How to Become an Au Pair in Germany? Complete Guide
Photo: Vinicius Quaresma / Pexels
Germany is one of the most popular destination countries for au-pairs worldwide — and for good reason. The country offers a strong economy, excellent infrastructure, diverse culture, and a well‑regulated au‑pair program.
In this guide we will show you step by step how to become an au‑pair in Germany — from the initial research to your arrival at the host family.
Research and inform yourself
Find out about the Au-Pair program in Germany: requirements (18–26 years old, basic German knowledge at A1 level, experience in child care), length of stay (minimum 6 months, maximum 12 months — extensions or a second Au-Pair stay are not possible) and family requirements (at least one child under 18 in the household). AuPairMatch provides you with all the information directly on the platform.
Create your profile on AuPairMatch
Register for free and create a complete profile: photos, video intro, language skills, experience, and availability. The better your profile, the faster you’ll find a suitable host family.
Find and contact host families
Use the smart-matching algorithm to find suitable families in Germany. Send personal messages and use the video-call feature to introduce yourself. Schedule at least 2–3 video calls before making your decision.
Agreement and Contract
If you agree, sign an Au-Pair contract. It covers pocket money (at least €280 per month), working hours (maximum 30 hours per week, no more than 6 hours per day), at least 1.5 days off per week (including one Sunday per month) and four weeks of paid vacation for a 12‑month stay. In addition, the host family has two legal obligations: a language‑course subsidy of at least €70 per month (or a one‑time €840) plus travel costs to the nearest suitable course, and a health, accident and liability insurance for you. AuPairMatch assists you with the proposal system.
Apply for a visa (if required)
EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals do not need a visa. Citizens of certain countries (USA, Canada, UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Israel) may enter visa‑free but must apply for a residence permit after arrival. All other non‑EU citizens must apply for an au‑pair visa at the German embassy before entering. Use the AuPairMatch visa checker to verify your requirements and allow 2–4 months for the process.
Preparation and Arrival
Prepare your documents (passport, contract, proof of insurance) and arrange your flight. The cost of traveling to Germany is usually your own responsibility—there is no legal obligation for the host family to pay for the flight. Many families do contribute voluntarily or cover the return flight; discuss this openly and include it in the contract. After arrival: register at the local registration office, apply for a residence permit (if non‑EU), open a bank account.
Important: Do NOT travel on a tourist visa if you need an au-pair visa! Changing your residence status after arrival is generally not possible in Germany. Always apply for the correct visa before entering.
Mobility: driver's license and car
A topic that many underestimate: mobility. In many households it is part of childcare to drive children to school, sports, or friends. A driver's licence is therefore a big plus—especially in rural areas where buses and trains run infrequently.
Clarify the most important points together before accepting:
- Car: Does the family provide a vehicle—only for childcare or also for private use?
- Driver's licence validity: Within the EU your licence is valid without further steps. From many other countries you may drive for the first six months, after which a conversion is required.
- Costs: Fuel and insurance for trips on the family's behalf are usually covered by the host family.
No driver’s licence? No problem—many families in well‑connected cities don’t need one. The key is to be honest about your driving experience from the start so expectations match.
Source for the legal regulations: Federal Employment Agency (as of May 2023). The agency also provides a free Au-Pair template contract (PDF) — a good template that covers all mandatory information.