Red Tape Translation

Do you need a certified translation?

Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
University diplomas
Driving licenses

Our sworn translations are accepted across Germany.

Quick turnaround and competitive prices.

Book and pay online

Absolutely stunning in their efficiency, friendliness, and level of customer service.

Alex Maxwell, Berlin

Red Tape Translation has been in Berlin for 10 years. When it comes to coordinating your official translations, we are a well-oiled machine. We’ll make sure that your translator is qualified, your translation is word-perfect and delivered to you on-time.

Authorities typically ask for “sworn”, “official” or “legalised” translations. Our certified translations tick all the boxes for marriage, visa and study applications and driving license conversions.

    Kathleen Parker founded Red Tape Translation in 2012. She completed a two-year Ausbildung in translation and interpreting, specialising in civil law, real estate law and administrative law (the language of red tape!). Over the years, Red Tape Translation grew in response to the demand for interpreting, translation and online help with bureaucracy. The Berlin-based business is now a team of 20, many of whom are state-certified, sworn translators and members of the German Federal Association of Translators and Interpreters.

    Types of documents we can translate and certify:

    • Marriage certificate
    • Divorce decree
    • Birth certificate – long form
    • Birth certificate – short form
    • Certificate of no impediment
    • Certificate of good conduct
    • Driver’s licence
    • Passport
    • Diploma certificate
    • Degree certificate
    • Academic transcript
    • Work contract
    • Tax return
    • Payslip
    • Annual wage tax statement
    • Freelance tax number issuance
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Reference letter
    • Registration certificate
    • Deregistration certificate
    • Rental contract
    • Medical records
    • Bank statement
    • Citizenship certificate
                                                              … and more.

    You might find your certificate listed in our shop already. If it’s not there, upload it and we’ll send you a quote.

    Find your certificate

    Highly recommend the red tape translation services.

    Josephine Haas, Berlin

    FAQs about certified translations

    • 1. What is a certified translation?

      The translator works off a good quality scan and doesn’t need to sight your original document/s. They translate all text, including headers, footers, signatures, stamps and small print. They will also format it in a way that is similar to the original and might include footnotes. At the end, they include an attestation and an individual stamp that confirms they are qualified, sworn in by the court, and have translated accurately and completely.

      The finished product is a physical document: the translator prints out the scanned original, attaches the translation to the back and puts the stamp over the top of both pieces of paper so they can’t be separated.

      If you are getting this translation done for a foreign authority, please check in advance to make sure they accept certified translations done in Germany. If there are any special instructions or requirements, just let us know in advance!

    • 2. Can I get a digital scan as well as a physical copy?

      Yes, we will send you a digital scan for your approval before we complete the physical copy. You can check the scan to make sure you’re satisfied before we post it – no extra charge.

    • I can't find my certificate on your website.

      Choose this product, upload your documents and we’ll get you a quote. If you’re happy with it, you can pay online right away and we’ll get started. We’re very fast to respond.

    • 3. Can I pick up my translation in person?

      If you live in Berlin, you can pick up your translation at a time that’s convenient for both you and your translator if you let us know in advance. Whether you pick up or get it posted by registered mail does not affect the price.

    • 4. How does your pricing work?

      With certified translations, it’s not just about the word count. Certified translations have to follow strict legally mandated standards and the formatting of seemingly simple documents can be very complex. So we take everything into account (the text, how easy it will be to format, any small-print on the document, stamps, signatures, seals, abbreviations that we’ll need to research, footnotes we will need to insert). A one-page certificate might cost 65-75 Euros including VAT and postage by registered mail. Have a look at our list of products and services – you might find your certificate there already. If you can’t find it there, we’ll send you a quote.

    • 5. How long will it take to arrive?

      It takes us around 3-4 days to complete and certify a short translation (1-2 pages), then we will either send it to you by post, registered mail, or organise a time for you to pick it up. If the turnaround time is longer than this, we’ll let you know.

    • 6. Can you match a quote I get from elsewhere?

      No. Our prices are already very competitive. We’d be surprised if you find a significantly cheaper price with another agency.

    • 7. Can you certify copies of documents? (Not translations)

      No, translators are not permitted to certify the authenticity of documents. We wrote a blog that tells you where to get certified copies of documents in Germany. However, we can send you multiple copies of your certified translation, in case you need them for multiple offices. Just let us know when you ask for a quote.

    We booked a coaching session with Kathleen from Red Tape Translation and it was worth every Euro.

    Christina Tse, Berlin