Hire an Au Pair - The Au-Pair placement
Application documents
In order to hire an Au Pair and to be considered for an Au-Pair placement with a full-service agency, you must apply via an online application form as a Host Family. There you can register, create your family profile and upload the required documents. The same applies to the search with an online matching platform like AuPair.com.
In order to apply, you need to log in and follow the steps below:
- Fill in the questionnaire
- Write a letter to the candidate
- Add family photos
- Check and submit your application
You should send your application as a Host Family at least 3 months before the desired start date. After the agency has received your complete application, the Au-Pair placement will start. If you become a member of AuPair.com you can start your search immediately after your registration.
Au-Pair program requirements
Couples and single parents with at least one minor child can apply as a Host Family.
In the family, the language of the host country must be spoken in everyday life. There must be no relationship between the Au-Pair and the Host Parents. If four or more children live in the same household, you may accept twoapplicants.
In addition to the legal regulations, it is important for an Au-Pair placement that you integrate the Au-Pair into the family as a new family member and that you are open to the new culture.
For the Au-Pair program in Germany, the candidate must be between 18 and 27 years old. Exceptions are EU or EEA countries. There the age limit is at least 17 to 30 years. The age limit for Au-Pairs varies in every country but is usually between 26-30 years.
Depending on the country of origin, a visa must be applied for the Au-Pair stay.
The candidate must also have a basic knowledge of the host country' language. In Germany and some other countries, this must be proven at least at level A1.
It is necessary that an Au-Pair has already gained experience in childcare.
Au-Pairs requiring a visa can only obtain an Au-Pair visa once in a lifetime for each country. A renewed admission EU countries as an Au-Pair is only possible for Au-Pairs from the European Union.
An Au-Pair receives free board and his/her own room in the house or apartment of the Host Family. The room should be at least 8 square meters, furnished, lockable and have daylight.
Au-Pairs in Germany receive monthly pocket money of 260 Euro. You should open a bank account for the Au-Pair to which the money will be transferred. Shorter working times does not allow a reduction of the pocket money. In case of illness, the payment will be made until the end of the contract, but no longer than 6 weeks.
For a 12-month stay, the Au-Pair is entitled to 4 weeks of paid leave. If the Au-Pair stays shorter in the host country, the holiday entitlement is reduced by 2 days per month. Sundays and public holidays are not counted as holidays. The Au Pair is free on public holidays. In addition, the Au-Pair has 1.5 days off during the week, which may be taken at least once a month on a weekend.
During the stay abroad the Au-Pair has the right to attend a suitable language course. German Host Families support the Au-Pair and pay a course subsidy of 50 Euro per month as well as the travel costs to the school. In many other countries, a language course is mandatory but the Host Family is not obliged to pay for it. In addition, you should promote participating in cultural events.
The Au-Pair has no social insurance obligation, but the German Host Family has to take over the health, liability and accident insurance (approx. 40 Euro/month) for the Au-Pair. In most other countries the Host Family is not obliged to pay for the insurance but can cover the costs voluntarily.
How much does an Au-Pair placement cost and what other costs do I have to pay? As a prospective Host Family, we will give you an exact overview of the expected expenses.
Costs for a full-service agency
- Program fees are around 750-800 Euro
Costs for an online matching agency
- Premium membership is between around 40-60 Euros
Costs for the admission of an Au-Pair
- Total approx. 500-600 Euro/ month
Included therein are:
- Pocket money: 250-450 Euro/ month
- board and lodging: 150 Euro/ month
- Health, accident and liability insurance: approx. 40 Euro/month
- Travel costs to the language school: approx. 20-80 Euro/ month (monthly ticket if necessary)
- Contribution to costs for language school: 0-50 Euro/ month
- Contribution to the travel expenses of an Au-Pair from overseas countries: 25 Euro/ month
If you decide to cooperate with one of our partner agencies they offer you year-round and intensive support. Should you have any questions or problems concerning the admission of an Au-Pair, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
The full-service agency will advise and inform you about formalities of the Au-Pair program as well as questions about entry regulations or insurance matters. You and your Au-Pair will also receive help with visa applications and work permits.
In case you decide to find an Au pair without an agency you can make sure of our online matching platform AuPair.com. Here you will find even more potential candidates from all over the world. You do not need to pay for program fees since AuPair.com does not interfere in the organization of the stay. You have the chance to find an Au Pair on your own.
Furthermore, AuPair.com provides you with all of the needed information about Au-Pair issues like visa requirements, insurance and language courses.
Find an Au-Pair
The hiring of an Au-Pair is possible at any time. However, you should apply as a Host Family at least three to six months before the desired start date. This will give you enough time to find a suitable Au-Pair for your family and take care of the visa application.
- In order to become a Host Family, you must submit an application to the agency or to the online matching platform AuPair.com.
- Fill in the questionnaire and write a personal letter to your future Au-Pair describing your family life. Include at least one family photo with your documents to give you a first impression.
- Based on your application and your search criteria, the agency or the online matching platform will select suitable Au-Pairs and send you suggestions.
- On the basis of the Au-Pair documents, i.e. questionnaire, letter of introduction, photos and references, you choose an Au-Pair who meets your expectations.
- The Au-Pair can have a look at your family profile, then you can get in touch with the Au Pair via phone or video chat and thus gain a better impression, clarify questions and convince yourself of his or her knowledge of your language.
- If the Au-Pair and the Host Family decide in favor of each other, the Au-Pair placement will take place. Otherwise, the agency or the online matching platform will send you new Au-Pair suggestions.
