Insurance, Visa, Contract: The Legal Check for Parents

Before your child goes abroad as an au-pair, three things should be sorted: the visa, the insurance, and a written contract. That's the legal core — once these three are properly handled, the most important things are covered.

This checklist is for parents and explains, in plain language, what to watch for — no bureaucratic jargon. The exact rules depend on the destination country; we focus mainly on Germany and clearly flag where things may differ elsewhere.

It depends on nationality. EU citizens usually need no visa for an au-pair stay within the EU — freedom of movement is enough. If your child is an EU citizen travelling to Germany, an ID card is sufficient.

For non-EU citizens, a national visa or residence permit for the purpose of „au-pair“ is usually required. In Germany, your child applies for a national visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country — and does so before entry. After arrival, this is converted into a residence permit at the local immigration office.

• Processing time: Plan generously. Depending on the country, visa procedures can take several weeks to months.
• Typical documents: a valid passport, the completed application form, the signed au-pair contract, proof of health insurance, language skills (often basic knowledge of the local language) and, where required, proof that a host family will take your child in.

In Germany, the host family must provide the au-pair's insurance — and three areas at that: health, accident, and liability insurance. This is part of the au-pair arrangement, not an optional extra.

For the journey itself, an additional travel policy is recommended, covering the period from departure until the regular cover begins. Check together with your child what the policy actually pays out:

• Health insurance: Does it cover outpatient and inpatient treatment, medication, and medical repatriation in an emergency?
• Accident insurance: Does it also apply in free time, not just during childcare hours?
• Liability insurance: Are damages covered that your child causes accidentally?

Ask to see the insurance confirmation before your child travels. In other countries the split may differ — in the USA, for example, insurance runs through the exchange organisation.

A written au-pair contract is essential. It protects your child and creates clarity for both sides. Read it together with your child before anyone signs. In Germany, the contract should at least cover these points:

• Pocket money: €280 per month (statutory minimum).
• Working hours: a maximum of 30 hours per week, and no more than 6 hours per day.
• Free days: at least 1.5 free days per week, including at least one Sunday per month.
• Holiday: at least 4 weeks of paid holiday per 12 months.
• Language-course subsidy: at least €70 per month.
• Notice period: clearly defined, so both sides have planning security.

On top of that come accommodation (an own furnished room) and full board. If any of these points is missing, or the agreement falls below the minimum values, that's a warning sign.