Become an Au Pair in Germany
Germany has an official au pair program, which lasts between 6 months and one year. You can read about the program in the PDF from the German Government's website, available in German or English.
You may also need a visa to work as an au pair in Germany, depending on which country you are from.
Which country are you from?
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or the UK
Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, United States or New Zealand
None of these countries
Good news! As a member of the European Economic Area you do not need any special visa for Germany and you can enter with a valid passport or ID card.
Good news! As a member of these countries you do not need any special visa for Germany, but once you arrive in the country you will need to apply for a residence permit at your local Immigration Office ("Ausländerbehörde") before you start work as an au pair.
Since you are not from the EEA you will need to apply for a visa to enter Germany. You will need to provide several documents, such as proof of your ability to speak basic German, your au pair contract and invitation letter, proof of health insurance, and a letter of motivation explaining why you want to become an au pair.
To make sure that you have the right documents, contact your local German embassy to find out the specific requirements and make an appointment for an application. Note that processing times for visas in Germany can be slow.
Once you have your visa, you will also need to apply for a residence permit at your local Immigration Office ("Ausländerbehörde") before you start work as an au pair.
Requirements for EEA citizens
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You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
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You must have no children of your own (but you can be married).
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You must have a basic knowledge of the German language to A1 level.
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You must not have worked as an au pair before in Germany.
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You will need to sign and complete an au pair contract with your host family.
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When you arrive in Germany you will need to bring your I.D. and contract with you to register at the Residents' Registration Office ("Einwohnermeldeamt").
Requirements for non-EEA citizens
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You must be between 18 and 26 years old.
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You must have no children of your own (but you can be married).
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You must have a basic knowledge of the German language to A1 level.
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You must not have worked as an au pair before in Germany.
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You will need to sign and complete an au pair contract with your host family.
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You will also need a signed invitation letter from the host family.
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Your host family must provide you with health insurance for your entire stay.
-
When you arrive in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit ("Ausländerbehörde").
-
You will also need to bring your I.D. and contract with you to register at the Residents' Registration Office ("Einwohnermeldeamt").
Requirements for non-EEA citizens
-
You must be between 18 and 26 years old.
-
You must have no children of your own (but you can be married).
-
You must have a basic knowledge of the German language to A1 level.
-
You must not have worked as an au pair before in Germany.
-
You will need to sign and complete an au pair contract with your host family.
-
You will also need a signed invitation letter from the host family.
-
Your host family must provide you with health insurance for your entire stay.
-
When you arrive in Germany you will need to apply for your residence permit ("Ausländerbehörde").
-
You will also need to bring your I.D. and contract with you to register at the Residents' Registration Office ("Einwohnermeldeamt").
More Information For Au Pairs
Length of Stay
The German au pair program is a minimum of six months and a maximum of one year.
Lodging
Your host family must provide you with a private room and meals for the duration of your stay with them.
Pocket Money
The German au pair program states that au pairs should receive pocket money of €260 per month.
Hours
An au pair in Germany is not allowed to carry out household tasks (including babysitting) for longer than 6 hours a day and 30 hours a week. If you arrange with your host family to work longer hours one week, then these extra hours must be compensated for with time off.
Holidays
As an au pair you are entitled to at least one full rest day, and four free evenings, every week. This also includes at least one free Sunday each month.
On top of this, if you are au pair for a full year then you are entitled to paid holidays of four weeks. Less than this, you can have two working days of holiday for every full month of work.
Language Classes
You will be allowed to take a German language course in your own time as well as take part in cultural activities. Your host family must contribute €50 per month to the cost of this language course.
Next Steps
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If you haven't already done so, click here to create a profile and find a host family.
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Sign the au pair contract for Germany with your host family.
Next Steps
-
If you haven't already done so, click here to create a profile and find a host family.
-
Sign the au pair contract for Germany with your host family.
-
Once you arrive in Germany, contact your host family's local Immigration Office ("Ausländerbehörde") and make an appointment to obtain your residence permit.
Next Steps
-
If you haven't already done so, click here to create a profile and find a host family.
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Sign the au pair contract for Germany with your host family.
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Contact your local German embassy and make an appointment to apply for your au pair visa.
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Once you arrive in Germany, contact your host family's local Immigration Office ("Ausländerbehörde") and make an appointment to obtain your residence permit.
