge respectfully when we were at the Foreigner's Office and helped summarize the paperwork we got from our interview. Red Tape is a very effective and useful service to use while getting around bureaucracy in Berlin. What would I do without it! read more
10 years ago
I was recommended to Kathleen by a friend after all my German speaking friends were unable to help me out with my appointment at the Arbeitsagentur. I contacted via her website and she immediately got back to me and was able to help. Sold!! Upon meeting her before my appointment I found her to be very warm, friendly and professional! She even helped me fill out some forms after the interview. Top notch service :) Would highly recommend and will definitely use her help again! read more
10 years ago
I'm not sure what we would have done without the help of Kathleen and Red Tape Translation. This past month, my boyfriend and I rented an apartment in Berlin for the first time, and we enlisted the services of Red Tape Translation to help translate our 15-page, densely-written rental contract. And we needed the job done in 2.5 days. Kathleen responded to our request quickly, and we were lucky that they were able to fit us in on such short notice. Her team was incredible. We received the translated contract ahead of schedule, and the price was very reasonable for the job. They did such phenomenal work that we enlisted their help again for a lease signing appointment the following week. We had a number of questions for our property manager who only spoke German. Kathleen came with us on short notice and made us feel at ease throughout the entire process. I'm pretty sure our property manager had never received so many questions from a potential tenant, but Kathleen was patient in going through each one and making sure both parties were understood. During that appointment, we learned that we had to attend an "apartment handover protocol" the following day in order to get keys to the apartment. This procedure involved walking through the apartment with the property manager and pointing out defects to prevent getting docked on our security deposit. On the spot, we hired Kathleen again to come with and help facilitate communication. She was also an extra pair of eyes in pointing out defects. Not only were the translation services top-notch (both document translation and in-person appointment help), but there was the added benefit of Kathleen's own experience. Her knowledge of the German system and the various processes required to do just about anything in Berlin, especially as an expat, was so helpful. And she's just a lovely person to chat with. I can't express enough how grateful we are for Kathleen's help. We'd hire Red Tape Translation again in the heartbeat and highly recommend their services to anyone. read more
8 years ago
Kathleen is a wonderful, consummate professional! She is a delightful resource who has a tremendous amount of expertise and a great team working with her. She has helped both me and and friend and I am so happy to have such a reliable presence to guide the process of getting a VISA, obtaining health insurance, and so on. I cannot speak highly enough of Red Tape Translation and am looking forward to working with her again in the future. read more
10 years ago
"For English speakers facing German bureaucracy," Red Tape translation has been a lifesaver in dealing with the Standesamt.
More info about Red Tape Translation UG
Berliner Str. 69
13189 Berlin
Germany
Prenzlauer Berg
Directions
01567 8909800
Call Now
Visit Website
https://redtapetranslation.com
From the Business
Specialties
If there were three values to define Red Tape Translation, they would be competency, efficiency and service. This means: We respond quickly to your emails and phone messages Plenty of us are expats ourselves – we know exactly what you need and what you’re going through We know the meaning of good customer service and we’ll make you feel at ease Our interpreters are experienced and genuinely fluent in both languages We show up to your appointment well prepared and on time We have a knack for getting case workers back on-side when things get frosty Interpreters receive in-depth training and ongoing support Our written translations are accurate and delivered on schedule We are speedy and super efficient with forms and on the phone We’ve got a great network of trusted English-friendly professionals In the rare case that things go wrong, we handle it smoothly and professionally
History
Established in 2012.
Kathleen Parker arrived in Germany from Queensland, Australia in 2009. Over the years, she has made and learned from just about every mistake it’s possible for a foreigner to make in Germany. Out and about, Kathleen noticed that everyone had a red tape horror story to share. She saw English speakers feeling discouraged and frustrated by the lack of help available in Germany to handle the bureaucracy and life admin. So Red Tape Translation was born in 2012. Over the years, demand increased, the team grew and there are now 18 people working for and with Red Tape Translation representing ten different countries. We are now recognised by clients and caseworkers for expertise in navigating German bureaucracy through interpreting, translation and expat coaching.
Meet the Business Owner: Kathleen P.
Kathleen moved to Germany in 2009, prompted by a totally different career: she was a full-time opera singer. The experience gained freelancing in this field in Germany over more than a decade proved surprisingly useful in founding and developing Red Tape Translation. Kathleen is proud of her artistic roots and loves nothing more than helping other artists navigate the obstacles to getting their businesses started in Germany. Now a qualified translator and interpreter, Kathleen specialises in real estate law, civil law contracts and of course, administrative law - the language of red tape! She is a proud mama of two girls and yes, she sometimes still moonlights as an opera singer.
Red Tape Translation UG Reviews in Other Languages
Review Highlights - Red Tape Translation UG
“Kathleen responded to our request quickly, and we were lucky that they were able to fit us in on such short notice.”
Mentioned in 10 reviews
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
29 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
13 years ago
A nice teacher at my language school, Expath, told me about Kathleen at Red Tape Translation, who set up in business to accompany newcomers to Berlin to appointments at the various different government offices they must visit to when they arrive. However, in my case, I got her to help me with a call to an electrician. I paid for an hour, and we chatted on Skype for a bit. She explained that since the task was likely to take less than an hour, I could bank the remaining time. I told her what we needed doing, and that this company was highly recommended, but wasn't in Berlin, so may be difficult to reach. While I was on Skype, she dialled the number on her home phone, explained the work needed and booked an appointment, confirming details with me as we went along. I typed some of my answers into the chat window to save time. So for less than 7.50€ - less than the price of a couple of drinks in my favourite club - she'd managed to do what I would have found incredibly difficult. Especially as my friend had said the company was sometimes difficult to make appointments with. I'd say that's money well spent. Now all I needed to do was communicate with them when they arrive - cue a lot of pointing! She's also been extremely helpful in talking to my hausmeister and the company who supplied my cooker, which was faulty on delivery and needed a repair. She's now set up a conference facility on her land line phone, which allows you to hear the conversation. Highly recommended. A fuller version of this review appears on my blog at http://www.se17.eu/about-me/lost-in-translation/ read more
11 years ago
Having skimmed the other reviews, and having used Red Tape's services a few months back, and having just spoken again with Kathleen about a second engagement with Red Tape, I can safely say that Red Tape is continually punctual, reasonably-priced, thorough, and reliable. One of Kathleen's translators, Lucas, accompanied my partner and I for an appointment at a Standesamt, and we have requested his presence again for a follow up appointment. He was prompt, speaks *impressive* English (and is a native German speaker), and was both professional and personable at the same time. Kathleen is, as the other reviews suggest, very prompt with emails, a clear communicator, and "on top of it." I had written/called at least 4 other translator/interpreter services for these appointments, and I have no regrets going with Red Tape in the end. read more
6 years ago
After spending significant time investigating German regulations and potential options for legally obtaining residency card for my wife (non-EU citizen, where I am EU citizen) in Germany, we were left with list of 10+ specific questions that were either very specific to our case, or just haven't been clearly explained on internet. Before contacting RTT expectation was that if half of these questions get answered we would consider it a win. After only 1h of consulting, it turned out that not only all of our questions were answered, we also had ~30min left to cover any other non critical curiosities. In addition we got further leads to help our next steps which are greatly appreciated. Very professional, very friendly and flexible consulting experience! read more
6 years ago
I needed a couple of official documents translated from English to German, and found Red Tape Translation to be way more reasonably priced than other services in Berlin - some of them were extortionate! They also accepted scanned copies for translation so there was no need to post or travel with originals to the office - a huge benefit for me. The documents were translated within the timeframe they indicated and completed to an excellent standard, even in the same layout as the originals. I would definitely use this translation service again for any required translation work due to their reliability, quick communication and acceptable rates. Many thanks read more
7 years ago
When I read the reviews of other people about Red Tape Translation, I was a little bit skeptical, because it seemed to be too good to be true. But Kathleen and Lucas really helped me and my husband the best. They were available in quite a short notice. We needed the document to be verbally translated to us at two notary appointments and this was performed perfectly and professionally. Kathleen can translate very fast and it is obvious she did this million times already :). Lucas made sure we understand everything and not only translated from German to English but also sometimes from Formal to Normal. Wish you guys good luck in the future! read more
7 years ago
I am thrilled to add to the list of glowing reviews for this company. I am lucky enough to have recently completed a 6 month internship here and the internship has taught me so much about translation and interpretation as well as Germany and the set up. Kathleen, the driving force behind RTT, is an exceptional woman and you are guaranteed to be in good hands. The team at Red Tape work so hard and time and time again I have witnessed them go above and beyond for clients. They have such a good thing going and I only wish for more success for the company in the future. read more
6 years ago
I have used Kathleen's advice services. She is very reliable and responsive. I booked a session with her on a Thursday and around 4-5h later, she had replied me with all the time slots available for the following week. The more information you give to her beforehand is better, because she really plans and studies each case - in those sensitive topics she cannot delve on (e.g, legal matters or taxes) she can make references. For all the others she's very detailed and gives extensive options. I'd recommend her for anyone dealing with bureaucracy. read more
12 years ago
I hired Kathleen to come with me to the Ausländerbehörde to translate for my appointment to apply for a Work Visa. While the Visa is pending, her service was amazing! Fast responses to e-mails, informative advice and overall moral support for something which is quite daunting and scary for the average person. Her knowledge on the system is fantastic. I would recommend her to absolutely anyone who requires translation assistance in Germany. Her fee is super reasonable too. Hire Red Tape Translation without consideration; you won't regret it! read more
11 years ago
Last year I used Red Tape Translation to square away all my documents for a Job Seekers permit. I had let my existing permit almost completely run out, but Kathleen was able to have everything ready for me in a single day, during which, she was very proactive in communicating with me regarding any issues and corrections needed. I was able to breeze right through the Ausländerbehörde with her documents in hand. I cannot recommend Kathleen enough, and she'll be the first person I go to next time I'm blocked on the German bureaucracy! read more
4 years ago
Kathleen was so helpful and patient with our many many questions involving moving to Berlin and obtaining an artist visa. Our son's situation is unique and doesn't fit the specific situations commonly discussed on the embassy or other websites, but she walked us through how to fill out the forms properly and not only gave us a plan, but also a back up plan. She is extremely knowledgeable, and I am incredibly relieved to know that red tape translation is there if problems arise at any point in this process. read more
13 years ago
I had a great experience using Kathleen's translation services. She is so nice and helpful. She went with me to the Auländerbehörde for a residence permit. She is very knowledgeable and was able to help me with my questions. She communicated well between me and the Auländerbehörde employee. She is very reliable and responsive to emails. I would highly recommend Kathleen for all translation needs. I would definitely call on her if I need translation services again. read more
7 years ago
I had to register my address(anmeldung) and was lucky to find Red Tape to bring a translator. The process was pretty simple - booked online, confirmation of appointment with translator's contact details. My translator Lucas was very helpful and reviewed my documents to make sure I didn't miss anything. Gave me good pointers while we waited for the appointment and dealt with all the questions from the bürgeramt officials. Highly recommend! read more
12 years ago
If you are looking for peace of mind, insider knowledge and are serious about your arrival to Germany then Red Tape is your partner. I worked with Kathleen and found the experience informative, reassuring, worth the competitive investment and have a freelance visa to prove it. Don't get trapped by others who are looking to make a quick buck, Kathleen and her team are the real deal. Good luck and welcome to Germany! read more
8 years ago
Red Tape Translation was indispensable to the success of my residence application for the second time now. Kathleen and her team were very professional and EXTREMELY helpful! I don't know how I could've managed without them. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending their services to anyone who would like to avoid unnecessary hassle and save a lot of time. They have over-delivered, every single time! read more
6 years ago
Kathleen was incredibly helpful and friendly. She answered all my questions and made the whole process less intimidating for me, and followed up with an email full of additional links and information. I'll continue to book her to guide me through any future issues that arise with my move to Berlin -- it makes me less anxious knowing that she's there to help. I highly recommend booking a session with her! read more
12 years ago
I used services of Red Tape Translation to help me with my EU Blue Card appointment at Ausländerbehörde. Kathleen's presence at the appointment made everything go smoothly. She was excellent with her translations and also asked some particular questions on my behalf. I highly recommend her and services of Red Tape Translation to anyone who needs help with German beurocratic work. read more
6 years ago
Kathleen was very easy to speak to, very knowledgeable, and not afraid to tell me when my unique situation was beyond the bounds of her knowledge. She was very honest and though she didn't tell me exactly what I wanted to hear, she did tell me what I needed to hear. Very helpful and practical advice. I definitely consider the consultation money well spent. read more
13 years ago
I was very fortunate to come across red tape translation when I got to Berlin in March 2013. I had a number of administrative appointments to make and i speak pretty much no german. Enter Kathleen at red tape translation Berlin, a great interpreter, lovely person and the service is real value for money. I couldn't recommend her more highly. read more
5 years ago
I had an excellent experience with Red Tape Translation! They helped me successfully get my freelance visa. Everything became so much easier with their help. The appointment, which I was quite nervous about, went perfectly smoothly thanks to their skillful assistance and interpretation. Highly recommended! read more
9 years ago
Kathleen was super helpful in my Arbeit documents. We went through 4 piles of legal stuff in German and cleared up all my confusion. She was on time for the appointment and was nice and polite, a pleasure to speak with her. 5/5 will use her services again. read more
Red Tape Translation UG - translationservices - Updated May 2026
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