Au-Pair in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a strictly regulated au-pair program — and a peculiarity that is often misunderstood: The €340 is a maximum amount, not a minimum. Anyone who pays more creates taxable wages.

Non‑EU: only through a recognized agency

This is the rule that sets the Netherlands apart from all neighboring countries: For au-pairs from outside the EU, the residence permit is applied for exclusively by a au‑pair agency recognized by the IND that acts as sponsor. Au-pairs from the EU, EEA and Switzerland do not need a visa or residence or work permit according to the Dutch government — and therefore no agency. The €340 allowance ceiling also applies to them.

The conditions for the residence permit

For au-pairs from outside the EU the IND requires: 18 to 25 years old, unmarried, without own or foster children, never previously held a Dutch exchange residence permit, and never previously worked for the same host family — even abroad. No more than 30 hours per week and eight hours per day, at least two days off per week, recorded in a signed seven‑day plan that also names a substitute.

The tasks are narrowly defined: light household chores, never sole responsibility for the children, no specialized care. One year, non‑extendable, once in a lifetime.

What the host family must provide

At least two persons with Dutch citizenship or a valid residence permit, not related to the au‑pair up to the third degree, and an income of at least one and a half times the statutory minimum wage for at least one year. The au‑pair and the family also sign an Awareness Declaration of the IND.

Also prohibited: a deposit to an agency, preparation costs over €34 and any contractual penalty.