On the 18th of November 2023, a series of rule changes came into place across Germany that made the EU Blue Card more accessible to skilled foreign workers. … Read more
Category Archive: Moving to Berlin
The Berlin WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein) and how to get it
Hunting for an apartment on a budget in Berlin? Try getting a WBS
We all know how insane the Berlin apartment situation has become. Even people with a significant and stable income – in other places, an easy guarantee for locking down a lease – often have to search and wait for months or even years to find an apartment in this ever-growing city. And anyone who was lucky enough to land a cute 2-bedroom apartment with an Einbauküche (every tenant’s dream!) by the canal in Kreuzberg will be sure to never terminate their lease. At least not in this lifetime.
Then what about the freelancers and people with low incomes? You don’t need to be a psychic to know that as a freelance artist, you are most likely at the bottom of the list of potential tenants for any given landlord. And it feels close to impossible to find your own humble abode.
Understanding German rental leases
Are you signing a German rental lease?
You want to understand all aspects of the German rental contract before you agree to it formally. But the clock is also ticking to seal the deal quickly. Given the short period of time you have to sign the tenancy contract, often a day or less, it can be challenging to figure out which parts of the rental lease are important, especially if you don’t understand German. Red Tape Translation can help.
The 7 Best Apps to Have on Your Phone in Berlin
If you’re an expat in Berlin and you’re addicted to your phone, you’re in luck because there are some seriously cool apps available to make your life in Germany’s capital city easier. We’ve compiled a list of the most practical ones for you to download before your trip to Berlin. … Read more
Anmeldung in Berlin made easy with Red Carpet VIP Registration
Get your Anmeldung done for your entire family without lifting a finger on the day – book our Red Carpet Registration service and we’ll come straight to your door and make sure it goes smoothly.
Rental scam affects hundreds of Berlin expats
Unexpected cancellation of hundreds of expat accommodation bookings in Berlin with no signs of a refund: we outline the suspected rental scam and what victims should do next.
Client Spotlight: Alex Maxwell
Introducing our first star…
Alex Maxwell is up in our new Client Spotlight Series. This series was inspired by the many amazing people our team has had the privilege of working with over the years – it is my absolute pleasure to have Dr. Alex Maxwell as the first!
Wow, where do I even start sharing this amazing human with you? Though her accent will fool you into thinking she’s from the U.S. (yes, I am a U.S. native and saying this with absolutely no pause), Alex is from Russia. After doing some cultural exchange programs in the states, Alex decided at around 20 that she wanted to emigrate.
Christmas Markets in Berlin: the main reason you moved to Germany
Christmas markets in Berlin officially open in late November: here are the most popular locations, the unexpected delights, their opening hours and – most importantly – what to eat and drink.
What it’s like to sign a German notary contract: tales from the interpreting booth
When I first found myself in a notary’s office, it was a shock. He was in full garb – robes, a gold and scarlet waistcoat, a traditional baroque wig with a ponytail. We were ushered silently into an enormous conference room with a chandelier – I felt a bit like I had landed on stage at the opera house and I’d forgotten my costume.
Client Spotlight 🔦 Get ready to meet some inspiring expats in Berlin
Get ready to meet some seriously inspiring expats in Berlin – who happen to be our clients here at Red Tape Translation!
It’s no surprise that we encounter many impressive, courageous folks in our line of work: people who come from all over the world, determined to find a way to live and work here in Berlin. This path is not the easiest but it certainly is rewarding for those who genuinely want desire a life in Germany and are willing, and able, to keep at it through the ups and downs.
Which brings us to a new series we want to share with you…
The Complete Guide to Relocating to Germany as a Singer
For the second year in a row, I’ll be presenting a series of digital workshops as part of THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO RELOCATING TO GERMANY AS A SINGER, hosted by Opera Programs Berlin. This year, we’re diving in even deeper to topics like business and taxes.
Berlin’s “Secret Park” hidden oasis – your 1-minute tour inside
Did you know there’s a completely secret oasis – aka Berlin’s “Secret Park” – concealed in the bustling Monbijou quarter of Berlin Mitte?