Become a Host Family: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you considering becoming a host family and welcoming an au-pair into your home? An excellent idea! An au-pair enriches family life, provides flexible childcare, and brings cultural exchange directly into your home. This guide walks you through the process step by step, helping you make the right decision and find your au-pair.

Step 1: Check the Requirements

As a host family, you should meet the following requirements:

  • Private room: The au-pair needs their own lockable room with a window, bed, wardrobe, and desk
  • At least one child: The au-pair program is based on childcare. At least one child should be of an age requiring care
  • Language skills: You should be able to communicate with the au-pair (in your native language, English, or a shared language)
  • Financial means: Budget for pocket money, insurance, language course contribution, and meals
  • Openness: Willingness to welcome a new family member and embrace cultural exchange
  • Realistic expectations: An au-pair is not a professional nanny. They are a young person learning language and culture in exchange for childcare help

Step 2: Create Your Family Profile

A detailed profile helps you find the right au-pair:

  • Family photos: Show your family, your home, and the neighborhood
  • Description: Tell about your daily life, your children, hobbies, and what the au-pair can expect
  • Children: Ages, interests, and any special needs
  • Expectations: Clear information about working hours, duties, and rules
  • Offerings: Pocket money, free time, language course support, private room

Step 3: Browse Au-Pair Candidates

Use AuPairMatch's search feature to find suitable au-pairs:

  • Filter by languages, nationality, availability, and experience
  • Check profile quality scores
  • Read personal descriptions carefully
  • Review references and experience reports

Step 4: Conduct a Video Interview

The video interview is crucial for making the right choice. Tips:

  • Ask questions about childcare experience and specific situations
  • Let your children participate in the conversation (depending on age)
  • Discuss the daily routine and typical duties
  • Ask about motivation and expectations
  • Have multiple conversations before making a decision
  • Use AuPairMatch's secure video call feature

Step 5: Discuss Terms

Clarify all details in advance:

  • Pocket money: At least the statutory amount (in Germany: EUR 280/month)
  • Working hours: Specific weekly schedule with fixed times and days off
  • Duties: Detailed list of childcare tasks and any household help
  • Free time and vacation: At least 4 weeks vacation per year, free evenings and weekends
  • Language course: What contribution do you offer? How will course attendance be organized?
  • House rules: Visitors, going out, phone, internet, meal times

Step 6: Sign the Agreement

A written au-pair agreement is mandatory in many countries and protects both sides. The contract should cover all points discussed in Step 5. AuPairMatch provides contract templates that meet common standards.

Step 7: Help with Visa and Arrival

As a host family, you support your au-pair with:

  • Visa: Provide an invitation letter and required documents
  • Arrival: Pick up the au-pair from the airport
  • Settling in: Spend the first few days together, show the neighborhood, explain routines
  • Official matters: Registration, insurance, residence permit if needed
  • Integration: Help the au-pair settle in and make connections

Ready to Get Started?

The first step is easy: Create your free family profile on AuPairMatch now and find the perfect au-pair for your family. Thousands of motivated au-pairs worldwide are looking for a family like yours right now.