Au Pair in Germany: Information on the Program

Germany is a country that represents a mix of innovation, history, and culture. From Hamburg to Munich, living in Germany gives you the opportunity to experience a multicultural society, to discover towns and landscapes, and to learn German.

Keep reading to find out all the important information about the Au Pair program in Germany.

Program requirements

Au Pair Program in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

For Au Pairs

For Au Pairs

  • Age: 17-30 for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, 18-27 for Non-EU/non-EEA Au Pairs, except Swiss citizens
  • Not related to your Host Family; non-EU citizens: not of the same nationality as the Host Family
  • Basic knowledge of German; Non-EU Au Pairs must prove their A1 level with a certificate
  • Don’t have your own children
  • In good physical and mental health
  • Experience working with children (e.g., babysitting, caring for siblings, tutoring)
  • Non-EU applicants must secure a visa/residence document for Au Pair work before entering Germany
 
If you meet all the requirements, start looking for your future Host Family; otherwise, consider exploring other countries that offer the Au Pair experience.
 
For Host Families

For Host Families

  • At least one child under 18 is living permanently in the household.
  • German is the primary language spoken at home.
  • At least one parent holds German (or EU/EEA or Swiss) citizenship.
  • Ability to provide pocket money, meals, accommodation, insurance, as well as a subsidy for the language course for the Au Pair. 
  • Can provide a private lockable room for the Au Pair with access to shared family spaces (kitchen, bathroom).
  • Need no more than 30 hours of childcare and light household duties per week.
  • Motivation to participate in a cultural exchange.
 
Are you eligible to take part? Brilliant! Proceed and search for Au Pairs who match your criteria. If not, take a look at the other programs we offer.
 

Working Conditions

Working Hours Working Hours
  • Maximum 30 hours per week (including babysitting)
  • Maximum 6 hours per day
Time Off and Holidays Time Off and Holidays
  • At least 1.5 full days off per week (not necessarily on the weekend)
  • At least one Sunday per month must be free
  • At least four free evenings per week
  • 4 weeks of holidays for a one-year stay
  • For shorter stays, 2 days of holidays per working month
Language Course Language Course
  • A language course is mandatory
  • Host Family contributes at least EUR 840/year (EUR 70/month) toward actual course costs incurred.
  • Host Family pays travel costs to the nearest suitable German course.
  • Au pairs must be able to attend a German language course in their free time.
Au Pair Responsibilities Au Pair Responsibilities
  • Childcare and babysitting
  • Light housework related to children
  • Take children to and from kindergarten, school, or activities.
  • Prepare breakfast and simple meals for the children.
 See more information on Au Pair duties and schedule.
Au Pair Insurance Au Pair Insurance
  • Host Family must pay all insurance costs
  • Insurance must cover illness, pregnancy/birth, and accidents
  • Liability insurance is typically included in an Au Pair insurance package
  • Insurance must cover the entire stay
  • EU Au Pairs: EHIC is not enough; private insurance covered by the Host Families is recommended
Driving Licence Driving Licence
  • Driving should be discussed in advance
  • Check if the licence is valid in Germany
  • If necessary, get an international driver's license
  • Agree on insurance and damages
  • Include these terms in the contract

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

The Host Family must provide the Au Pair with a private room for her exclusive use. This room must be at least 8 m² in size, have a window that lets in natural daylight, be properly heated, and be sufficiently furnished.

Meals

All meals provided - breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the family.

Pocket Money

Au Pairs receive €280 per month to spend on personal expenses and sightseeing/cultural events in Germany.

Language Course

Families must contribute €70 per month toward German language classes. Support with finding and enrolling in a course, as well as time off to attend it, to help with language learning and cultural integration.

Health Insurance

The Host Family must pay for all insurance costs, including those relating to illness, pregnancy/birth, and accidents, for the entire duration of the stay.

Transportation

The Host Family may give access to the family vehicle or buy a public transport pass for the Au Pair. They must pay for your travel costs to and from your language course.

Legal Support

The Host Family provides administrative support, such as assistance with visas, residence registration, opening a bank account, etc.

Everything You Need to Know

Master your Au Pair journey with our expert guides for a seamless experience

Navigate the German Au Pair visa process with ease. From gathering required documents to meeting your arrival obligations, follow our step-by-step guide for a smooth transition in Germany.
  • Visa options based on nationality
  • Required documents for visa and registration procedures
  • Arrival obligations, registrations, and residence permits in Germany
 
Au Pair in Germany: Guided tour Au Pair in Germany: Guided tour There are more fun places for Au Pairs in Germany than just Berlin! Check out the list we have compiled and get inspired by our city-related tips for Au Pairs!
Explore Germany
Reasons to learn German Reasons to learn German You're looking for an intellectual stimulation and are not afraid of grammar? Then learning the German language seems to be the perfect choice for you.
Start Learning

What our customers have to say about us and our service:

Thorsten's family,Germany Trusting Aupair.com since 9 Years

Thorsten's family,Germany

Really nice Aupair. Working very good with the kids and is helping in the household.
Hannah Divie, Filipino

Hannah Divie, Filipino

Au Pair in Germany
My Au-pair experience with my host family was one of the most important and wonderful times of my life. When I came to Germany at the age of 19, everything was new and unfamiliar to me. I was far ❱❱
Katja's family,Germany Trusting Aupair.com since 2 Years

Katja's family,Germany

Super, everything worked out very quickly. Always happy to use the site again!!!
Liliya's family,Germany Trusting Aupair.com since 5 Years

Liliya's family,Germany

It is with much enthusiasm that we recommend Cainã for inviting into your family. He took care of our son truly phenomenal. Cainã understood and felt him almost without any language and very ❱❱

Contract Information

Contract Information

Written Agreement Written Agreement Although Germany does not provide a specific contract for Au Pairs, the Federal Employment Agency provides a sample contract available online. Families and Au Pairs can also download and personalize the Au Pair contract from our website and include relevant details.
Contract Duration Contract Duration The Au Pair contract must be for at least six months, but no more than one year. The contract may be terminated by either party with two weeks’ notice. If no notice period has been agreed, the contractual relationship may only be terminated by mutual agreement, unless there is a serious reason.
Contract Must Include Contract Must Include
  • Start date and duration of stay (maximum of 12 months)
  • Working hours (max. 6 hours/day and 30 hours/week)
  • Detailed list of Au Pair duties during the stay
  • Au Pair pocket money of EUR 280/month and payment schedule
  • Language-course support
  • Free time and holiday entitlement
  • Insurance arrangements (The Host Family pays it)
  • Termination/notice rules

Au Pair Program Costs in Germany

For Host Families and Au Pairs

Host Family Covers

Host Family Covers

  • Pocket money: €280 per month
  • Language-course support: at least EUR 840/year (EUR 70/month)
  • Accommodation: private room (Au Pairs don’t pay rent)
  • Food: daily meals at home
  • Insurance: fully paid by the Host Family
  • Household-related costs: utilities, internet, and normal living expenses
Au Pair Covers

Au Pair Covers

  • Travel expenses: journey to and from Germany
  • Visa fee for non-EU applicants
  • German language course fee: Any extra cost beyond what the Host Family contributes (at least EUR 840 total / EUR 70 per month toward actual course costs incurred) falls on the Au Pair.
  • Personal expenses: phone plan, transport, leisure, excursions, and other events.
  • Extra travel or hobbies outside of daily family life

What else?

  • You can only be an Au Pair in Germany once; within the maximum of 12 months, you can switch families, but your total time in Germany as an Au Pair still cannot exceed the 12-month limit.
  • The contract is important for non-EU Au Pairs, but their legal right to stay and work comes from their visa/residence permit, not the contract alone.


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