Family Guides
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Finding an Au-Pair in Germany: The Guide for Host Families (2026)
Germany has clear au-pair rules: ages 18 to 26, a maximum of 30 hours per week, at least €280 pocket money, and an official standard contract. What host families provide, how the search works, and what applies to au-pairs from outside the EU.
Au-Pair or daycare or nanny? A cost comparison for Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands (2026)
How much does an au pair cost compared to daycare and nanny – in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands? Pocket money, daycare contributions and minimum wages 2026 with official sources, and honestly arranged.
English native speakers as au-pair: Which countries, which visas? (2026)
Do you want an au pair who speaks English with your children? Here are the options for au pairs from Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand—depending on your country, with official sources.
Finding an Au-Pair in the Netherlands: A Guide for Host Families (2026)
How does a family in the Netherlands find an au-pair? Why the application must go through a recognized agency, why €340 pocket money is a maximum, and how you combine your search with an agency.
Finding an Au-Pair in Belgium: The Guide for Host Families (2026)
How does a family in Belgium find an au pair? Rules by region, pocket money (€450 or €750), 20 hours per week, work permit and costs — step by step, with official sources.
Finding an Au-Pair in France: The Guide for Host Families (2026)
France has clear au-pair rules: a minimum pocket money of €320, a maximum of 25 hours per week, and registration with Urssaf. What host families pay, which forms are required, and how to find the right au-pair.
Finding an Au-Pair in Spain: The Guide for Host Families (2026)
Spain does not have its own au-pair program, but the European au-pair agreement has been in force since 1988. What host families pay, which insurance is mandatory, what belongs in the contract, and how you find the right au-pair.
Finding an Au-Pair in Italy: The Guide for Host Families (2026)
Italy does not have its own au-pair program, but the European au-pair agreement applies. What host families pay, what belongs in the contract, what to consider for au-pairs from outside the EU — and how you get to know candidates via video.
How much does it cost to find an au pair? Platforms and agencies price comparison 2026
For host families, the au-pair search costs between €0 and roughly €1,000 — depending on the method. An overview of the prices of well-known platforms, what an agency additionally offers, and where you can search for free.
The first four weeks: How to help your au pair settle in
In the first four weeks it becomes clear whether your au-pair settles in. A checklist, week by week—what you can do, what you should avoid, and the signs that things are going well.
Why Your Au-Pair Connection Matters — and How You Can Help
Homesickness is one of the most common reasons for an early termination. What host families can actually do — and why you cannot solve the problem on your own.
7 Questions Host Families Should Ask an Au-Pair Candidate
What should a host family ask in the video interview to find the right au-pair? Ask about real childcare experience, motivation and everyday situations — not just hobbies.
Host Family Obligations in Germany: The Complete Checklist
What must a host family in Germany legally provide an au-pair? Own room, full board, €280 pocket money, insurance and more — the complete checklist.
Au-Pair Contract: What Must Be Included? The Checklist for Host Families and Au-Pairs
Parties, duration, hours, days off, pocket money, room, language course, insurance, duties, and termination: these items belong in every Au-Pair contract. Includes examples from Germany, cross‑country differences, and official templates, as of September 2026.
Au-Pair Language Course: Requirement, Grant & Country Overview 2026
Does the host family have to pay for a language course? In Germany, yes. We explain the mandatory subsidy, its cost, and how the rules look in other countries.
Hosting an Au-Pair: The Guide for Host Families
Is an au pair right for your family? What you offer, how you step by step find your au pair, what it costs, and which rules apply in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, and Belgium.
Is Au-Pair Stipendium Taxable? Taxes & Deductibility
Does the au pair have to pay tax on their pocket money? And can the host family deduct the expenses? In Germany, the modest pocket money is usually tax‑free — and families can often deduct a portion.
Au-Pair Insurance: What Host Families Must Arrange
Does the host family have to insure the au-pair? In Germany, yes. We explain the three mandatory covers, who pays, what they cost, and what to watch for with US and EU au-pairs.
Au-Pair Pocket Money: Country Comparison 2026
How much pocket money does an au-pair get? In Germany it's at least €280/month. We compare the amounts across the most popular au-pair countries — honestly and with clear caveats.
What Does an Au-Pair Year Really Cost? The Full Reckoning
What does an au-pair year in Germany really cost? Most families land at around €8,000–11,000 all-in — including the one-off costs many people forget.