Finding an Au-Pair in Belgium: The Guide for Host Families (2026)
A host family in Belgium can search for their au pair themselves and apply for the work permit themselves with their region — an agency is not required. The rules depend on the region: In Flanders and Brussels you must pay at least €450 pocket money per month, in Wallonia at least €750. Everywhere the rule applies: a maximum of four hours per day and 20 hours per week, at least one child under 13 in the family and a mandatory language course for the au pair.
This guide explains which rules apply to your region, what an au pair in Belgium costs per month, and how you can step by step get your au pair. All information comes from the responsible authorities (as of September 2026).
The rules in Belgium: The region decides
Since 2015, the three regions Flanders, Brussels-Capital, and Wallonia have been regulating work permits for au-pairs themselves. The region where you live as a family is decisive. The basic principles are the same, but there are major differences regarding age and pocket money.
| Rule | Flanders | Brussels | Wallonia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age of the au pair | 18 to under 26 years old | 18 to under 26 years old | 18 to 30 years |
| Pocket money per month | at least €450 | at least €450 | at least €750 |
| Working hours | up to 4 hours per day, 20 hours per week | up to 4 hours per day, 20 hours per week | up to 4 hours per day, 20 hours per week |
| Children in the family | at least one child under 13 | at least one child under 13 | at least one child under 13 |
| Proof of other childcare | for children under 6 years | for children under 5 years | for children under 5 years |
| Language course | Mandatory, Dutch | Required, French or Dutch | Mandatory, French or German |
| Duration | up to 1 year | up to 1 year | up to 12 months |
Sources: Vlaanderen.be (Au pair), Brussels Economy and Employment (Authorization to work au pair), Wallonie.be (Authorization to host a young au pair, updated on July 31, 2026), accessed on September 18, 2026. The pocket money is paid by bank transfer — also during periods when the au pair is not on duty, such as holidays.
What an Au-Pair does in Belgium with you
An au-pair in Belgium is not staff, but a young person in a cultural exchange who lives with you, attends a language course, and helps with child care. The 20 weekly hours are the lowest limit in Western Europe — evening babysitting counts toward this. For full‑time care, an au-pair in Belgium is therefore insufficient, and that is why the regions require proof that small children are also cared for elsewhere, for example in a nursery.
An au-pair is a good fit for families who need support at off‑peak times: getting children ready in the morning and taking them to school, picking them up in the afternoon, assisting with homework, playing and reading aloud. In addition, they provide something a nursery does not: your children experience a different language and culture in everyday life. The au-pair has at least one full day off per week and a private room.
How much an Au-Pair costs per month in Belgium
These are the items you should budget for:
- Pocket money: at least €450 (Flanders, Brussels) or €750 (Wallonia) per month — this is the legal minimum, higher amounts are allowed.
- Board and lodging: a private room and full meals with the host family.
- Insurance: The family arranges a health insurance for Belgium, an additional insurance for doctor, pharmacy and hospital costs, and a repatriation insurance in case of illness or accident. Premiums depend on the provider, obtain several quotes.
- Language course: Enrollment in an accredited language school is a condition for the permit. If the au pair pays the course fee, it should be stated in the contract.
- Search: On AuPairMatch during the startup phase €0; on other platforms or agencies depending on the provider.
A precise total amount cannot be given, as insurance, course and meals vary widely. Pocket money is the largest fixed cost — plan it for twelve months, including holiday periods.
No start without permission
An au pair from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland may only start after your region has granted a work permit and a D visa has been issued. An au pair who enters on a tourist stay and begins working is doing so illegally—resulting in consequences for you as a family. Please also note: the permit is valid for a maximum of one year, your family may not simultaneously hold a permit for a second au pair, and the regions require background checks for the adults in the household.
Au-Pairs from the EU
Au-pairs with the nationality of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland do not need a work permit in Belgium. The regional au-pair rules are written for au-pairs from outside the EU; there is no specific legal framework for EU citizens. To keep the relationship clearly a cultural exchange, many families still follow the same conditions: pocket money, 20 hours, language course, own room. Record this in a written contract and, if in doubt, seek advice from your regional authority.
This is how you find your Au-Pair
In six steps to becoming an au-pair in Belgium
Check region and conditions
Your location determines the rules. Check whether you have a child under 13, can offer a private room, and can verify care for the youngest children.
Create family profile
Describe daily life, children, languages, and the hours you need. Mention the 20‑hour limit directly in your profile so expectations are clear.
Contact candidates and get to know them
Contact suitable au-pairs and have at least one detailed video conversation, preferably two.
Enter into a contract
The regions require a signed au-pair contract: duties, hours, days off, pocket money, language course, insurance.
Apply for a work permit
You as a family submit the application to your region — with contract, proof of insurance, course enrollment, and background checks.
Visa and Arrival
With permission, the au-pair applies for the D visa at the Belgian foreign mission. Allow several weeks for the permission and visa.
What language does your au-pair speak?
The au pair must have a basic command of your family’s everyday language or commit to an intensive course after arrival. In addition, the course at an accredited school is mandatory: Dutch in Flanders, French or Dutch in Brussels, French or German in Wallonia. For your children, the au pair can also bring another language into daily life, such as English or Spanish. Discuss which language the au pair should speak with the children and how you will incorporate the course times into the weekly schedule.
Why you are looking for an AuPairMatch
Because in Belgium the family submits the application themselves, you don’t need an agency for the search. On AuPairMatch you create a family profile, see through the match score which au-pairs match your wishes, and contact them directly. Messages and profile texts are automatically translated into your language—convenient if you speak Dutch or French and the au‑pair speaks English or Spanish. Getting to know each other via video call happens directly in the app. In the startup phase this is all free for host families, including contact.
AuPairMatch launched in 2026 and is growing; established providers have more profiles. Many families therefore search on multiple platforms in parallel—an additional free profile expands your search. You handle the paperwork (contract, application, insurance) yourself with your local authorities or with an agency of your choice.
Find your Au-Pair for Belgium
Create a family profile, view suitable au-pairs, and contact them directly — free during the startup phase.